Zootopia2: Yamada Ryousuke Makes Disney Debut as Ikemen Heir Lynx Paubaato!

Yamada Ryousuke Joins “Zootopia 2” as the Voice of the Handsome Bobcat, Paubart!

Disney Animation Studios’ latest film, `Zootopia 2`, is set to premiere in theaters on December 5, 2025. It has been revealed that Yamada Ryousuke will join the cast as the Japanese voice actor for the handsome bobcat heir, Paubart. This marks Yamada-san’s first participation in a Disney production.

The Phenomenal Success of the First “Zootopia”

Released in 2016, the original `Zootopia` became a social phenomenon. Set in the vibrant metropolis of Zootopia, a paradise where animals live like humans and anyone can be anything, the film captivated audiences with its dramatic and mysterious story, unique and diverse characters, and profound messages relevant to modern society. It was praised for being “fluffy yet deep.”

As a Disney Animation film, it was the first since `Frozen` to surpass 1 billion dollars in global box office revenue, equivalent to 151.9 billion Japanese Yen (calculated at 151.9 yen per dollar as of October 29). In Japan, it was a massive hit, grossing over 7.6 billion Yen. To this day, it maintains the highest ratings among Disney Animation films on various movie review sites, solidifying its reputation and popularity.

“Zootopia 2” Plot Details and New Characters

In the highly anticipated sequel, `Zootopia 2`, the diligent rabbit and first-ever police officer Judy Hopps, along with the cynical but kind-hearted fox Nick Wilde, tackle various cases as an investigative duo. One day, a snake appears in the city for the first time in 100 years, leading to the revelation of a surprising secret hidden behind Zootopia’s very creation. What is the goal of the mysterious snake, Gary? And why did his kind disappear? Facing Zootopia’s greatest mystery, the bond between the contrasting Judy and Nick will be put to the ultimate test.

The cast for the Japanese dub sees the return of many beloved voices from the previous film, including Ueto Aya, Morikawa Toshiyuki, Miyake Kenta, Takahashi Shigeo (Savanna), Dream Ami, and Yamaji Kazuhiro. Furthermore, the announcement of Shimo Hiro as the voice of Gary, a cheerful and talkative snake and wanted criminal, generated significant buzz. Recently, the Japanese trailer was unveiled, drawing attention to the voices of the new characters other than Gary, whose identity remains a secret. Following this, it has now been confirmed that Yamada Ryousuke will portray Paubart, the new bobcat character.

The Ideal Voice for Paubart: Yamada Ryousuke’s Casting

The role of Paubart, the gentle and sociable bobcat heir from Zootopia’s founding family, required a voice that conveyed both kindness and dignity, soft yet resonating. Moreover, the actor needed the skill to express complex and delicate inner emotions, as Paubart, despite being born into a conservative family, empathizes with Judy’s ideals and secretly harbors a passionate desire to “make the world a better place,” leading him to assist in the investigation.

Yamada-san’s exceptional acting prowess, combined with a voice that is both warm and encompassing yet possesses an underlying strength and refined elegance, perfectly matched the qualities sought for Paubart. He successfully navigated the rigorous audition process held by the US headquarters to secure this pivotal role.

The US headquarters lauded Yamada-san, stating, “Paubart attracts people with his endearing clumsiness and playful charm, always exuding a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere. However, as the story progresses, his inner conflicts begin to surface, and this delicate development is surprisingly compelling and overwhelming to watch. He fits perfectly into the dramatic story, masterfully embodying the essence of the character.”

Furthermore, Kajiya Isao, the director of the Japanese dub, expressed his admiration for Yamada-san’s performance: “Yamada-san delicately and precisely portrayed Paubart, a character who, despite growing up in a glamorous and privileged environment, appears cheerful but is actually naive and struggles to express his true feelings.” Kajiya-san recalled the recording sessions, adding, “Yamada-san always seemed cool and effortlessly met the role’s demands, but I believe this is a result of his keen sensibility towards character creation and his passion for expression. He has created a charming Paubart who shows a variety of expressions, sometimes humorous, sometimes serious!” He wholeheartedly endorsed Yamada-san’s performance.

Yamada Ryousuke’s Enthusiasm for “Zootopia 2”

This marks Yamada-san’s first venture into a Disney production. He revealed that he enjoyed the previous `Zootopia` as a regular audience member, so upon receiving this casting decision, his biggest feeling was, “I never imagined the day would come when I would enter this world myself!” Having grown up with Disney films, watching almost every one, he expressed his enthusiasm for joining the project: “I’m incredibly happy about this, so I’m putting all my effort into it!”

When asked about the appeal of `Zootopia`, he commented, “Each character is set up with a distinct personality, depicting the lives of animals who live like humans. The charm isn’t just in their cuteness; it’s also in how deeply the characters are explored.” Regarding Judy and Nick’s bond, he said, “While there might be moments that make you nervous for Judy and Nick, there’s also a sense of reassurance that ‘these two will somehow manage,’ making them characters you want to cheer for.” He spoke about the unique charm of their companionship as they tackle Zootopia’s greatest mystery, which surpasses that of the previous film.

Yamada-san described his character, Paubart, as “simply put, a handsome bobcat heir (laughs).” He added, “He carries a certain burden, but through his encounter with Judy, their ways of thinking align, and he ends up cooperating with the investigation.” Thus, Paubart is set to be a “crucial character” entwined with Zootopia’s mysteries.

Reflecting on the long-awaited voice recording session, he stated, “Paubart’s charm lies in not showing his worries too much, maintaining a calm and dignified demeanor befitting an heir, so I was conscious of balancing those aspects. He also has an innocent side, and I carefully tried to find the expressions and vocal nuances he would show in fleeting moments.” He emphasized his dedicated approach to portraying the character. To those eagerly awaiting the film, he shared a message: “In `Zootopia 2`, the untold story of Zootopia’s creation will finally be revealed. I hope you’ll also pay attention to Judy and Nick’s bright and charming interactions. Please come and visit the theater!”

Anticipation Builds for “Zootopia 2”

Disney Animation Studios’ latest film, `Zootopia 2`, is scheduled for theatrical release on December 5, 2025. With the appearance of the handsome bobcat heir, Paubart, voiced by Yamada Ryousuke, how will Judy and Nick’s companionship story unfold? And what is Zootopia’s greatest secret that will be revealed? Expectations are soaring for `Zootopia 2`, which promises an overwhelming scale far surpassing the previous film, diverse characters, and a story full of intriguing mysteries.

“Zootopia 2” Production Details

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