It has been revealed that actor Noriko Eguchi will be the Japanese voice actor for Disney Animation's "Zootopia 2" (directed by Jared Bush and others, opening December 5th). The film's world premiere was held on November 14th (November 13th local time) at the El Capitan Theater in Los Angeles, USA, and Eguchi attended the event, revealing that she will be the Japanese voice actor for new characters Beaver and Nibbles. This is Eguchi's first attempt at voice acting, and she secured the role after auditioning at the US headquarters. This is the first time that the Japanese voice actors have been announced at a world premiere.
This film is the sequel to "Zootopia," which was released in 2016. The previous film, "Zootopia," was set in Zootopia, a world where animals live in a high-tech civilized society like humans. It depicted Judy meeting Nick and overcoming many challenges together as she grows into a fine police officer. It was the first Disney animation 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.
In the Japanese version, actress Aya Ueto will voice the rabbit police officer Judy, and voice actor Toshiyuki Morikawa will voice the fox Nick, just like in the previous film. Furthermore, voice actor Hiro Shimono will voice Gary, the wanted snake who holds the key to Zootopia's greatest mystery. It has also been announced that Ryosuke Yamada will play Paubert, the gentle and sociable lynx heir to the family that founded Zootopia.
Eguchi plays Nibbles, a dynamic beaver streamer who talks about Zootopia's "conspiracy theories" and helps Judy and Nick with their investigation. At first glance, he may seem eccentric, but he is a bright, energetic, intelligent, quick-witted and warm-hearted character. The US headquarters gave Eguchi a rave review, saying, "Noriko's performance was entertaining with exquisite timing, capturing the depth and charm that can be seen in Nibbles's emotional ups and downs, and expressing it in a rich way."
The world premiere, attended by 2,000 fans, featured a star-studded cast including directors Bush and Byron Howard, producer Yvette Merino and other staff members, as well as the original voice actor for Gary the Snake, Ke Huy Quan, and comedian Fortune Feimster, who played Nibbles in the original version. Eguchi appeared on the red carpet in a chic black outfit with jeweled pants.
Eguchi, who walked the carpet as one of the Japanese voice actors, excitedly commented, "There are so many people, I'm excited! It feels like a festival!" Regarding her costume, she replied, "These pants are sparkly, which I think is very Disney." Regarding her first attempt at voice acting, she said, "I'm surprised that my first voice acting role is in a Disney production, and I'm grateful to have been invited to such an event." She also commented on her character Nibbles, "He's a confident, energetic beaver who talks about Zootopia conspiracy theories. He has a somewhat forceful personality, but he also has a kind heart, which is what makes him so charming." Regarding the film, she said, "I'd be happy if many people saw it. I'm looking forward to the movie, but I also want to enjoy the atmosphere in the theater."
Meeting Director Bush on the red carpet, Eguchi seemed thrilled, saying, "I'm so happy and honored to be in your film." Director Bush was also pleased to meet him. When Eguchi told him how much he loved Nibbles, Director Bush responded, "She's one of our favorite Zootopia characters. We needed someone to liven up the whole movie. She's a very important character who moves the story forward alongside Nick and Judy. She's a truly wonderful character." He spoke of his love for Nibbles.
Ke Huy Quan said of the character he will be playing, "Look forward to it!" and sent a message to his Japanese fans, saying, "I love Japan. I love going to Japan. I love the food too. And I can't wait to go back soon." He was also happy to meet Eguchi, who played Nibbles, and shook hands firmly with him.
Mr. Feemster, who voiced Nibbles in the original version, expressed his joy, saying, "It's a miracle I got to meet a Japanese voice actor!", and Mr. Eguchi also expressed his respect, saying, "I listened to your voice all the time while doing the dubbing." Fans who were among the first to see the film at the venue have already been posting rave reviews on social media, making this a premiere event that is building even more anticipation for the film's release in Japan.
