From Pirate to Grandfather: Kevin McNally Opens Up About ‘The Wingfeather Saga’ Season 3

Kevin McNally—best known for his iconic portrayal of Joshamee Gibbs in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise—is making waves again, but this time on the high seas of animated fantasy. The British actor is currently voicing Podo Helmer in Angel Studios’ The Wingfeather Saga, and with Season 3 now streaming, he’s sharing what it’s like to bring such a layered character to life.

The series, adapted from Andrew Peterson’s beloved book series, follows the Igiby family as they fight to reunite against an ever-growing darkness. Season 3, in particular, pushes the emotional stakes to new heights. As McNally himself puts it, “It’s a journey that tests them like never before.”

An Emotional Arc Worth Waiting For

McNally’s journey with The Wingfeather Saga began three years ago, and he’s already witnessed the show’s explosive growth. “I joined with them three years ago and did the first season,” he recalls. “Now they’re talking about doing seven seasons… We’re in the middle of recording the fourth one at the moment.”

That longevity is rare in voice acting, and McNally credits the show’s rich storytelling for keeping him engaged. “What I like most about Podo is that he is a loving grandfather, but I always love a bit of shape in a character,” he explains. “As the seasons go on, especially in Season 3, we find out he has a much more different and difficult background.”

It’s that character depth that sets The Wingfeather Saga apart from other animated series. Podo isn’t just a doting elder—he’s a former pirate with a shadowy past, a fact that adds layers of complexity to every scene. McNally relishes the chance to explore those hidden chapters: “I love that progression in a character—we find out more about who he is and why he is who he is.”

Working Alongside a Disney Legend

One of the highlights for McNally has been sharing the mic with Jodi Benson, the original voice of Ariel in Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Benson voices Nia Wingfeather, the matriarch of the Igiby family. “Working with her is wonderful. Jodi is absolutely lovely!” McNally enthuses. “The same holds true for everybody on the show. The ‘Wingfeather’ family is very close and a happy one.”

That familial bond is palpable in the finished product, which has been praised for its heartfelt performances and stunning animation. Fans have described the series as a spiritual successor to classic fantasy epics like The Chronicles of Narnia and The Lord of the Rings, albeit with a distinctly Christian worldview woven into its DNA.

Lessons Learned: Never Be a Real Pirate

When asked what lessons he’s taken from the show, McNally laughs: “That I should never be a real pirate!” It’s a line that draws on his Pirates of the Caribbean fame, but also hints at the wisdom Podo imparts: family and faith come first.

McNally has spent 53 years in the acting industry—a career that spans theater, film, and television. He’s seen the business transform multiple times. “The digital age doesn’t particularly affect me so much,” he says. “I’ve seen a lot of changes over my 53 years. As you know, these changes will keep on changing. So when people say, ‘Oh my God, things are like this now,’ I go, ‘Yeah, don’t worry, just wait six months and they’ll change.’”

Advice for Young Actors: Stay Flexible and Keep Moving

McNally is also a teacher, and he often meets aspiring actors desperate for a foothold. His advice is refreshingly practical:

• Take every job. “There is no ‘no’ at the beginning of your career,” he insists.
• Be well prepared. Show up ready, but also be flexible—things rarely go as planned on set.
• Keep moving. “Keep trying to land as many jobs as you can until you get to a place where you’re able to say ‘yes or no.’ That’s where I am right now.”

He also emphasizes the importance of embracing change. For McNally, the key to longevity is “being at one with changing—the changes in your own life and the changing characters.” He admits he didn’t truly come alive as a performer until his 30s, when he transitioned from playing “boring young men” to full-fledged character roles. “That’s when I started to really enjoy myself.”

The Next Chapter: Directing and More

As he approaches his 70th birthday next year, McNally is looking ahead—not behind. He’s already directing more and is open to new challenges. “The current title of my career is I want to keep on going with ‘Wingfeather,’ and I am starting to direct more,” he says. “I really enjoy it because there’s only so many grandfathers I can play.”

If he could have any superpower, it would be to “make a nasty room turn happy.” It’s a fitting wish for a man who has spent decades bringing joy to millions—and who continues to do so through The Wingfeather Saga.

Fans First: McNally’s Message

McNally does frequent Comic Cons, and he treasures direct conversations with viewers. “I’m far more interested in the views of the viewers than the reviewers. I love hearing their stories, particularly the way the work has affected them.”

His parting words for Wingfeather fans? “You can’t do enough for your family. I want them to really enjoy the show, and keep watching, so that we can keep making it—because ‘Wingfeather’ is quite unique.”

Season 3 Synopsis

Separated from Dugtown, the Igiby family faces their greatest challenges yet. As they endure loss and hardship, they must rely on courage and faith to press on. With new dangers emerging and the threat of darkness growing, their journey will test them like never before. Hope must be their guiding light as they fight to reunite and stand against the forces that seek to tear them apart.

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