John Lithgow has bared his concerns regarding his role in a new animated movie on Netflix. This unease stems from his past experiences of being recast in two major Disney and Pixar animated flicks after recording the entire role.
Lithgow, a two-time Oscar nominee renowned for live-action roles like in “Third Rock from the Sun” and “Footloose,” has also had a significant foray into voice acting. He’s lent his voice to numerous characters in various projects, including “Rugrats in Paris,” “Shrek,” and more.
The Recasting Incidents
He was replaced in two notable animated movies. Although he didn’t name them outright, hints suggest they were Disney’s “Hercules” (where he was initially set to voice Hades, later played by James Woods) and Pixar’s “The Good Dinosaur” (where his role was recast to Jeffrey Wright). Such changes in the animation world aren’t unheard of, as seen with Pixar’s upcoming “Elio” also undergoing significant alterations.
His New Netflix Movie: “Spellbound”
His new Netflix movie, “Spellbound” directed by Vicky Jenson, features him as Minister Bolinar. Despite initially being excited about the role and how it developed over the years, long production gaps made him fret that history might repeat itself. However, he did praise the creative process behind “Spellbound.”
The Significance of His Revelations
Lithgow’s revelations highlight how animation’s long development cycles can affect even veteran actors. While the recastings in “Hercules” and “The Good Dinosaur” were disheartening, his ability to accept it shows his respect for the industry. Thankfully, “Spellbound” appears to have been a more satisfying experience, underlining that perseverance in the unpredictable world of animation can yield rewards.
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