Introducing New Characters to the Zootopia World
Ke Huy Quan and Fortune Feimster have joined the expansive world of Zootopia 2, with one of them expressing excitement about their former co-star potentially joining in the next installment. The Oscar-winning star of Everything Everywhere All at Once takes on the role of Gary De’Snake, a pit viper who appears to be working against Jason Bateman’s Nick and Ginnifer Goodwin’s Judy. However, Gary has a more personal motive for his actions. Meanwhile, Fortune Feimster stars as Nibbles Maplestick, a beaver podcaster and conspiracy theorist living in the new world of the Marsh Market. Judy and Nick are sent by Mr. Big to find Nibbles, hoping to uncover a secret community of reptiles and learn more about why reptiles were banished from Zootopia.
A Conversation About the Future of the Franchise
As the film makes its way to theaters, an interview with Ke Huy Quan and Fortune Feimster discussed Zootopia 2. When asked about who they would like to see in a potential third film, Quan shared his idea for Tom Hiddleston, suggesting he could play a giraffe in Zootopia 3. He described the actor as being “so tall” and recalled his experience working with Hiddleston on Loki, where the actor brought a positive energy to the set:
“I want to see it because when we did Loki, he would always come to set with a portable speaker, and it would blast [music] really early in the morning. Everybody’s just kind of waking up, and he would come in, and you would hear music through the speaker as he makes his way to set. I totally see him being a giraffe with a portable speaker around his neck, and then just blasting music.”
Quan also expressed that he expected Hiddleston to return to the MCU, given the popularity of Loki, though he remains hopeful for O.B.’s return.
Playing Animals Came With A Unique Challenge
During the interview, the actors discussed the challenges of playing animal characters. Fortune Feimster noted that the premiere was filled with so many actors that even she didn’t know who was in the film. Ke Huy Quan added that it was hard to tell who was in the movie, as the voices were so well done.
When asked about the process of recording as an animal, Quan explained that he used physical movements in the booth to imagine how Gary would move. He also mentioned that the experience was both fun and challenging. Feimster focused on making her character, Nibbles, sound Southern to help with enunciation, while also incorporating beaver-related jokes into her performance.
The Impact of Zootopia on Pop Culture
The actors also reflected on the iconic nature of Zootopia characters, noting that even those who haven’t seen the movie recognize them. Feimster shared her excitement about seeing Nibbles everywhere, from airports to Disney parks. Quan highlighted the merchandising, mentioning that he now wears a custom-made Gary jacket from Levi’s.
A Busy Schedule for Fortune Feimster
Feimster is currently on tour and filming a new show with Will Ferrell. She described her schedule as busy but rewarding, with plans to film a new standup special next year.
Additional Coverage of Zootopia 2
For more information on Zootopia 2, readers can explore:
- Our Zootopia 2 Review
- Bateman, Goodwin & Byron Howard weighing in on WildeHopps shipping
- Bateman & Goodwin talking about the secrecy behind the Zootopia franchise
- Our projection for when the movie will premiere on Disney+
- Our guide for parents on Zootopia 2‘s content
- A guide on Zootopia 2‘s ending
- A guide on how the sequel’s post-credits scene sets up Zootopia 3
Zootopia 2 is now in theaters!
