The following is an interview with Shiva Negar (American Assassin, The Cleaning Lady, Seal Team) regarding her addition to the voice cast of The Last Wardens audio drama through Encyclopocalypse. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Negar about her creative process for approaching the roles of “Cyra” and “Laila,” what she hopes that the audio drama will provide to audiences, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on your recent addition to the cast of The Last Wardens audio drama! As a veteran voice actor, what intrigued you about tackling the roles of Cyra and Laila?
Shiva Negar: Thank you so much! This was such a cool project and a fun read. Once I started going through the comics, I couldn’t put it down. The characters I play, Cyra and Laila, are both so unique and badass in their own way. They’re Iranian female heroines, which is really rare to find in a comic series, and one of them (Laila) only speaks Persian. I had to translate her lines on the spot and go back and forth between English and Persian. Those were the kinds of challenges that really intrigued me and made the whole experience even more exciting.
BD: Your work in front of the camera and behind the microphone has brought countless characters to life on the large and small screens. What can you tell us about your experience in bringing your characters to life, and what did you find to be most dynamic or relatable about these characters?
SN: When I’m working on a character, I love diving into their world as much as possible, learning about them, even some small details about their life, personality, and upbringing. Some of that may not even show up in the scene, but it helps me bring more depth to the role. The more details the better.
For Cyra, the role brought me back to my own teenage years. I was a total rebel who always wanted to handle things on my own. I’ve always had that “I’ve got this” or “I can do this” attitude. So, when Cyra opens with the line, “Out of the way, shashoo! Let me show you how it’s done,” I immediately thought—yep, very relatable!
“Shashoo” by the way is a playful Persian slur which made it even funnier and more relatable. I also have an older sister, so growing up, at times it felt like I had two moms. My sister was like a shadow, always watching over me. Laila’s character kind of reminds me of that… my mom and sister being protective and constantly warning me to look out or be careful when I was being a little shithead, haha. They were always there to try and save me from myself. As I’m getting older, I hear myself sounding more and more like Laila when I talk to my nephew or younger friends. So yeah, I think we all have a little bit of Cyra and Laila in us.
BD: Likewise, what can you share with us about your creative process in working with the team behind the scenes, especially given your work in translating some of your character’s dialogue from English to Farsi?
SN: After reading the series, I really felt like I had a good sense of both characters and how they should be played. I spoke with the team, and was very happy to realize that we were on the same page and my gut feeling was right. Initially, I read both characters together when I was rehearsing, to get a better sense of their interaction and relationship with each other. That also helped me translate Laila’s lines better to match the tone and the circumstances of each scene.
Then, when it came time to record, I focused on each one separately, because I like to stay immersed in a character and their world, and not disconnect until I’m fully done with them.
BD: At Fanbase Press, our #StoriesMatter initiative endeavors to highlight the impact that stories can have on audiences of various mediums, a mission that you have also championed in your own advocacy work. How do you feel that this story may connect with and impact listeners?
SN: That’s totally what I advocate for. Stories really do matter, and I think they’re one of the most powerful ways to connect us as human beings. The human experience is a universal language, and through storytelling, we can create empathy, find healing, and gain a better understanding of one another and our world.
I think this story, and every character in it, represents the dynamic nature of people with different perspectives and backgrounds. They’re each on their own journey and mission, yet having similar experiences at the same time. The conflicts, insecurities, trauma, and bravery are all what we possess, and we all have our own way of dealing with, and overcoming obstacles.
As for Cyra, she could easily be any other high-society teenager, no matter where in the world she’s from. I love that Cyra and Laila are from Iran. The story takes places in the 1970s, which is before the Islamic Revolution in Iran. Honestly, they might be the only example and/or representation of secular Iranian female lead characters in this medium, and that’s really meaningful.
BD: Are there any other projects – past or current – that you would like to highlight for readers?
SN: Oh sure, yeah! I have two upcoming features this year. One is a true crime/thriller inspired by a true story called Still Smiling which is about to start its festival run. The other is a comedy that I had a blast shooting. It’s called Wingman, directed by the hilarious Harland Williams.
For all the sci-fi/horror fans out there, I also voiced a podcast series called Hollow by Violet Hour Media and Realm Media. I play Amelia which was a really cool and badass character. You can find it on all major platforms, wherever you listen to your podcasts.
And of course, the action/thriller movie, American Assassin, was a dream role and such a fun experience. That one’s available on Netflix.
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for our readers to find out more about The Last Wardens audio drama and your other work?
SN: I love connecting with people, and I’m most active on Instagram – @theshivanegar
That’s where I share all my updates, announcements, fun stories, and behind-the-scenes moments, etc. I’m also on X, Threads, Tiktok, and Facebook, all under the same handle.
More information regarding The Last Wardens may be find here.
