Hideo Kojima, the legendary video game creator, joins the cast of the Japanese dub of Zootopia 2. According to a magazine, he will make a cameo appearance as Paul Moldebrandt, aka Mole, marking his first-ever voice role in an animated feature. Consequently, fans are excited to see his debut.

Invitation From Disney

Jared Bush, director of Zootopia 2 and Chief Creative Officer of Disney Animation Studios, personally invited Kojima to join the project. Moreover, Kojima accepted enthusiastically, describing the opportunity as an honor. “It came directly from Jared Bush, so I accepted without hesitation,” he said.

A First for Kojima

Kojima is known for cameos in live-action films and video games, yet this was his first animated movie recording. Additionally, he expressed excitement about working on a sequel to one of his favorite Disney films. “The illustrations made recording smooth, and I learned how much attention voice actors give to small details,” he explained.

Although his role is brief, it carries meaning. “I only took part in a small scene, but the level of detail impressed me. Acting gave me a new appreciation for voice actors and their craft,” he added. Meanwhile, he looks forward to seeing the final product.

Anticipating the Japanese Release

Zootopia 2 recently achieved the biggest worldwide opening of 2025, earning over $560 million globally. Critics and audiences have praised the sequel as a worthy follow-up to the original Zootopia.

The Japanese version will premiere on December 5. Kojima shared that he plans to watch it with his children. He reflected on the original film’s mix of humor and social themes. “The original left the theatre with hope. I wondered if the sequel could surpass it. During recording, I felt confident this Zootopia would become a new pinnacle,” he said.

Kojima: From Games to Animation

Fans recognize Kojima as a visionary game creator, but he also loves movies. This cameo allows him to step into animation, combining his passion for storytelling with new creative challenges.

Moreover, it demonstrates his versatility and willingness to explore new mediums. Kojima’s appearance in Zootopia 2 highlights his adaptability and marks an exciting voice-acting debut for the legendary creator.