In a recent interview, Jason Bateman shared his thoughts on the unexpected fan fascination with his animated character, Nick Wilde, from Disney’s Zootopia. During a promotional event for the upcoming sequel, Zootopia 2, Bateman was asked about the character’s appeal, especially among certain fans who express their admiration on platforms like Reddit.
Bateman, who voices the clever fox, acknowledged the phenomenon with a blend of surprise and pride. “Nick Wilde has a Reddit thread full of people debating whether he’s hot or not,” he stated, confirming the existence of such discussions. He noted that his daughters had informed him of this trend, adding, “It’s very weird. I guess it’s flattering.”
Understanding the Appeal of Nick Wilde
When prompted by interviewer Ginnifer Goodwin, who voices Judy Hopps, about the nature of this attraction, Bateman questioned what exactly makes the character appealing. “Where did it come from though? Are they saying the fox itself is handsome?” he wondered. Goodwin elaborated that it is a combination of Nick’s “attitude, the voice, and the eyes,” to which Bateman responded with a smirk, acknowledging the sentiment.
The discussion turned to the popular fan pairing of Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps, known as WildeHopps. This concept involves fans imagining a romantic relationship between the two characters, despite it not being part of the official storyline. Goodwin expressed her mixed feelings about the ship, saying, “I’m not sure how I feel about it. It’s very confusing for me,” and added a light-hearted tone to the conversation.
The phenomenon of fans developing attachments to animated characters is not new. Nick and Judy join a long list of anthropomorphic figures who have captured the hearts of viewers worldwide. As animated films continue to explore complex themes, the emotional connections that audiences form with these characters can lead to unexpected fandoms.
Anticipation for Zootopia 2
The remarks come as excitement builds for Zootopia 2, which reunites Bateman and Goodwin in their beloved roles. The sequel aims to capture the charm and humor of the original, which won an Academy Award in 2016. The film is set to feature a sprawling voice cast, including Idris Elba, Quinta Brunson, and Ke Huy Quan.
As Disney prepares to release the sequel, fans are eagerly awaiting how the story will develop the relationship between Nick and Judy. The continued interest in their dynamic illustrates the lasting impact of the first film and the cultural significance of its characters.
Both Bateman and Goodwin are clearly aware of the complexities of their characters’ relationships, both with each other and among the fan community. As they step back into these roles, they do so with a mix of enthusiasm and curiosity about the interpretations fans have crafted around them.
The conversation surrounding animated characters and their relationships showcases not only the creativity of fans but also the evolving landscape of animated storytelling. As Zootopia 2 approaches its release date, it promises to once again ignite discussions about love, partnership, and the whimsical world of anthropomorphic animals.
