Cartoons, either movies or TV shows, always get to us. It’s the cool animation, touching stories, and, yeah, those voices we can’t forget. But guess what? Some super famous actors you wouldn’t even think of have been the voices of some of your most beloved cartoon characters! Lots of voice actors work without getting much attention, but sometimes, big Hollywood names jump in to do the job. So, let’s check out seven surprising celebrities who’ve voiced famous cartoon characters. Bet you didn’t know about some of these!
7. Scarlett Johansson—Kaa (The Jungle Book, 2016)
Okay, so we all dig Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow, right? But did you catch her as Kaa in the 2016 Jungle Book? That’s where it gets interesting. She’s the voice of Kaa, the snake who can put Mowgli in a trance. Now, get this: Kaa was a dude in the old cartoon, but Scarlett made the character this sly, bewitching lady snake. Her deep, sultry voice? Spot on for a villain. It just proves she’s got some serious range.
6. Vin Diesel – The Iron Giant 1999
Long before Vin Diesel was grunting I am Groot in Guardians of the Galaxy, he gave voice to another much-loved, man-of-few-words guy: The Iron Giant. Yup, in that 1999 flick that everyone adores, Diesel played the part of the metal giant that everyone got wrong, who becomes pals with a kid. With hardly any speaking, Diesel showed feelings, innocence and ended up being a hero, winning over everyone watching. People still love that role even after 20 years, and many fans can’t believe it was actually Diesel doing the voice.
5. Christian Bale – Thomas (Pocahontas, 1995)
Before he ever slipped into the Batman suit or held an Oscar, Christian Bale actually voiced a character in Disney’s Pocahontas. He was Thomas, John Smith’s excited young pal who came over from England. Thomas wasn’t the main player, sure, but Bale did a great job making him feel real. It was one of the first times many Americans heard Bale, and it goes to show he’s always known how to bring even minor characters to life.
4. Angelina Jolie—Master Tigress (Kung Fu Panda Series)
Master Tigress in Kung Fu Panda is seriously one of the coolest cartoon characters out there, right? And guess what? Angelina Jolie does her voice! You know how Jolie always rocks those action movies? Well, she brought that same awesome vibe to Tigress. This character is strong, sticks by her friends, and is a total pro at Kung Fu. Jolie totally nails it, giving Tigress that boss-like attitude that makes her lead the Furious Five. It’s almost hard to remember that such a famous cartoon voice is actually a huge movie star.
3. Liam Neeson—Aslan (The Chronicles of Narnia Series)
Liam Neeson killed it as Aslan in the Narnia flicks, didn’t he? Even though Aslan was all CGI, Neeson’s voice brought him to life. That deep, soothing voice? Perfect for a wise, strong character who’s all about protecting others and doing what’s right. It’s wild because Neeson’s usually the tough guy in movies like Taken, but he totally nailed playing this good dude, Aslan. Shows how versatile he is, really.
2. Mila Kunis—Meg Griffin (Family Guy)
You probably know Mila Kunis from That ’70s Show or Black Swan, but guess what? She’s also been the voice of Meg Griffin on Family Guy since 1999! Even though Meg’s the butt of many jokes on the show, Mila gives her a special voice and makes her kind of likeable. Lacey Chabert did Meg’s voice in the first season, but Kunis took over when she was only 15 and has been Meg ever since. Her sarcastic way of talking fits right in with Seth MacFarlane’s crazy cartoon world.
1. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson – Maui (Moana, 2016)
So, everyone knows Dwayne The Rock Johnson from his wrestling career and those big action movies. But he really nailed it as Maui in Moana, bringing to life one of Disney’s coolest demigods. Johnson’s big personality and great voice made Maui both funny and lovable. Remember You’re Welcome? That song blew up! It showed how well he could sing and how funny he could be. Johnson just has that thing about him that worked so well in animation, making Maui a hit with everyone.
Also Read…. Why Indian Animation Industry Is Still Light Years Behind; A Global Comparison
Wrapping Up
You probably know these stars from movies and TV, but get this: their voice acting chops are just as amazing, if not better. They’ve brought to life some seriously iconic cartoon characters, the kind that stick with you because they’re funny, heartwarming, and totally one-of-a-kind. So, next time you’re watching cartoons, listen closely. The voices might surprise you. Truth is, when it comes to animated characters, the voice work “is” the real magic.
Written by Nidhi Singh