X-Men '97 & Marvel Rivals: Rogue's Return with Voice Icon Lenore Zann

In this episode of Geek Freaks, Frank sits down with Lenore Zann, the iconic voice of Rogue, for a conversation that goes far beyond animation. Lenore opens up about what still makes Rogue such a layered and powerful character, how she approached returning for X-Men '97, and why bringing Rogue into Marvel Rivals still feels true to the version fans have loved for decades. The conversation also explores Lenore's memoir A Rogue's Tale, her work in Canadian politics, the fight against environmental racism, and the deeper emotional themes inside Rogue's story that continue to connect with fans.

Timestamps and Topics:

• 00:00 Welcome and introducing Lenore Zann

• 00:55 How politics added even more sass to Rogue

• 01:30 What makes Rogue such a compelling and layered character

• 03:56 Lenore's acting philosophy and why voice acting starts with acting

• 06:32 Becoming the voice fans still hear when they read Rogue

• 07:09 Rogue's trauma, Gambit, Magneto, and the emotional weight of X-Men '97

• 10:22 Bringing Rogue into Marvel Rivals and adding new personality to the role

• 12:35 Why Rogue could be one of the best leaders in the X-Men

• 14:33 Rogue as a role model for women, LGBTQ fans, and anyone feeling othered

• 18:41 Lenore's political work and helping bring attention to environmental racism

• 20:49 A Rogue's Tale, audiobooks, mythology, and the power of storytelling

• 24:41 Lightning round begins with dream roles and future acting goals

• 26:52 The director's note Lenore will never forget

• 32:39 The role she wishes more fans would ask about

• 34:06 New music, film development, and an animated project based on her father's books

• 35:51 Comic cons, cosplay, and wrapping up with Lenore

Key Takeaways:

• Lenore sees Rogue as powerful because she balances strength, vulnerability, loyalty, and pain.

• Her approach to voice work is rooted in full performance, not just reading lines.

• Rogue's decisions in X-Men '97 make more sense when viewed through trauma and grief.

• Marvel Rivals gave Lenore room to bring even more of her own personality into Rogue.

• Lenore believes Rogue's greatest strength as a leader is compassion and self-sacrifice.

• The conversation tied Rogue's story to real-world themes like identity, acceptance, grief, and justice.

• Lenore's activism and political work show how her values carry beyond the booth and onto a larger stage.

• A Rogue's Tale adds even more depth to her journey as an artist, survivor, and storyteller.

Memorable Quotes:

• "Voice acting is acting."

• "I've been living in your head rent free for 30 years."

• "Some things are deeper than skin."

• "There ain't no cure for who you are."

• "Worst case scenario, I can do whatever I need to do to make it work."

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Links and Resources: GeekFreaksPodcast.com Also mentioned in this episode: A Rogue's Tale, X-Men '97, Marvel Rivals, and Lenore Zann's work in Canadian politics.

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