Patrick Stewart Replaced By James Earl Jones For U.S. Narration Of “Earth”
Filed under: film-tv, movies — Michael d'Estries @ 5:51 pm
March 3rd 2009
Question: Does anyone here have a problem understanding English accents? I personally find them to be a refreshing and more graceful alternative to the American accent. Media companies, however, — as we’ve seen with Sigourney Weaver replacing David Attenborough on Discovery’s Planet Earth series — seem quick to dismiss English voice-actors for American audiences.
We have another unfortunate perfect example with Patrick Stewart being replaced by James Earl Jones for Disneynature’s April release of the documentary Earth. Now, there may definitely be more to the story (perhaps Stewart was only contracted for the UK release), but it’s too bad that we won’t Captain Picard explaining to us the wonders of the natural world come next month. Instead, we’ll have Darth Vader.
After the jump, check out both trailers narrated by Stewart and Jones and then let us know which one your prefer!
First up: James Earl Jones
Next: Patrick Stewart
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Tagged: james earl jones, patrick stewart
he doesnt have to become a hard core 24-7 vegan, just a small effort...
I wouldn’t call this one nearly as unfortunate as the Sigourney Weaver replacement (we ended up going with the BBC dvds for that purchase.) I love Patrick Stewart. Really, I do, but I also think James Earl Jones has a very pleasant narrating voice and I’m happy either way.
I don’t have issues with accents, but I know my parents sometimes have trouble understanding them for some reason.
James Earl Jones FTW, not so much because of the difference in accent, but simply because his voice seems striking enough to fit the context of the piece.
He also reminds me more of Mufasa from the Lion King than Darth Vader
I agree with L, I think James Earl Jones version is 100% stronger. I love Stewart, but for this piece, James’ deep southern voice makes for a very powerful movement.
British accents are refreshing and smart sounding. Too much for American audiences to handle. They need super easy and nothing too complicated on their American brains.
Despite being a fan of Patrick’s acting ability, in this instance I think I prefer the James Earl Jones version. His phrasing is better, more natural. To my ear Patrick is speaking too slowly and sometimes putting the emphasis on the wrong word. (I’m British)
L — Good call on the Mufasa reference!
Hmm, I guess I’m partial to Stewart — but I can understand why others would like Jones. I just find it odd that they would change it in the first place.
I’m going with Jones, too, even though I’m a fan of Patrick Stewart’s acting. Jones doesn’t sound so much like he’s reading, he’s more natural.
British accents just sound so sophisticated. Like it is much more serious, especially if it is in the context of a nature show, unless you are Marty Stouffer, of course. He rules.
And Steward says, “extraordin’ry event” so much better than the typical American drawl of “extraordinary event”
I don’t get it. It’s all footage from the Planet Earth series. And the poster image of the word “earth” is the same as “planet earth” they just took out the “planet” part. We’ve already seen all of this. Why do they expect us to go pay to see it in theatres?
Erin, you’re sounding more and more like Stephen Fowler ala: http://www.ecorazzi.com/2009/02/12/pompous-treehugger-ass-given-spotlight-on-wife-swap/
That’s hilarious!
On Topic: James Earl Jones has a wonderful voice. Patrick Stewart’s voice might be too science fiction for a flick about science non-fiction.
And come on, Eric, can’t you hear James Earl Jones saying: “extra-ohr-dinary event.”(emphasis added to the ‘o’)
I like them both as actors (love Start Trek AND Star Wars
), but James Earl Jones’s voice commands more attention for me. Also I think they are releasing it in theatres because the footage is so amazingly detailed that you really miss out if you don’t see it on a large screen or don’t have an HD tv.
Jesse aka JL
It’s amazing that I suggested your name could be Jesse and you just chose to use it. Amazing.
The first person I know who I named. Wow you’re easy.
Secondly by suggesting that the average American is not particularly sophisticated or into digging British accents makes me sound like the guy who was a misogynist and belittled the woman treating her like crap.
Guess what Jesse you sound just like Hitler. you might as well have killed those Jews yourself.
There, how’s that for a comparison? It’s about as brilliant as yours.
Silly it. I am glad you picked my name though. this way we don’t even know if you’re a boy or a girl hence my reason for suggesting it
Erin
PS Pat might have been better though. I kind of envision you like Pat on SNL…
Correct me if I’m wrong
E
i was upset when i caught a bit of redubbed Planet Earth on tv once (we have the dvd’s and i love attenborough!). patrick stewart seems like a great fit to me, why do they feel they need to change narrators?? it’s maddening! i think were i the original narrator i would feel insulted.
The Mufasa reference is SO appropriate! I can remember him speaking about the star in the sky to Simba and I think the power/authority in his voice would just work SO well!
Also, I’m pretty sure they’re using a lot of different footage than what we’ve seen already from the series. And besides that, think of how AMAZING that footage would look on a big movie screen! I’m excited.
Oh Erin, you so smart!
Funny, most Americans take people more seriously if they have British accents. Plus, Patrick Stewart has one of the greatest voices on the planet. I’m not going to go see it since they changed to James Earl Jones(I confess, Stewart was a part of the lure because I love listening to his voice, I already know about the eco-issues)…but I might try to buy the British version.