When worlds collide, magic happens — and this time, it’s between gaming legend Hideo Kojima and Disney’s beloved world of Zootopia. But here’s where it gets even more surprising: Kojima actually voices a lead character in the Japanese dub of Zootopia 2. Yes, the mastermind behind Death Stranding 2 is stepping into the recording booth — not as a game director, but as a voice actor.
Audiences in Japan, or anyone streaming the Japanese version, will instantly recognize that unmistakable voice among the colorful citizens of Zootopia. Kojima portrays Paul Moledebrandt, a cranky but brilliant mole who runs the Zootopia Police Department’s IT division. In the English release, that same role belongs to Josh Gad — the American actor, comedian, and singer cherished for bringing Olaf, the talkative snowman from Disney’s Frozen, to life. And that’s why fans are already joking that “Kojima is Japan’s Josh Gad.”
According to Famitsu, Zootopia 2 director Jared Bush personally approached Kojima with the offer — an invitation that the creator couldn’t refuse. As he told VGC, “I’ve had my share of cameos in live-action movies and games, but this was my very first time dubbing an animated film. And it’s Disney — the studio behind my favorite animated movie, Zootopia! When Bush himself reached out, I was beyond honored and said yes without a second thought.”
Kojima described his voice-recording session as both exhilarating and illuminating. “I only appeared in a few scenes,” he shared, “but the recording process was incredible from start to finish. Because the animation was already complete, the dubbing flowed naturally. Usually I direct others, but this time I was the performer — and that gave me a new appreciation for how much precision voice actors put into the smallest details, like avoiding paper rustle or mic noise.”
The legendary developer also looked back fondly on the original Zootopia, which he first watched in theaters with one of his children. To him, it represented “a pinnacle of Disney storytelling — a movie where humor, hope, and social commentary blend perfectly, leaving both kids and adults with something meaningful.”
After his behind-the-scenes experience, Kojima admitted he’s confident that the sequel won’t just meet expectations — it might even exceed them. “From what I saw during the recording sessions, I’m convinced this new Zootopia will surpass the original,” he said.
Zootopia 2 premiered in the United States on November 26 and is set to arrive in Japanese theaters on December 5. Early reports show it’s already smashing box-office records overseas — proving that the world is more than ready to return to the city where predators and prey live in harmony…almost.
And here’s a thought that might stir some debate: with Kojima stepping so comfortably into the world of film and animation, could his future hold more collaborations with major studios like Disney? Or might fans prefer he stick to video game storytelling, where his creativity first changed the industry? What do you think — is this crossover a thrilling evolution or a distraction from what he does best?
