Disney Animation Studios' latest blockbuster, "Zootopia 2," has been raking in impressive box office numbers worldwide since its recent global release, hitting Japanese theaters on December 5th.
Aya Ueto, who once again lends her voice to the Japanese dub of police officer Judy Hopps, recently attended a promotional event for "Zootopia 2." She dished on what it was like to step back into the role after a nine-year hiatus and shared some behind-the-scenes secrets about her voice acting prep.
Ueto, reprising her role as the Japanese voice of Judy Hopps after nine years, shared her excitement: "I was so happy to be asked back! The story actually picks up just a week after the first film, so I made a conscious effort to ensure audiences wouldn't feel that 'nine-year gap.' Honestly, I'd forgotten some of the nuances, so I approached it with the mindset of 'rebuilding Judy's voice from scratch.'"
However, the most direct feedback during her home practice sessions came from an unexpected source: her own daughter.
Ueto laughed, "My daughter is super strict! (laughs) If I tried practicing even just a line or two at home, she'd immediately say, 'Mom, that's not right! That's Mom's voice, not Judy's!' She shot me down so many times, she was so strict I almost wanted to bring her into the recording studio with me!"
Speaking about the character of Judy, Ueto said, "Her relentless dedication just makes you want to cheer her on. Sometimes she messes up a little, but she has her own unique style, always looking forward and charging ahead with all her might. That's what's most captivating about Judy."
When asked about her favorite character besides Judy, Ueto didn't hesitate: "I absolutely love Flash! You know, the sloth who worked at the DMV in the first movie. When he first appeared in the original, everyone, both in Japan and overseas, burst out laughing. But in this movie, he makes a 'cool' entrance, so cool he almost steals the show! I'm so jealous (laughs). I think he has a huge fanbase."
While Aya Ueto isn't a professional voice actress, it's clear she put a lot of effort into her role, even getting hilariously roasted by her daughter! While the Japanese dub might not be available everywhere, if you ever get the chance, it's definitely worth checking out Aya Ueto's take on Judy Hopps!
via： Oricon news