Jonathan Freeman brought a touch of Texas to Hawks, the male version of the protagonist in Bit Reactor’s strategy game Star Wars Zero Company. Speaking to Polygon, the actor said his accent sometimes emerged naturally while he was performing, adding a weathered quality to the character.

Hawks’ appearance and species can be customized, but Freeman’s version keeps the same slight drawl whether the character is a Twi’lek, a Mirialan or another species. Freeman, who grew up in Texas, said he felt an immediate connection to Hawks during the audition process and at the table read.

The actor was drawn to Hawks’ passion and empathy. A former captain in the Grand Army of the Republic, Hawks was made a scapegoat after a lost battle, left the Republic and formed the mercenary group Zero Company. Freeman described him as someone who tries not to get involved but steps up because he cares about people.

Freeman also contributed ideas for Hawks’ dialogue. In one scene, after Hawks is infected with the Shadow Plague, the character originally had a simple response when asked how he felt. Freeman suggested adapting familiar Texas sayings into Star Wars-style expressions. The writers returned with several options, and the final line became: “It feels like the inside of a mynock’s suckhole, Pops.”

Hawks’ female counterpart, voiced by Erica Luttrell, has a different performance. Freeman said Luttrell was ultimately given a blank slate rather than being asked to imitate his take. He described her version as more of an “ass kicker” and said the two performances make Hawks feel like distinct, fully developed individuals.

Freeman also recalled an improvised joke from a scene with Anakin Skywalker and Umbaran soldier Luco Bronc. After the other characters said “Nice shot” and “Nice work,” Freeman added “Nice ass,” prompting laughter on set. The line did not make the final cutscene, but Freeman said the cast and crew later put the phrase on a cake for the wrap party.

Freeman said the game’s cast and development teams wanted to show how major events in the galaxy affect ordinary people. Hawks, he noted, is not a Jedi or a chosen figure, but a former soldier dealing with the consequences of decisions made by those in power.

Star Wars Zero Company is available on PlayStation 5, Windows PC and Xbox Series X.

Sources: Polygon.