Hideo Kojima, the visionary creator behind classics like Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding, is set to break new ground with his debut in animation voice acting for the Japanese dub of Disney’s highly-anticipated Zootopia 2.
As first detailed in a new article by Japan’s renowned gaming publication Famitsu, Kojima’s new role marks a unique crossover between video game royalty and cinematic animation.
Zootopia 2, the sequel to the beloved 2016 Disney film, has already made waves with its record-breaking box office performance following its Thanksgiving weekend release in the United States.
To celebrate the film’s arrival in Japanese theaters this weekend, Disney has orchestrated a special treat for local audiences: Hideo Kojima will voice Paul Moldebrandt, the Zootopia PD IT expert, introducing a celebrated gaming figure to the world of Disney animation. In an interview with Famitsu, Kojima reflected on this milestone, stating, "I've had numerous cameo experiences in both live-action films and games, but this is my first time contributing to the dubbing of an animated feature—and with Disney, no less! Zootopia is one of my all-time favorite movies." He also shared his enthusiasm for the advanced technology powering the sequel, noting his admiration upon accepting the offer from Zootopia 2’s director, Jared Bush, who personally reached out to invite Kojima’s participation. While Kojima has not previously lent his voice to animated films, he is no stranger to media collaborations outside traditional video games.
In 2019, he made a guest appearance in Remedy Entertainment’s critically-acclaimed title Control—exclusive initially to PlayStation—portraying Dr.
Yoshimi Tokui.
The cameo consisted of a brief mission assignment, pleasing both gaming and Kojima fans.
Additionally, Kojima returned the favor by featuring Remedy’s creative director, Sam Lake, in his own title Death Stranding, further demonstrating his penchant for creative crossovers within the industry. This collaboration with Disney for Zootopia 2 underscores Kojima’s broad influence and appeal across entertainment mediums.
As Japanese audiences prepare to experience Zootopia 2 with Kojima’s voice work this weekend, the partnership exemplifies the growing intersections between gaming icons and global pop culture phenomena.
Stay tuned to Famitsu and official Disney Japan channels for more updates on the film’s Japanese release and Kojima’s ongoing projects.
As first detailed in a new article by Japan’s renowned gaming publication Famitsu, Kojima’s new role marks a unique crossover between video game royalty and cinematic animation.
Zootopia 2, the sequel to the beloved 2016 Disney film, has already made waves with its record-breaking box office performance following its Thanksgiving weekend release in the United States.
To celebrate the film’s arrival in Japanese theaters this weekend, Disney has orchestrated a special treat for local audiences: Hideo Kojima will voice Paul Moldebrandt, the Zootopia PD IT expert, introducing a celebrated gaming figure to the world of Disney animation. In an interview with Famitsu, Kojima reflected on this milestone, stating, "I've had numerous cameo experiences in both live-action films and games, but this is my first time contributing to the dubbing of an animated feature—and with Disney, no less! Zootopia is one of my all-time favorite movies." He also shared his enthusiasm for the advanced technology powering the sequel, noting his admiration upon accepting the offer from Zootopia 2’s director, Jared Bush, who personally reached out to invite Kojima’s participation. While Kojima has not previously lent his voice to animated films, he is no stranger to media collaborations outside traditional video games.
In 2019, he made a guest appearance in Remedy Entertainment’s critically-acclaimed title Control—exclusive initially to PlayStation—portraying Dr.
Yoshimi Tokui.
The cameo consisted of a brief mission assignment, pleasing both gaming and Kojima fans.
Additionally, Kojima returned the favor by featuring Remedy’s creative director, Sam Lake, in his own title Death Stranding, further demonstrating his penchant for creative crossovers within the industry. This collaboration with Disney for Zootopia 2 underscores Kojima’s broad influence and appeal across entertainment mediums.
As Japanese audiences prepare to experience Zootopia 2 with Kojima’s voice work this weekend, the partnership exemplifies the growing intersections between gaming icons and global pop culture phenomena.
Stay tuned to Famitsu and official Disney Japan channels for more updates on the film’s Japanese release and Kojima’s ongoing projects.
