First off -- what or who in the hell is Matt Hazard? Hazard is a fictional videogame character that D3 are "reviving" for an upcoming tounge-in-cheek third-person shooter, Eat Lead: The Return of Matt Hazard, on the PlayStation 3 and the Xbox 360.

If you've never heard of it, you will. Because how could you ignore a game where the main character is voiced by comedic-actor Will Arnett? Throw in the sweet tones of the new nerd-darling Neil Patrick Harris as his nemesis, and what do you have? Instant classic, of course.

You'll be hearing more details on Eat Lead soon, but in the meantime, hit the jump to revel in the glory of a press release. 

WILL ARNETT AND NEIL PATRICK HARRIS LEND VOICE TALENT TO D3PUBLISHER’S UPCOMING SHOOTER EAT LEAD: THE RETURN OF MATT HAZARD™

Hazard/Arnett/Harris ’08 -- The Change Gamers Need!

LOS ANGELES – October 27, 2008 – D3Publisher (D3P) today announced  that award-winning Hollywood actors Will Arnett, best known to audiences for his roles on television’s “30 Rock” and “Arrested Development,” and Neil Patrick Harris, currently appearing on television’s “How I Met Your Mother,” will voice the main characters in Eat Lead: The Return of Matt Hazard™, an original third-person shooter with a sense of humor for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system.  Eat Lead: The Return of Matt Hazard  is anticipated for release in Q1 2009.

In Eat Lead, Will Arnett will bring to life classic 80’s videogame action hero Matt Hazard.  Matt gets his chance to prove once and for all that he is the king of shooters when Wallace “Wally” Wellesley, new owner of mega game publisher Marathon Megasoft, voiced by Neil Patrick Harris, gives Matt his comeback role starring in a new next-gen title that pits him against all of his memorable foes from videogames past.  In the world of Eat Lead, however, everything stops being a game and becomes reality when players discover through the original storyline and Arnett’s and Harris’ voiceover that someone is using the new game to bring about Matt’s death once and for all.

“Eat Lead parodies some of the the most beloved genres of games and pop culture, so it was important that we find the perfect voice talent to bring both Matt Hazard and Wallace Wellesley to life,” said Pete Andrew, vice president of product development, North America, D3P.  “Both Will and Neil are life long videogamers and their experiences playing games combined with their  comedic genius and superb voice talent will make Eat Lead a must-have title for the Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 system.”  

Arnett’s acting career spans well over a decade and includes an Emmy-nominated perfomance for his portrayal of Gob on “Arrested Development” followed by a second Emmy-nomination in 2008 for his performance on “30 Rock.”  He is also well known for his roles in feature films including Semi-Pro (2008), Blades of Glory (2007), The Brothers Solomon (2007) and Let’s Go to Prison (2006).

Harris’ acting credits span from his award-winning childhood role on “Doogie Howser, M.D.” to his current Emmy-nominated role on “How I Met Your Mother.”  He is also recognized for his performance in a number of feature films including Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle (2004) and its sequel Harold & Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay (2008), Undercover Brother (2002) and Starship Troopers (1997).  In addition, Harris has starred in many Broadway shows and currently headlines the internet sensation, Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog (2008).