Hideo Kojima, the renowned video game director and creator of Death Stranding, has made a surprising appearance in the Japanese dub of Disney's Zootopia 2. Kojima lends his voice to the character of Paul Moledebrandt, a grumpy mole who heads up the Zootopia Police Department's IT team. This unexpected collaboration showcases Kojima's versatility and his willingness to explore new avenues in his career.
In the English version, Moledebrandt is voiced by Josh Gad, known for his role as Olaf in Disney's Frozen franchise. However, in the Japanese dub, Kojima takes on this role, adding a unique twist to the film. Famitsu reports that director Jared Bush personally offered the role to Kojima, who was thrilled to be a part of the project, especially since he's a fan of the original Zootopia.
Kojima shared his experience, stating that this was his first time dubbing an animated feature film, and it was an educational process. He appreciated the smooth recording process due to the pre-made animation and found it a valuable learning experience, especially since he's usually on the directing side. Kojima was impressed by the attention to detail that voice actors put into even the smallest actions, like turning pages and minimizing noise.
The director of the original Zootopia, Byron Howard, along with Rich Moore and Jared Bush, created a film that seamlessly blended social themes with humor and entertainment, appealing to both adults and children. Kojima, who watched the film with one of his children, praised its ability to leave a positive impact and inspire hope.
Kojima's involvement in Zootopia 2 has generated excitement among fans, and the film is already breaking box-office records in Japan, set to debut on December 5th. This unexpected crossover highlights the diverse talents of Hideo Kojima and the potential for unique collaborations in the entertainment industry.
