** In ''[[The Binding of Oathkeeper]]'', Dynamo was voiced by [[wikipedia:Fred_Tatasciore|Fred Tatasciore]], as John wasn't available for recording. These voice lines have since been re-recorded with John.<ref>2025-02-25 - [[Kaori]]; Deadlock Discord - ''"Fred just was stepping in to record temp stuff when JPL was unable to record so it was always going to be replaced"''</ref>
** In ''[[The Binding of Oathkeeper]]'', Dynamo was voiced by [[wikipedia:Fred_Tatasciore|Fred Tatasciore]], as John wasn't available for recording. These voice lines have since been re-recorded with John.<ref>2025-02-25 - [[Kaori]]; Deadlock Discord - ''"Fred just was stepping in to record temp stuff when JPL was unable to record so it was always going to be replaced"''</ref>
** Some of Dynamo's voice lines were based on conversations between John and ''Deadlock'' writer [[Steve Jaros]] about quantum physics.<ref>{{YouTubeCite|video=OPl_x9yaIWc|title=TF2 Sniper Actor Answers Your Questions}}</ref>
** Some of Dynamo's voice lines were based on conversations between John and ''Deadlock'' writer [[Steve Jaros]] about quantum physics.<ref>{{YouTubeCite|video=OPl_x9yaIWc|title=TF2 Sniper Actor Answers Your Questions}}</ref>
* The name of Dynamo's weapon, ''the Vonnegun,'' is a homage to American author [[wikipedia:Kurt_Vonnegut|Kurt Vonnegut]].
* The name of Dynamo's weapon, ''the Vonnegun,'' is an homage to American author [[wikipedia:Kurt_Vonnegut|Kurt Vonnegut]], who, quite ironically, claimed that a virtuous scientist was one whom refused to develop weapons.
* When casting Quantum Entanglement, a crest of the sun with a planetary body orbiting around it appears as a destination marker. The crest is styled after Renaissance depictions of the sun, as it sports a hatched style and a serene face.
* When casting Quantum Entanglement, a crest of the sun with a planetary body orbiting around it appears as a destination marker. The crest is styled after Renaissance depictions of the sun, as it sports a hatched style and a serene face.
* In a concept artwork and in ''[[The Binding of Oathkeeper]]'', Dynamo had a different design in which his head had a different shape and was attached to his body, and he wore gloves.
* In a concept artwork and in ''[[The Binding of Oathkeeper]]'', Dynamo had a different design in which his head had a different shape and was attached to his body, and he wore gloves.
Internal namesCodenames used for this hero in the game files:
Prof_dynamo; Prof; Sumo; Jeong
Professor Dynamo is a Hero in Deadlock. He is a man of wit, using his brain and his brawn to provide support to his teammates by healing them, teleporting them with him which grants his allies (and himself) a boost to their firing rate, knocking opponents in front of him into the air, and when the time is right, can unleash a Singularity which when utilized at the right moment, can drastically shift the tides of battle.
Once just a mere professor for Columbia College, his life would change after letting his ego get the best of him when he and his team of professors were studying an Astral Gate in New York. Dynamo ventured too close to the anomaly which obliterated his body and reduced it to that of a dying star. But that didn't stop him, because although his body may be gone, his spirit and curiosity live on, with his condition only further fueling his desire for knowledge and a way out of his condition.
As a Scientist, Professor Dynamo always had an inquisitive mind. So when a rift in space and time opened up in central park he was first on the scene to investigate – and while he expected such a majestic sight to be life changing, he was thinking more in a metaphorical way as opposed to having his body atomized and reduced to a tiny dying star.
But while his body is gone, his spirit and lust for knowledge lives on. A tenured professor at Columbia College, Dynamo looks to learn more about his condition while maintaining his class load, after all: he has future minds to inspire.
Lore
Dynamo's wish and motivation in the ritual is to get his human body back.[3][4][5]
Dynamo lost his body 50 years before the ritual, during the first Maelstrom.[6][7] He has not touched an Astral Gate since his body was transformed,[8] although he has done a lot of research into Astral Gates.[9][10]
Dynamo is married to a woman named Marla.[11] They have been married for 31 years.[12] Marla bakes Dynamo key lime pies, even though he can't eat them.[13][14] The first thing Dynamo intends to do once he gets his body back is to "give Marla a hug and not let go for about 3 months."[15] Dynamo and Marla have visited the Paradox Museum.[16] During the winter season, Dynamo and Marla go carolling together.[17]
Dynamo built and designed his own gun, the "Vonnegun".[18]
Dynamo's connections in science and academia are described as "vast."[19]
Dynamo's youth as an undergraduate student involved a lot of fist fights.[20][21][22]
Dynamo prefers working with people as opposed to lying to them, as shown when confronting Wraith.[23]
In a Winter season voice line, Dynamo says he didn't sleep the night before the Maelstrom because he was "afraid of death".[27]
Character interactions
Most characters are apologetic when fighting Dynamo.[28]
Dynamo showcases courage by telling Abrams,[29]Shiv[30] and Warden[31] that he'll stay close to them during the fight.
Dynamo is Pocket's godfather. He recognizes Pocket and says he would have helped them if he knew they were alive. Pocket didn't tell Dynamo that they survived because they weren't sure if they could trust him.[32]
Dynamo defends his wife's honor from Lash's insults.[33]
Dynamo and Kelvin are friends. They last saw each other at the Black Château, before Kelvin disappeared.[34] Dynamo is a fan of Kelvin's books.[35]
Dynamo warns Wraith not to take advantage of his students who frequent her casino, otherwise he'll step in.[37]
Dynamo asks Infernus to help him pick a hat at a haberdashery.[38]
Dynamo's lust for knowledge leads him to ask questions about other characters, such as how Seven survived his execution,[39] how Paradox's time manipulation works,[40] what the Djinn are like,[41] what the contents of Abrams' Tome and Pocket's case could be,[42][43] what Viscous is,[44] and if Yamato's sword is a heirloom.[45]
Ivy's sister, Sophia Arroyo, is studying at Cambridge under Dynamo.[49] Sophia speaks highly of Dynamo,[50][51] and Dynamo thinks she's a great student.[52] Ivy worries her fighting Dynamo during the ritual would preconceive him against Sophia.[53] Dynamo reaffirms Ivy that Sophia's grades won't be affected by Ivy's actions in the ritual.[54]
Dynamo used to be friends with Maximilian Fairfax. Maximilian has "warm nostalgia" for Dynamo, who calls him "a complicated man" as opposed to a bad man when asked byPocket.[55]
Haze tells Dynamo that OSIC agent Marlowe has an offer for Dynamo to join them. Dynamo declines, claiming to be happy in the "Private sector". Dynamo mistakes Marlowe for his wife, Marla.[56]
McGinnis offers to upgrade Dynamo's body, although Dynamo declines as he intends to get his human body back after the ritual.[57]
While on the same team, Drifter threatens to kill Marla if Dynamo fails the ritual.[58]
Grey Talon respects Dynamo's courage for enduring his body being torn apart and wishes he had the same optimism Dynamo has.[59]
Vindicta wants to speak to Dynamo if they fail the ritual, due to John Hathorne planning to give a speech at Columbia College.[60]
Mirage asks Dynamo if he can give him and Nashala a tour of Columbia College.[61]
Dynamo is also referred to as prof (Professor) in the game files.
Dynamo was named Sumo in Neon Prime, and later renamed to Jeong. He was renamed to Dynamo still during Neon Prime.
Dynamo is voiced by John Patrick Lowrie,[1] who is known for voicework in other popular Valve titles (e.g. Sniper in Team Fortress 2, Pudge in Dota 2.)
Some of Dynamo's voice lines were based on conversations between John and Deadlock writer Steve Jaros about quantum physics.[67]
The name of Dynamo's weapon, the Vonnegun, is an homage to American author Kurt Vonnegut, who, quite ironically, claimed that a virtuous scientist was one whom refused to develop weapons.
When casting Quantum Entanglement, a crest of the sun with a planetary body orbiting around it appears as a destination marker. The crest is styled after Renaissance depictions of the sun, as it sports a hatched style and a serene face.
In a concept artwork and in The Binding of Oathkeeper, Dynamo had a different design in which his head had a different shape and was attached to his body, and he wore gloves.
One of Dynamo's early concept designs was a paranormal pizza delivery guy called Lil' Dynamo.[68]
"Pontificating in the Hideout" is displayed as one's status in the in-game Friends List when playing as Dynamo in the Hideout.
References
↑ 1.01.12024-11-29 - John Patrick Lowrie on X - "Glad to be the voice of Dynamo in the new Valve game Deadlock!"
↑Dynamo's in-game voice line (high killstreak): "No one will stop me from getting my body back!"
↑Amber Hand's in-game voice line (Dynamo start): "Your lust for knowledge changed your body. Are you strong enough to do what it takes to change it back?"
↑Sapphire Flame's in-game voice line (Dynamo start): "Your wife seeks to embrace flesh, not steel. Don't fail her. Don't fail yourself. Complete the ritual."
↑Warden's backstory - "Most people think the supernatural came into the world 50 years ago. (...) When the portal opened in Central Park, Warden’s parents realized not only was everything they were told was true, they were unprepared."
↑Dynamo's in-game voice line (lost match) - "It's okay, I've... I've grown used to this body. I can wait another fifty years."
↑ 8.08.1Dynamo And Grey Talon Conversation 1 - "Have you been to Ixia, Professor?" - "I won't lie: After what happened to my body, I decided to stay clear of Astral Gates. But I hear that South Ixia is beautiful."
↑ 9.09.1Dynamo And Seven Conversation 2 - "I'm a fan of your work, Professor." - "I am... flattered and horrified in equal measure." - "Your research into the Astral Gates paved the way for my own. In my rare moments of doubt, sometimes I even wonder if I would have become the man I am were it not for you."
↑Dynamo's in-game voice line (pre-game ping): "I don't wanna get you all too excited, but Marla gave me one of her famous key lime pies to share after we win."
↑Dynamo And Lash Conversation 3 - "What's the first thing you're gonna do when The Lash gets your body back?" - "I believe you mean the Patron. But to answer your question... give Marla a hug and not let go for about 3 months."
↑Dynamo And Paradox Conversation 2 - "I took Marla to the last pop-up. Truly... wonderful things to behold." - "I think you'll enjoy our next event. I'll make sure you get in." - "I can't wait!"
↑Shopkeeper's in-game voice line (buy T4 item during Winter Update): "It was great seeing you and Marla caroling last night, professor!"
↑Dynamo's in-game voice line (killed McGinnis): "Never was a fan of the occult industrial complex..."
↑Dynamo's in-game voice line (killed Shiv): "I admire what the Baxter Society does, but I can't let you stop me."
↑Dynamo's in-game voice line - "T'was the night before the Maelstrom, and all through the house, a Columbia professor got no sleep because he was afraid of death."
↑Dynamo And Abrams Conversation 2 - "Stay close to me Professor, I'll keep you safe." - "Detective, I was about to say the same thing to you."
↑Dynamo And Shiv Conversation 3 - "Stay close to me, Shiv. I'll do my best to keep you in the fight." - "Professor, you couldn't keep me out of a fight."
↑Dynamo And Warden Conversation 2 - "I appreciate the sentiment, Warden, but don't worry about me. I'll be beside you, not behind you."
↑Dynamo And Infernus Conversation 2 - "I was thinking of buying a hat, and I would love it if you would join me at the haberdashery." - "Professor, you don't gotta waste a favor on that. I got you."
↑Dynamo And Seven Conversation 3 - "I'm sure it's a touchy subject, but I simply must know how you stopped your soul from being obliterated!"
↑Dynamo And Viscous Conversation 1 - "When the ritual is over, I'd love to pick your brain." - "Please don't stab my face." - "Oh, it's an expression. It means "to ask questions"."
↑Ivy And Dynamo Conversation 2 - "She's a great student, but... Lately she's been falling asleep in class. She says she's been pulling long shifts at her job, and it's wearing her out."
↑Ivy's in-game voice line (killed Dynamo) - "Please don't take that out on Sophie, professor!"
↑Dynamo's in-game voice line (Killed Ivy): "I assure you, Ivy, your behavior will not impact my grading of Sophia Arroyo."
↑Dynamo And McGinnis Conversation 1 - "How's that body working out for ya? (...) Well, if you ever want an upgrade or something, you may call!" - "I appreciate the offer, Miss McGinnis. But hopefully after today, your services won't be needed."
↑Mina's in-game voice line (pass Dynamo on zipline): "What a wretched jacket."
↑Rem's in-game voice line (killed Dynamo): "He smells like banana bread."
↑2025-02-25 - Kaori; Deadlock Discord - "Fred just was stepping in to record temp stuff when JPL was unable to record so it was always going to be replaced"
↑2024-08-10 - Yoshi, Deadlock Discord - "Reminds me of a pizza delivery concept we didn't go with" (...) "That was a version of dynamo yeah, he had a diff ability then"