Disney Animation has done it again. Hoppers, which hopped into theaters in 2026, isn’t just another animated talking animal movie, it’s a wildly imaginative adventure that proves Disney still knows how to push creative boundaries while delivering heart. With its unique premise about a girl who can body-swap with animals and a world where different species have complex political hierarchies, Hoppers has captured audiences with its clever storytelling and gorgeous animation.
A concept this wild only works if you’ve got a voice cast that can sell it. And boy, does Hoppers deliver. From Oscar-winning legends to SNL alums to rising comedy stars, this ensemble is absolutely stacked. Whether you’re trying to figure out who voices the determined Mabel, curious about the comedy legend behind King George, or just want to appreciate how Disney assembled one of 2026’s most impressive casts, I’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into the voices that make Hoppers hop.
The Heart of the Story: Piper Curda as Mabel Tanaka
Piper Curda voices Mabel Tanaka, the protagonist whose ability to body-swap with animals drives the entire story. Curda brings genuine heart and determination to Mabel, making her feel like a real teenager navigating an extraordinary situation rather than just an animated character going through plot points.
You might recognize Curda from Disney Channel’s I Didn’t Do It or as Jasmine in A.N.T. Farm. She’s been in the Disney family for years, and that experience shows, she understands how to balance comedy, adventure, and genuine emotion in a way that works for all ages. When Mabel finds herself suddenly able to experience life from an animal’s perspective, Curda’s vocal performance captures both the wonder and the responsibility that comes with that power.
The Reluctant Royal: Bobby Moynihan as King George
Bobby Moynihan voices King George, and if there’s one thing this SNL veteran knows how to do, it’s play lovable goofballs with surprising depth. Moynihan’s comedy chops are legendary – seven seasons on Saturday Night Live, voice work in Monsters at Work as Tylor Tuskmon, and countless memorable characters across animation and live-action.
King George clearly benefits from Moynihan’s gift for physical comedy translated into voice work. He brings that signature warmth and humor that made him an SNL standout, creating a character who’s funny without being annoying, always a difficult balance in family animation. When King George needs to be regal, Moynihan delivers. When he needs to be ridiculous, Moynihan really delivers.
The Charismatic Authority: Jon Hamm as Mayor Jerry Generazzo
Yes, that Jon Hamm,Don Draper himself, voices Mayor Jerry Generazzo, and his distinctive voice brings instant authority to the character. Hamm has proven his comedy chops repeatedly since Mad Men ended, with scene-stealing turns in 30 Rock, Parks and Recreation, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and various comedy films.His Mayor Jerry likely walks that line between competent leader and slightly pompous politician that Hamm does so well. That rich, authoritative voice can be played straight or for laughs depending on what the scene needs, and Hamm’s timing is impeccable. Having an actor of his caliber in an animated film immediately elevates the material,when Jon Hamm’s voice comes out of a character, you pay attention.
The Comedy Dynamo: Melissa Villaseñor as Ellen
Melissa Villaseñor voices Ellen, bringing her incredible vocal range and comedy talents to the role. Villaseñor spent six seasons on Saturday Night Live showcasing her gift for impressions, character work, and musical comedy. She’s also a talented stand-up comedian and voice actress who’s appeared in everything from Adventure Time to Cartoon Network projects.
The Royal Legend: Meryl Streep as the Insect Queen
When you can get Meryl Streep, three-time Oscar winner, 21-time nominee, and arguably the greatest actress of her generation to voice your animated insect royalty, you’ve hit the jackpot. Streep brings gravitas, nuance, and surprising humor to every role, and her voice work is no exception.
Streep has animated credits including the Witch in Into the Woods (which earned her another Oscar nomination) and the Chief Elder in The Giver. Her ability to play powerful, complex women translates beautifully to animation. The Insect Queen likely carries the weight of leadership while harboring hidden depths, and Streep can convey all of that with vocal inflection alone.
Having Streep in your cast also signals artistic ambition. This isn’t just a kids’ movie, this is a film that takes its characters and storytelling seriously enough to attract one of cinema’s legends.
The Royal Charmer: Dave Franco as Insect King
Dave Franco voices the Insect King, bringing his natural charm and likability to insect royalty. Franco has built an impressive career balancing comedy (Neighbors, The Disaster Artist) with more serious work (The Rental, which he also directed). His voice work in The Lego Ninjago Movie as Lloyd showed he understands animation.
Franco likely plays the Insect King with a combination of royal bearing and approachable warmth. He’s got great chemistry with comedy ensembles, which probably serves him well when sharing scenes with Streep’s Insect Queen. The Franco brothers have comedy in their DNA, and Dave brings that energy while carving out his own distinct style.
The Rising Star: Eman Abdul-Razzak as Insect Prince
Eman Abdul-Razzak voices the Insect Prince, representing newer talent in Disney’s commitment to fresh voices. Abdul-Razzak brings youthful energy to the royal insect family, likely serving as a bridge between the older generation (Streep and Franco) and Mabel’s teenage perspective.
The Medical Professional: Kathy Najimy as Dr. Sam
Kathy Najimy – forever beloved as Mary Sanderson in Hocus Pocus, voices Dr. Sam with that distinctive warmth and humor she brings to every role. Najimy has iconic voice work credentials including Peggy Hill in King of the Hill for over a decade. She knows how to make supporting characters memorable and lovable.
Dr. Sam likely benefits from Najimy’s gift for playing characters who are competent and caring while still being funny. Whether she’s a veterinarian, scientist, or some other type of doctor in this animal-centric world, Najimy makes sure you trust and like her immediately.
The Comedy Ensemble in Hoppers
Eduardo Franco – Argyle from Stranger Things, voices Loaf with his signature laid-back energy. Franco’s become one of comedy’s most reliably funny scene-stealers, and Loaf probably benefits from that natural comedic timing.
Ego Nwodim voices the Fish Queen with the comedic excellence she brings to Saturday Night Live. Nwodim’s star has been rising, and having her voice underwater royalty is inspired casting.
Sam Richardson from Detroiters, Veep, and The Afterparty voices Conner. Richardson is one of comedy’s most talented improvisers, and that quick wit likely makes Conner a standout character.
Aparna Nancherla brings her deadpan brilliance to Dr. Nisha. Nancherla’s comedy style is uniquely observational and self-deprecating, making her perfect for voice work that needs intelligence and wit.
Vanessa Bayer, another SNL alum voices Diane Shark with the same energy that made her characters like weather reporter Dawn Lazarus so memorable. Bayer excels at playing slightly awkward but endearing characters.
The Remaining Royalty
Isiah Whitlock Jr. famous for The Wire and his incredible delivery of a certain profanity voices the Bird King with that distinctive authoritative rumble.
Nichole Sakura – Cheyenne from Superstore plays the Reptile Queens , likely bringing different personalities to multiple characters.
Steve Purcell – the legendary creator of Sam & Max – voices the Amphibian King, bringing genuine animation industry credibility to the cast.
The Supporting Characters in Hoppers
Tom Law voices Tom, Karen Huie plays Grandma Tanaka (adding crucial family connection to Mabel’s story), and Demetri Martin, the deadpan comedian voices The Goldfinches with his signature understated humor.
Alan Carr and Amanda Holden, both British television personalities voices Alan the Squirrel and Amanda the Spider respectively, adding international flavor to the ensemble.
Why This Cast Makes Hoppers Special
Disney assembled a cast that balances multiple elements perfectly:
Comedy Credentials: With Moynihan, Villaseñor, Nwodim, Bayer, and Richardson all hailing from SNL and similar comedy institutions, the humor feels sharp and modern without being too adult.Dramatic Weight: Hamm, Streep, and Whitlock bring gravitas when the story needs emotional depth or tension.
Animation Experience: Curda, Najimy, and Purcell understand how voice acting differs from screen acting, bringing technical excellence to their performances.
Fresh Energy: Franco, Abdul-Razzak, and Eduardo Franco represent newer talent that keeps the film feeling current.
Cross-Generational Appeal: From Streep’s prestige to Curda’s Disney Channel cred to the SNL crew’s millennial appeal, there’s something for everyone.
The Technical Challenge
Hoppers‘ premise – body-swapping between humans and animals, creates unique voice acting challenges. Actors need to maintain character consistency while potentially voicing their characters in different forms. Curda especially has to make Mabel feel like Mabel whether she’s human or temporarily hopping into animal bodies.
The ensemble cast also needs chemistry despite likely recording separately (as is standard in animation). The fact that so many cast members come from comedy backgrounds where timing and playing off scene partners is crucial probably helps create that connected feeling even when recorded individually.
Disney’s Animation Legacy Continues
Hoppers represents Disney Animation’s ongoing commitment to original stories with unique premises. Like Zootopia before it, Hoppers uses its animal world to explore themes beyond just “talking animals are cute.” The voice cast elevates that ambition, bringing depth and nuance to what could have been one-note characters.
Having legends like Streep and Hamm alongside comedy powerhouses like Moynihan and Villaseñor, supported by rising talents and animation veterans, creates an ensemble that matches Disney’s animation quality with vocal performances that enhance rather than distract.
Final Thoughts
Hoppers succeeds because Disney understood that a high-concept premise about body-swapping with animals needed a cast that could sell both the comedy and the heart. From Piper Curda’s grounded lead performance to Meryl Streep bringing prestige to insect royalty, from Bobby Moynihan’s lovable King George to Jon Hamm’s authoritative mayor, every voice adds personality to this uniquely animated world.
Whether you’re a fan of SNL comedy, appreciate Oscar-winning talent in animation, or just want to hear what Eduardo Franco sounds like as a character named Loaf, Hoppers delivers. The cast transforms what could have been a gimmicky premise into something genuinely entertaining for all ages.
Disney Animation continues to prove that great animation starts with great voice acting. With a cast this stacked and this committed to the material, Hoppers hops its way into the conversation as one of 2026’s most entertaining animated films.
