Disney has an impressive track record of enlisting high-profile actors for even the smallest roles in their animated films. This strategy not only brings star power to their projects but also means that renowned artists, including A-listers and Oscar recipients, often find themselves voicing characters that may not be immediately recognizable to audiences. While big-name roles, like Dwayne Johnson in Moana or Robin Williams in Aladdin, receive significant attention, many lesser-known voice performances can easily slip under the radar.
In earlier Disney classics, you might notice a lack of high-profile talent. During those times, prominent actors often shied away from voicing animated characters, leading studios to prefer seasoned voice actors instead. However, this trend shifted dramatically in the 1990s and has continued to escalate into the 21st century, where featuring A-list actors in animated films has become the norm. Though many of these stars lend their voices to beloved characters, their contributions can sometimes go unnoticed.
10
Thomas – Pocahontas (1995)
Christian Bale
Christian Bale, widely known for his intense roles, gained major acclaim with American Psycho. However, before his breakout, he made an appearance in Pocahontas, albeit in a minor capacity as Thomas, a companion to John Smith. Bale’s exceptional talent for accents hints at untapped potential for a voice acting career, a path he has explored minimally since Pocahontas.
Notably, Bale recently lent his skills to voice Bagheera in Andy Serkis’ Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle and participated in the English dubbings of Studio Ghibli classics, Howl’s Moving Castle and The Boy and the Heron.
9
Dean Abigail Hardscrabble – Monsters University (2013)
Helen Mirren
Renowned actress Helen Mirren, celebrated for her diverse filmography spanning over five decades, exhibits her voice talents as Dean Hardscrabble in Monsters University. This authoritative figure plays a pivotal role as Mike and Sully navigate their college journey.
Beyond this notable voice role, Mirren has contributed her talents to The Prince of Egypt and The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. The Academy Award winner is also slated to star in the upcoming mystery thriller The Thursday Murder Club, set for a 2025 release.
8
Captain Amelia – Treasure Planet (2002)
Emma Thompson
Treasure Planet stands as a gem from Disney’s early 2000s animation portfolio, amidst its transitional phase. While Joseph Gordon-Levitt is the standout voice as Jim Hawkins, Emma Thompson’s portrayal of Captain Amelia adds depth to the film with her commanding presence.
Thompson’s nuance in acting shines through not only in animated roles but also in live-action features, from Sensitivity to the Men in Black series. After Treasure Planet, she returned to the realm of animation with a role in Brave and Laika’s Missing Link.
7
Chicken Little – Chicken Little (2005)
Zach Braff
Chicken Little marks Disney’s initial foray into 3D computer-generated animation. While it holds historical significance, it didn’t leave a lasting impact like other animated classics. Zach Braff voices the titular character, while also memorable cast appearances include Adam West and Patrick Stewart.
Braff, chiefly recognized for his role in Garden State, has made a mark in television and is rumored to be reprising his character in a Scrubs revival. Recently, he turned heads with a captivating performance in the dark comedy Bad Monkey.
6
Kenai – Brother Bear (2003)
Joaquin Phoenix
Joaquin Phoenix stepped into voice acting with his role as Kenai in Brother Bear. Coming off acclaimed performances in Gladiator and Signs, Phoenix’s foray into animation has remained singular. Despite Brother Bear‘s commercial success, the film received mixed reviews, which might explain his limited voice work thereafter.
Notably, Phoenix has earned multiple Oscar nominations and secured Best Actor for his gripping portrayal in Joker, highlighting his preference for live-action performances.
5
Mrs. Potts – Beauty & The Beast (1991)
Angela Lansbury
Beauty and the Beast is a hallmark of the 1990s Disney renaissance, characterized by higher-profile casting. While it doesn’t boast the same star power as later films, Angela Lansbury’s role as Mrs. Potts lent notable charm to the character, further enriched by her storied career in film and television.
Lansbury, recognized for her iconic role in Murder, She Wrote, has enjoyed a multifaceted career across generations, from classic films like Gaslight to children’s features like Mr. Popper’s Penguins.
4
Horst – Ratatouille (2007)
Will Arnett
Ratatouille is often remembered for its captivating tale of culinary creativity, prominently featuring Patton Oswalt and Peter O’Toole. Yet, Will Arnett’s role as Horst adds a humorous layer to the ensemble cast. Despite his character being minor, Horst’s hilarious and evolving backstory is a highlight.
Arnett’s engaging voice has found a home in numerous animated projects, including voicing Batman in the Lego films and his acclaimed role in BoJack Horseman.
3
Sina – Moana (2016)
Nicole Scherzinger
Dwayne Johnson’s portrayal of Maui often overshadows fellow cast member Nicole Scherzinger in Moana. Scherzinger voices Moana’s mother, Sina, enhancing the film’s Polynesian roots with her powerful vocals. She is primarily known for her musical career as part of the Pussycat Dolls.
Aside from Moana, Scherzinger has dabbled in minor acting roles and gained recognition as a judge on The Masked Singer, with talks of returning for Moana 2.
2
Mrs. Otterton – Zootopia (2016)
Octavia Spencer
Zootopia features an exceptionally star-studded cast, but Octavia Spencer’s role as Mrs. Otterton is often overlooked. Her character’s heartfelt request to Judy and Chief Bogo to find her husband propels the film’s narrative, linking it to the broader societal themes.
Although her return for the upcoming sequel remains uncertain, Spencer has made a name for herself in voice-acting through roles in films like Onward and the animated series American Dad.
1
Nigel – Finding Nemo (2003)
Geoffrey Rush
In the beloved animated feature Finding Nemo, Geoffrey Rush lends his voice to Nigel, a pelican with a heart. He joins an impressive cast, including Ellen DeGeneres as Dory and Willem Dafoe as Gill, yet his performance often goes unnoticed amidst the star-studded lineup.
Rush, an Oscar winner known for his roles in Shine and The King’s Speech, has maintained a versatile career and is perhaps best recognized for portraying Hector Barbossa in the Pirates of the Caribbean series.
Related Articles:
Marvel’s Time is Running Out to Fulfill Keanu Reeves’ Ideal Role in the MCU Movie That Fits Perfectly
22:05
Top 10 Human Characters from the King Kong Franchise
22:04
Hoppers: Latest Updates on Release Date, Cast, Storyline & More
21:42
Leave a Reply