Zootopia2: Shimono Hiro Cast as New Character Gary the Snake! Long-Cherished First Disney Appearance, Says ‘My Dream Has Come True!’

Shimono Hiro Joins Zootopia 2 as Gary the Snake! His Long-Awaited First Disney Participation: “Dreams Really Do Come True!”

Disney Animation Studios’ latest film, Zootopia 2, is set to hit theaters on December 5, 2025. It has just been revealed that voice actor Shimono Hiro will be portraying the new character, Gary the snake, in this highly anticipated sequel. The announcement was made during a surprise event on October 15, 2025, marking Shimono-san’s long-cherished dream of participating in a Disney production for the very first time.

Disney Animation Studios’ latest film, Zootopia 2, is set to hit theaters on December 5, 2025. It has just been revealed that voice actor Shimono Hiro will be portraying the new character, Gary the snake, in this highly anticipated sequel. The announcement was made during a surprise event on October 15, 2025, marking Shimono-san’s long-cherished dream of participating in a Disney production for the very first time.

The original film, Zootopia, released in 2016, captivated audiences with its dramatic and mysterious narrative, unique and diverse characters, and a profound message that resonated deeply with modern society. Set in a vibrant metropolis where animals live and thrive like humans, it explored a paradise where anyone could be anything.

This groundbreaking Disney Animation feature was the first since Frozen to surpass a global box office of over 1 billion USD (equivalent to 151.1 billion JPY at a rate of 151.1 JPY per USD as of October 15). In Japan, it became a massive social phenomenon, raking in over 7.6 billion JPY. Even now, Zootopia maintains its status as one of Disney Animation’s highest-rated films across various review sites, a testament to its enduring popularity and critical acclaim.

For the eagerly anticipated sequel, Zootopia 2, the beloved cast from the first film will be returning. Ueto Aya will reprise her role as Judy, the ever-optimistic and diligent rabbit police officer, while Morikawa Tomoyuki returns as Nick, the sarcastic yet kind-hearted fox companion. The excitement doesn’t stop there, as a stellar lineup of other voice actors has also been announced to return: Miyake Kenta as Chief Bogo, the water buffalo police chief of Zootopia; Takahashi Shigeo (Savanna) as Clawhauser, the cheerful cheetah receptionist at the police station; Dream Ami as Gazelle, Zootopia’s popular and talented pop star; and Yamaji Kazuhiro as Mr. Big, the head of a limousine company and the notorious crime boss of Tundra Town.

Leading up to the release, a surprise event was held on October 15th, a ‘Day of the Snake’ in the ‘Year of the Snake,’ to unveil the Japanese voice actor for Gary the snake – a new character joining Zootopia and holding the key to the city’s biggest mystery. Amidst a crowd of enthusiastic fans, voice actor Shimono Hiro made his appearance, with Morikawa Tomoyuki also rushing in to offer his congratulations.

The vibrant Tokyo neighborhood of Ikebukuro, a true mecca for pop culture, served as the stage for this new character’s grand reveal. Fans gathered under the guise of a ‘Shimono Hiro Secret Event,’ eagerly awaiting what was to come. Suddenly, cheerful music filled the air as a mysterious giant truck opened up, revealing Shimono-san and Morikawa-san. Shimono-san’s immediate call-and-response with the audience instantly ignited a lively atmosphere, setting the stage for an unforgettable announcement.

Morikawa-san, who had rushed to attend Shimono-san’s surprise announcement, offered a hint about the surprise by delivering a certain memorable line: ‘There, there, I’ll really do my best now.’ This iconic quote belongs to the beloved character Nick the fox, whom Morikawa-san voiced in the original Zootopia back in 2016. Following this, Shimono-san, with a radiant smile, declared, ‘I have been cast as a voice actor in that work I’ve always dreamed of being a part of!’ Together, both voice actors unveiled the truck, revealing the words: ‘Zootopia 2 Gary’s Japanese Voice Actor Decided!’ Shimono-san then made the big surprise announcement to the gathered fans: ‘I have been chosen as the Japanese voice actor for Gary the snake, a new character in the Disney Animation film Zootopia 2! Please cheer me on!’ A storm of ‘Congratulations!’ erupted from the delighted fans, accompanied by thunderous applause.

Morikawa-san, welcoming Shimono-san’s arrival into the Zootopia family with a warm smile, offered his congratulations, saying, ‘Welcome to Zootopia!’ As he reprises his role as the ‘too cool and handsome’ Nick, a character who charmed countless fans in the previous film, Morikawa-san took a moment to reflect on the original movie’s appeal: ‘Zootopia, where diverse animals live together, is truly captivating! It’s a city where anyone can be anything, where dreams come true. And the chaotic yet heartwarming bond between Judy the rabbit and Nick the fox makes it a truly wonderful work.’ When the MC playfully suggested their relationship was ‘more than friends, less than lovers,’ Morikawa-san heartily agreed, exclaiming, ‘That’s exactly what makes fans go “Wooooow!!!”‘ Shimono-san seemed to deeply resonate with this sentiment as well.

Shimono-san, who confessed to enjoying the first film as a regular audience member, also spoke enthusiastically about its charms: ‘It’s not just about a variety of animals appearing and being funny; it’s about Nick and Judy, each carrying their own burdens, pushing each other to grow and cooperating to solve cases. And other animals get involved in that process.’ He continued thoughtfully, ‘Because Judy and Nick trust each other so deeply, various animals come to their aid. The way more and more companions join them is another wonderful aspect of Zootopia, I believe.’

Shimono-san, known for portraying numerous popular characters such as Agatsuma Zenitsu in Kimetsu no Yaiba and Dabi in Boku no Hero Academia, secured this role after a rigorous audition process at the US headquarters, marking his first-ever participation in a Disney production. He revealed that joining a Disney film had been a long-held aspiration: ‘I think every voice actor dreams of being involved in a Disney Animation dub. I’ve always yearned to appear in one someday, but my admiration was so immense that it felt like a distant, unattainable dream,’ he confessed with heartfelt honesty.

However, he shared a precious, fateful encounter he had in America some time ago, when he unexpectedly met the renowned Disney animator, Glen Keane. Shimono-san, who happened to be at a restaurant to enjoy his favorite karaage, found himself coincidentally sitting near Keane-san. He recalled how Keane-san drew an illustration of Ariel from The Little Mermaid by hand on the back of his receipt.

‘We happened to be sitting next to each other, and I greeted him,’ Shimono-san recounted with delight. ‘When I mentioned I was a voice actor from Japan, he jokingly said, “You should appear in one someday!” I replied, “If I get the chance!” Then, he smoothly sketched the Ariel illustration for me. And it even said “TO HIRO” clearly! I’ve treasured it ever since.’ Shimono-san then expressed his profound joy, ‘After receiving this, I harbored the dream of “someday becoming a voice actor for Disney Animation!” And for that to come true with Zootopia of all things! My dream has truly come to fruition!’

The character Shimono-san will portray, Gary, is a snake who mysteriously appears in Zootopia, a city supposedly inhabited only by mammals. He’s a wanted criminal holding the key to Zootopia’s greatest secret, possessing a terrifying venom, yet his personality is cheerfully talkative, making him a character brimming with enigmatic charm. Judy, now more dedicated than ever in her role as Zootopia’s first rabbit police officer, and Nick, who has successfully graduated from the police academy to become an officer himself, will embark on a quest to unravel the colossal mystery behind Zootopia’s very creation, spurred by Gary’s sudden appearance in the city.

Regarding the highlights of this new film, Morikawa-san passionately explained, ‘Those who have seen the first Zootopia know that reptiles weren’t present. Yet, this time, Gary is a reptile. Isn’t that a mystery in itself?! This film will see Nick and Judy pursuing the secret of Zootopia’s very origin. They’re really going to tackle a massive mystery!’ Shimono-san, on the other hand, prefaced his remarks with a chuckle, ‘I’ve only gone through the audition, so I don’t know much about the film yet!’ However, relating it to his character, he mused, ‘Gary is a wanted criminal, but from what I’ve seen, he doesn’t seem overtly malicious.’ He also touched upon a funny commonality with his character, gleefully sharing, ‘If you look closely, Gary has only one fang protruding, and I also have a snaggletooth! So I’m guessing he might be just like me!’ Morikawa-san chimed in with a laugh, ‘Now that you mention it, he does look just like you!’ It leaves us wondering what kind of synergy will emerge with the addition of Shimono-san’s new character, Gary, to Judy and Nick’s story, and what the colossal mystery of Zootopia they uncover will be.

Finally, to celebrate Gary’s entry into the Zootopia crew, Morikawa-san presented Shimono-san with a bouquet of flowers and a script, both inspired by Gary the snake. ‘Welcome to Zootopia!! Please do your best playing Gary!’ Morikawa-san encouraged. Shimono-san responded with a smile, ‘I’m already getting nervous on my own! I’ll do my absolute best!’ Addressing the fans gathered at the venue, Morikawa-san passionately urged, ‘Since Zootopia was released 10 years ago, Nick and Judy’s partnership has been warmed and nurtured by all of you. Thanks to your unwavering support, Zootopia 2 is now being produced and is set for release on December 5th! Please, enjoy watching both Zootopia and Zootopia 2 back-to-back!’

Shimono-san reiterated his gratitude, stating, ‘I never thought the day would come when I could appear in a Disney Animation film, and I am truly overjoyed to be entrusted with such a significant role as Gary, a key character in Zootopia 2. While drawing strength from Morikawa-san, the entire cast, and the staff, I promise to give my all in my performance! I will do my best to bring this wonderful character to life!’ Warm wishes of ‘Congratulations!’ and ‘Thank you!’ filled the venue, bringing the event to a heartfelt close.

Disney Animation Studios’ latest masterpiece, Zootopia 2, is slated for theatrical release on December 5, 2025. With a continuous unveiling of its splendid Japanese voice cast, anticipation for the film is soaring to new heights.

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Nakase Koutarou