Top 10 Most Surprising Disney Voice Acting Performances
#10: Christian Bale as Thomas “Pocahontas” (1995)
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Most people know that Christian Bale is able to morph into anyone, from a killer to a hero to a real-life politician. But were you aware that he transformed into an animated figure for Disney’s “Pocahontas”? Indeed, he’s the one expertly portraying the young and naive Thomas, one of the settlers who’s John Smith’s sidekick of sorts. It’s wild to think that the character’s voice belongs to the man who’s brought Patrick Bateman, Batman, Dick Cheney, and so many others to life. Even wilder is how easy he is to miss. Of course, that’s what Bale does best; he becomes unrecognizable in each project he takes on, and this one is no exception.
#9: Tony Goldwyn as Adult Tarzan “Tarzan” (1999)
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Every Disney fan is familiar with Tarzan. He’s the human who’s adopted by a gorilla named Kala and lives among animals in the jungle. And if you’ve watched “Scandal,” then you’re definitely familiar with Fitz. But how many of us knew that the two are played by the same man? Talk about embodying polar opposites! Tony Goldwyn has proven he has range throughout his career though, and does the Disney hero justice. Tarzan could’ve come across as a caricature in the wrong hands, but the actor makes him a real, multi-dimensional being. He’s not the only celebrity in the beloved 1999 film, either. Jane is voiced by none other than Minnie Driver! Meanwhile, Kala, well, she’s the inimitable Glenn Close! That’s one star-studded cast.
#8: Matthew Broderick as Adult Simba “The Lion King” (1994)
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A wise teen once said: [“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”] We clearly didn’t stop and listen closely enough when we rewatched “The Lion King”, because we did not catch that Ferris Bueller and Simba share an actor! Everyone associates Matthew Broderick with “Ferris Bueller's Day Off,” and for good reason. But it’s time to give him some love for his amazing performance as Simba. The humanity and emotion Broderick lends to the lion are a huge part of what makes him so relatable and lovable. And the actor is in great company. Mr. Bean himself, Rowan Atkinson, is the voice of Zazu. “One Tree Hill” fans might also recognize Nala’s voice as belonging to Moira Kelly, aka Karen Roe! Leave it to Disney to assemble an epic team.
#7: Idris Elba as Chief Bogo “Zootopia” (2016)
Being the Chief of the Zootopia Police Department's 1st Precinct is a big job. Who better than “Luther” and MCU star Idris Elba to take it on? We wouldn’t blame you if this one flew over your head, but in hindsight, the imposing voice should’ve tipped us off! Bogo is kind of close-minded at first, but he learns and evolves. By the end, he supports our protagonist Judy in her endeavors, realizing that she’s a great cop. And this doesn’t get mentioned often enough, but he also makes us laugh on occasion! He’s a deceptively layered character– and Elba understands that, making him tough but not infuriating, funny but never showy, and rigid but far from irredeemable. The actor simply never misses!
#6: Nicole Scherzinger as Sina “Moana” (2016)
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“Don’t Cha” wish your girlfriend was…the voice of Moana’s mom?!?! Okay, so that’s not how the song goes. But considering Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger is Sina, the Chieftess of Motunui in the 2016 animated musical, it now could be! The character is deeply loving, and understands that while there are dangers that come with wandering beyond the reef, she has to let her daughter follow her heart. That’s pretty touching, and she makes her relatively minor role truly memorable. Fun fact: it’s Scherzinger in the film’s Hawaiian-language dub, too. Whether she’s slaying choreography and singing her heart out or thoughtfully portraying a nurturing mom, Scherzinger can always hook us with her microphone.
#5: Emma Thompson as Queen Elinor “Brave” (2012)
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How did we miss this?! The Dame behind such characters as Nanny McPhee, Sybill Trelawney, and Elinor Dashwood is surprisingly also “Brave”’s regal, refined Queen, our protagonist Merida’s mom! The mother-daughter relationship in the 2012 flick is the heart of the story. While the pair start off clashing, that changes after Elinor is turned into a bear. Thompson’s performance is mesmerizing, to the point where you forget that she’s acting. Her poise, humanity, and dignified nature shine through every time she speaks. Though she has limited lines due to the whole becoming an animal thing, the icon makes the most of each moment. Plus, her Scottish accent is impeccable. It’s a role fit for a Queen, and she handles it like one.
#4: Oprah Winfrey as Eudora “The Princess and the Frog” (2009)
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You get a voice acting role! You get a voice acting role! You get the idea! Oprah Winfrey is a bonafide legend in her field. The multi-talented star’s work in the entertainment industry is far-reaching – so far-reaching, in fact, that it includes voice acting. In Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog” she artfully takes on a supporting but special role – that of Tiana’s caring, lovely mom Eudora. As far as Disney parents go, she’s one of the best, letting our protagonist dream while still guiding her. It’s like we can feel Oprah’s wisdom radiating through the screen! Honestly, we shouldn’t be so surprised that it’s her behind the mic – they don’t call her the "Queen of All Media" for nothing!
#3: Demi Moore as Esmeralda “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (1996)
Courageous, warm, selfless – these are all words that can and should be used to describe Esmeralda. She’s no stranger to being persecuted herself, but she never gives up or lets the oppressors win, always treating other outcasts like Quasimodo with grace and kindness. Someone so noble needs a voice actor who’s capable of capturing them in all their glory. We never would’ve guessed it, but it’s Brat Pack member Demi Moore who ended up doing just that. As the heroine’s speaking voice, the “Ghost” actress has the task of telling her story, and making audiences understand her. It goes without saying, but Moore accomplishes that, completely immersing herself in the role. Now, we can’t imagine Esmeralda sounding any other way!
#2: Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Jim Hawkins “Treasure Planet” (2002)
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Joseph Gordon-Levitt keeps winning us over. His turn as Cameron in “10 Things I Hate About You” is adorable. His portrayal of Tom in “(500) Days of Summer” is thoughtful. But we’ve accidentally been overlooking a significant part of his – Jim Hawkins in “Treasure Planet” – because we failed to make the connection! Initially something of a rebel, Jim goes on a glorious adventure that helps him find his path. In Levitt’s hands, it’s hard not to root for him! Even when he’s brooding, we believe in him. Once you place the star’s charming voice, it’s impossible to un-hear. Interestingly, the “3rd Rock from the Sun” actor was also Jiminy Cricket in the 2022 “Pinocchio” remake. Keep putting this man in Disney movies, please! Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Chloë Grace Moretz as Young Penny, “Bolt” (2008) We Have Moretz to Thank for the Adorable 7-Year-Old Penny Zach Braff as Ace "Chicken Little" Cluck, “Chicken Little” (2005) It Feels Like the Sky Is Falling Whenever We Remember That This Actor Was Chicken Little Tate Donovan as Adult Hercules, “Hercules” (1997) Yes, the Man Behind “The O.C.”’s Jimmy Cooper Is Demigod Hercules Willem Dafoe as Gill, “Finding Nemo” (2003) Who Better Than Dafoe to Lead the Tank Gang? John Krasinski as "Frightening" Frank McCay, “Monsters University” (2013) Jim Halpert Is That You?!
#1: Joaquin Phoenix as Kenai “Brother Bear” (2003)
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When thinking of actors they associate with Disney, Joaquin Phoenix isn’t the first (or fifth) name that pops into most peoples’ heads. But that’s just because folks don’t know what he’s accomplished behind the mic! The actor, famous for films like “Walk the Line”, “Her,” and of course, “Joker,” was Kenai in “Brother Bear.” As far as protagonists go, this is one who has to go through a lot of emotional growth, which isn’t easy to convey through voice acting. But Phoenix is immensely talented and more than pulls it off, treating each stage of Kenai’s complex journey with care. To say he does a bear-y excellent job would be a vast understatement.
