Article Update
update on 05/21/2019
It has been confirmed that Jim Foronda is also the voice of Claptrap in Borderlands 3. From what I have heard he is doing an awesome job. While there are always folks that prefer the original voice actor for a character, I must say that I didn’t hear any difference. I did have the idea that some lines were delivered a bit quicker after each other. I think David left more of a break between some lines. This could have various reasons that have nothing to do with the voice actor himself but happens in post-editing.
I spoke to Jim about his new role and he told me he is excited to be the new voice of claptrap. He studied the previous games and voice actors to prepare for this role. Knowing Jim, he is such a fan of the games and Gearbox Software, he will double down to get things right.
I heard that the old voice modulator that GBX used for the previous Borderlands games didn’t work on the new hardware. They needed to find an old computer that could run the software so they could remake the voice modulator for the current gen. While there is a slight difference in a side-by-side comparison it is not noticeable. So even if GBX used the original voice actor, Claptrap would still sound differently.
Original Article
posted on 12/16/2018
Gearbox Software has cast Jim Foronda as the voice for Claptrap in Borderlands 2 VR and the commercials. Jim is also responsible for the voice of General Dahl in Borderlands 2 and the Dalh voice of the New-U stations in Borderlands the Pre-Sequel. If you are a Battleborn fan you know Jim as Oscar Mike, Whisky Foxtrot, ISIC, and MINREC. Jim announced that he got the role during Episode 120 of the Third Shift Podcast. The funny thing is that Jim was teasing this new role on Twitter by including Claptrap in some (not so) hidden ways into his tweets.
Jim is following up David Eddings who was the original voice actor for Claptrap. During the development of Borderlands 1 and 2, David worked at Gearbox Software as VP of Marketing. While the role of Claptrap was originally planned as just the tutorial guide, his popularity turned him into one of the main NPCs in the second game and even a playable vault hunter in the Pre-Sequel. In 2017 David’s departure from the company also resulted in a new casting call for the role.
During the Gauntlet of Romance performance at PAX fans did notice that the voice of claptrap wasn’t done by the original voice actor. David Eddings confirmed this performance wasn’t his. Since then, I think a lot of fans put their foot into the ground that they “only” wanted David to do the voice of claptrap. Now we have a new voice actor for Claptrap in BL2VR and personally, I think Jim did a great job, you can listen to his voice in the new dialogue lines that GBX added to Borderlands 2 VR.
Borderlands 2 VR Gameplay
- 01:04 – Introduction M.O.V.E.R. Echo device
- 07:25 – Introduction BAMF Time
Exclusive Third Shift Reveal Interview
Check out the interview with Jim by my friends at Third Shift.
Bluephosphorus
Ehhhh it doesnt sound too much different. Reminds me more of BL1 claptrap which I feel was portrayed di… https://t.co/CDPy5lxZv9
Josh Goodman
David Eddings was perfect. 😞
MentalMars
David brought that character to life however he is no longer with the company. David is now in charge of Rooster Teeth Gaming, he publishes indie games under that label.
Cyndi Bell
He’s really close to the original so I’ll say he did a great job!
Michael Hedges
Noooooo keep the old one it was the best
Ricki Guldborg Jensen
They can’t. The old voice actor quit. However, the new one is really good. Reminds me a lot more of the Borderlands 1 and TV show (YouTube show actually) clap trap! 😉
MentalMars
Yeah David left GBX in Q2 2017. Yes he brought claptrap to life, however, Jim does a great job.
Michael Hedges
MentalMars oh ok well that’s good to know that the next one is good too, it’s sad he quit borderlands 1 claptrap was my favorite character when I was I was growing up 😢
Geoffrey Briggs
Why fix something that wasn’t broke. David Eddings did an amazing job.
Ricki Guldborg Jensen
He quit.
MentalMars
Claptrap was always broken 😛
Tasha Renee
At first I was sad but I adore Jim Foronda and I KNOW he loves Gearbox and all their work. I believe in him and I support him all the way!
Patrick Quinn
It’s a little sad – but he seems to be doing a solid job, so I expect it will turn out OK.
John Arthur Irick
I, actually can’t tell the difference between David, and whoever the new guy is. Still, is it bad that… https://t.co/WLeet3D3qY
Joker
I hear no difference still give me a headache hearing CL4P-TP Voice
claptrap1999
@RiSK_DELTA_ hey i found a job lol
Generick
I’ve heard that he’s a pretty cool guy…