There’s a particular kind of magic that happens at Walt Disney Animation Studios, the kind that slips under your skin the moment you step onto the Burbank lot. During the early press day for Zootopia 2, that magic came alive in an entirely unexpected way when I found myself in a sound booth, headphones on, preparing to ADR the voice of Officer Moledebrandt (voiced by Josh Gad). Suddenly, I wasn’t just covering the highly anticipated sequel. I was inside it. But the moment became even more unforgettable when I wasn’t alone in the booth. Standing beside me was Nate Torrance, the exuberant voice behind Officer Benjamin Clawhauser, Zootopia’s beloved donut-loving cheetah.
Recording ADR with Torrance felt like being dropped onto the set of ZPD itself. His warm, comedic energy filled the room instantly. He slipped into Clawhauser’s iconic squeals of excitement, and made the whole process feel like an animated ride-along. While I worked through my lines as Officer Moledebrandt — a small but spirited mole officer with surprising command presence — Torrance offered encouragement and celebrated every successful take, as if we were partners tackling a case. It was a surreal and joyful experience that highlighted just how much personality and heart the actors bring into the booth long before animation brings their characters to life.
Officer Moledebrandt is one of Zootopia’s quirky law-enforcement characters. A mole with stiff professionalism, raspy charm, and a surprising amount of authority for someone whose entire body barely clears desk height. Stepping up to the mic to record my lines was a window into the heart of animation: the careful pacing, the emotional precision, and the collaboration between performance and technology that breathes life into these characters was everything. Every pause mattered. Every inflection mattered. And behind the glass, a patient team of sound engineers guided each take, treating my amateur performance with the same respect they give seasoned actors.
It was humbling, surreal, and electrifying. And above all, it deepened my appreciation for the film Disney is shaping, one that returns us to a city beloved for its humor, its heart, and its social commentary.
Zootopia 2 debuts November 26, 2025, marking the long-awaited return of Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde. This time, the story takes them into new districts and into a case that pushes their partnership, their courage, and their city to the brink. The sequel expands the world in bold ways: more species, more conflict, more nuance — all while staying true to the warm wit that made the original a global phenomenon.
This press day wasn’t just about stepping behind the microphone. It was a chance to revisit what makes Zootopia special through the voices of the cast themselves — voices Black Girl Nerds had the privilege of speaking with only days earlier.
In BGN’s recent interviews, Jason Bateman reflected on Nick Wilde’s evolution. The fox who once danced between cynicism and charm now stands firmly as a protector of his city. Bateman talked about exploring the complexities of a character learning to trust not just others, but himself.
Ginnifer Goodwin, meanwhile, shared insight into Judy Hopps’ growth. She described Judy as older, wiser, and more grounded — still optimistic, but carrying lessons from the first film that shape her sense of justice in the sequel.
One of the most exciting newcomers to the cast is Ke Huy Quan, who voices the enigmatic Gary De’Snake. Quan’s energy during the interview was infectious. He spoke about crafting a character who is both mischievous and unexpectedly heartfelt, someone who shakes up the dynamics of Zootopia in ways audiences won’t see coming.
Finally, Fortune Feimster discussed the joy of voicing Nibbles Maplestick, a beaver whose comedic spark adds levity to the film’s mystery-driven plot. Feimster’s blend of warmth and humor promises to make Nibbles an audience favorite.
Hearing the cast reflect on the story’s emotional beats, then stepping into a booth to voice Officer Moledebrandt myself, brought the entire creative ecosystem into sharp focus.
And if Officer Moledebrandt taught me anything from behind that microphone, it’s this: even the smallest characters can make a big impact.
