Tony Hale Reveals Why He’s ‘Very Jealous’ of Iron Man in Real Life Despite Playing His Nemesis in New Series (Exclusive)

Tony Hale, well-known for his roles in various TV shows and movies, has stepped into a new arena as he takes on the role of a villain in Marvel’s new children’s show. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Hale expressed his excitement about playing Ultron in ‘Marvel’s Iron Man and his Awesome Friends’. The series, which premiered on Disney Jr. last month, aims to provide young children with superhero adventures and valuable life lessons.

Hale, 54, shared his enthusiasm for portraying the sinister Ultron, a chief rival of Iron Man in the animated series. He compared his character to classic villains who delight in causing trouble, adding a fun and mischievous element to the storyline. The Emmy-winning actor highlighted the importance of showcasing diverse characters with superpowers, emphasizing the value of teamwork and problem-solving for preschool-aged viewers.

Reflecting on his own daughter’s childhood experiences, Hale revealed that he would have loved for her to have a show like ‘Marvel’s Iron Man and his Awesome Friends’ to enjoy. He praised the positive messages within the series and the opportunity for young audiences to see characters their age facing challenges and working together. The actor’s portrayal of Ultron brings a fresh perspective to his acting repertoire, stepping into the shoes of a character that contrasts with his usual on-screen personas.

Despite playing the villain in the show, Hale couldn’t help but express his admiration for Iron Man and the character’s high-tech gadgets and wealth. He joked about being envious of the fictional superhero’s cool technology and futuristic gadgets, highlighting his own struggles with everyday devices like smartphones. The contrast between Hale’s role as Ultron and his admiration for Iron Man adds an interesting dynamic to his experience working on the children’s series.

Marvel’s expansion into children’s programming with ‘Marvel’s Iron Man and his Awesome Friends’ offers a new avenue for storytelling within the popular superhero universe. The show’s focus on friendship, teamwork, and problem-solving resonates with young viewers, providing them with engaging and educational content. Hale’s involvement in the series brings a sense of excitement and novelty, showcasing his versatility as an actor who can expertly portray both comedic and villainous roles.

As ‘Marvel’s Iron Man and his Awesome Friends’ continues to captivate young audiences, Tony Hale’s performance as Ultron adds a layer of complexity to the show’s narrative. Through his portrayal of the mischievous villain, Hale contributes to the dynamic storytelling that entertains and educates children. The series offers a fresh perspective on familiar characters like Iron Man, creating a delightful and engaging experience for viewers of all ages.