It was revealed on October 9th that voice actor Kenta Miyake, comedian Shigeo Takahashi of the comedy duo "Savannah", singer Dream Ami, and voice actor Kazuhiro Yamaji will be the voice actors for the Japanese version of Disney animation's "Zootopia 2" (directed by Jared Bush, to be released on December Getsuku).
The film is a sequel to "Zootopia," which was released in 2016, and the four actors will reprise their roles from the previous film as they bring to life the story of Judy, the rabbit police officer voiced by actress Aya Ueto, and Nick the fox, voiced by voice actor Toshiyuki Morikawa.
"Zootopia" is set in Zootopia, a world where animals live in a high-tech civilized society like humans. It depicts Judy meeting Nick and overcoming many challenges together as she grows into a respectable police officer. It is the first Disney animated film since "Frozen" to surpass $1 billion in global box office revenue. It was also a huge hit in Japan, grossing over 7.6 billion yen.
In the sequel, Nick, who has successfully graduated from the police academy and become a police officer, and Judy, the first rabbit police officer to do her job, team up again and embark on an epic adventure. A new character, Gary the snake, also appears.
Miyake plays Bogo, the Zootopia police chief, a water buffalo. Bogo originally had low expectations of Judy as a police officer, but after seeing her solve a case in the previous film, he begins to see her in a new light. In the latest film, he entrusts Judy and Nick with an important mission. Upon hearing the news, Miyake commented, "I'm so happy to hear that Chief Bogo will be making a comeback. And when I heard that I, Kenta Miyake, would be continuing to voice the Japanese version, I was so happy I couldn't help but jump for joy. It was just like the time when I was captivated by the dance of the beautiful singer Gazelle..." He also spoke of the highlights of the film, saying, "The action-packed adventures of Judy and Nick, and the sudden appearance of the mysterious snake Gary, are just too exciting. Stay tuned!!"
Takahashi plays Clawhauser, the cheetah receptionist at the police station. He will be reprising his role as the soothing character, a chubby cheetah who loves donuts. Takahashi expressed his joy, saying, "I've been waiting for 'Zootopia 2'!! And I'm so happy to hear that Clawhauser will be making a comeback. I'm really looking forward to seeing what scenes the kind, donut-crazy, and charming Clawhauser will appear in." He added enthusiastically, "I'm looking forward to waiting with excitement together with all of you who love the world of Zootopia. Okay, I guess I'll eat loads of donuts to prepare for the role!"
Ami plays Gazelle, a popular pop star in Zootopia. Her character captivates fans with her performances alongside the dancing tigers. In addition to voicing Gazelle, she also sang the theme song "Try Everything" from the previous film. The song, which seemed to encourage Judy as she sets off on her journey to Zootopia to fulfill her dreams, garnered attention. Ami expressed her joy at the announcement, saying, "I'm so happy to be able to see a sequel to my beloved 'Zootopia,' and to be able to continue voicing Gazelle in Japan!" She also reiterated her role, saying, "Gazelle is a charismatic figure, a strong-willed pop star who acts as a symbol of peace for the Zootopian friends." She continued, "I'm always inspired by every word Gazelle speaks. I hope everyone looks forward to seeing what message she'll convey in 'Zootopia 2,' and what happens to Zootopia afterward!"
Yamaji plays Mr. Big, the president of a limousine company and known as the dark boss of Tundra Town. Looking back on the filming of the previous film, Yamaji said, "Once again, the great little man returns. When I first saw the rehearsal footage, his voice had been so heavily processed that I thought, 'It could have been anybody doing this,' so I went to the set half-jokingly, but when I heard his original voice, it sounded just like Corleone (from The Godfather)! I remember getting really motivated and having so much fun adjusting the subtle pitch of my voice." He also showed his enthusiasm by saying, "I'm looking forward to seeing what he'll do this time, and I'm secretly trying to imitate Marlon Brando (who played Corleone) again."
