EXCLUSIVE: Andy Samberg Talks the Final Movie in the Hotel Transylvania Series, Hotel Transylvania: Transformania

Everyone’s favorite animated son-in-law Johnny is back, for possibly one last time, in Hotel Transylvania: Transformania. We got the opportunity to hear from Andy Samberg, who has voiced the character for the last three movies in the Hotel Transylvania series, about returning for the fourth, and apparent, final movie.

During the chat, Samberg talked Johnny’s new look for the movie, brining comedic timing to an animated role, and so much more. You can check out what he had to say below.

What was your reaction to the new design of Johnny used in the movie?

“I love the new design. Johnny becomes monsterficationized, I believe that’s the correct word. He goes basically full Burning Man backpacker meets Godzilla, which I think is something I dreamed about looking like as a child anyhow. So, it was kind of a dream come true for me.”

What do you think are the challenges in trying to bring comedic timing to an animated role?

“The challenge is, it’s not particularly challenging. We’re on the fourth one here, not to deflect. You’ve seen the style of animation they do, which in my opinion is one of the greatest things about these movies. It’s so fun and exaggerated and obviously kids love it. But when I watch it, it makes me giggle just seeing the expressions and the gesticulations they give all the characters.

Kind of like this time around doing the recording, you pretty much know they want you to go huge and insane. Then they are going to push that even further with the way they animate it. It’s very freeing. You’re not going to get, ‘Lil buddy, come on. That was too much.'”

You can read the rest of our interview below the jump. Hotel Transylvania: Transformania will be released to Prime Video on January 14.

Photo credit: Amazon Studios

If you could go back 10 years now, did you ever think this franchise would last this long, would lead to three sequels like it has? 

“No, but I’m glad. I’m really glad it did.”

Why do you think it lasted so long?

“I think the reason is because kids love them so much. That’s the real bottom line with these movies, which makes it such an easy call. They’re just so infused with joy and positivity, and I think everyone grew up loving these sort of classic monsters. It’s a new spin on it, and it’s really fun for families. That’s why it’s endured.”

With this possibly being the last one, what do you think will you miss most about this series? 

“I don’t like to admit that it’s over. If we say it’s done, we’re just caving to Sony. I don’t know. I’ll miss it all. It’s been such a fun thing to do. I’ll miss the swag bags. I’ll miss the junkets. I’ll miss the recording.”

*This interview has been edited for length and clarity