Wreck-It Ralph: Cast Talks Comedy Democracy, Smart Alecs and 'The Greatness in Your Code'

Over the last 30 years, the 8-bit citizens of Niceland have relied on Fix-It Felix (Jack McBrayer) to guard their home against the terrorizing and giant hands of Wreck-It Ralph (John C. Reilly). Wielding a golden hammer and an unrelenting sense of responsibility, Felix can magically fix anything he touches and is handsomely rewarded with gold medals, baked goods and the adoration of his neighbors. When Ralph unexpectedly declares his desire to no longer play the villain, he escapes the confines of Niceland and embarks on a life changing adventure across two very different arcade games - the first person shooter, Hero's Duty and candy-coated driving game, Sugar Rush. When he crosses paths with a futuristic, space marine named Sergeant Calhoun (Jane Lynch) and an obnoxious but lovable racer named Vanellope (Sarah Silverman), Ralph discovers the true definition of being a hero and the value of unlikely friendships.

In development since 2008, 'Wreck-It Ralph' is home to nearly 190 unique characters (a new record for the Walt Disney Animation Studio). In spite of some memorable character blasts from the past (hello Q*bert!), the movie is clearly defined by it's four main characters. By casting such talented and improv-ready comedians, director Rich Moore allowed the actors to pair up during their various vocal sessions. "(John and I) got to record together. We looked into each other's eyes, overlapped and really played the scenes," says Silverman. "I think it gives it that extra special sauce that we wouldn't get if we were all alone in a booth." The pairings also allowed for the opportunity to go off script and see where their interactions eventually led. "We used the Will Ferrell model - a comedy democracy - the funniest idea in the moment wins," explains Reilly. "We did the written material a couple of times and if that started to feel flat, we threw everything out the window and see what happened." A sentiment echoed by Glee's Jane Lynch, who shared the bulk of her scenes with fellow TV actor, 30 Rock's Jack McBrayer. "When you can get two actors in the room together," she says, "You're going to get more spontaneous and more chemistry."

As with any project that spans an extended period of time, each actor began to see parts of themselves in their arcade counterparts. "It was a process of me being the character and the character becoming me. More and more of my own expressions and facial gestures seeped into (Ralph)," admits Reilly. For him, that character synthesis lasted for almost two years. "It was a dream job and the longest term of employment I've ever had in my whole life," laughs Reilly. In Silverman's opinion, the time commitment was a sign of excellence. "That's what makes Disney movies so good. They take their time and are constantly honing, tweaking and re-jiggering things," she states. "They take influences from every cog, including myself and make every moment very layered and rich."

While Reilly, McBrayer and Lynch were able to use their normal speaking voices, Silverman utilized a blend of energetic movements and faux illness to find her character's perfect pitch. "She's just so scrappy. So I brought my voice up and added a permanent cold," she explains. As it's revealed that her character is a glitch - a pixelated programmer's mistake - Silverman shines through a balanced delivery of Vanellope's razor sharp wit and tender vulnerability. "She really channeled that little girl so easily and the dramatic scenes we did, I was really impressed," reveals Reilly. "Turns out she did have a heart," he laughs. "She's just a smart alec!"

Interweaving nostalgic pieces with modern interjections of pop-culture, 'Wreck-It Ralph' offers a little something for people of all ages. "We respond to things that are familiar. There's a real history here and you see faces from your childhood or part of your life from a key time," says Silverman, "(But at the same time) the film is totally unique." As each character's individual journey and personal redemption unfold, the movie's greatest triumph can been seen in the bond between Ralph and Vanellope. Introduced as outcasts in their individual games, they eventually recognize something special in each other that evolves into genuine love and mutual respect.

"We all feel like we have a glitch and we're ashamed. But then we find somebody and look into their eyes, we realize there is nothing wrong because they support me," declares Lynch. "Your greatness is in your code."

'Wreck-It Ralph' is unleashed on Friday, November 2nd.