Animated films hold a unique place in cinema wherein visual artistry combines with a compelling storyline to create a timeless experience for audiences of all ages. Studios like Pixar and Disney have consistently delivered unforgettable characters and worlds, from the enchanting magic of Toy Story (1995) to the emotional depth of Inside Out (2015). Skydance Animation has recently entered the industry, breaking out with Luck in 2022, and their highly anticipated musical Spellbound has just released on Netflix.
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In animation, the final product audiences see hides a complex creative process. Voice acting plays a pivotal role in breathing life into animated characters, to the point that it's often hard to imagine someone else voicing a beloved character. But the voice-casting process is relatively fluid. Characters take shape over several years, and as a project progresses, studios can sometimes make significant changes to the cast, since re-recording lines is much easier than reshooting live-action scenes. John Lithgow, as it turns out, knows this all too well.
John Lithgow Reveals He Was Replaced in Two Major Animated Films
But On Spellbound, He Had The Opposite Experience
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Lithgow has shed some light on this process by opening up about his experiences in animation as Spellbound hits streaming. Directed by Vicky Jenson (Shrek), the film explores the magical story of Princess Ellian, voiced by Rachel Zegler, who embarks on a quest to break a powerful spell threatening to divide her kingdom. Lithgow voices Minister Bolinar, a character initially envisioned as a smaller role, but one that grew significantly during the movie’s development.
In an exclusive interview with Screen Rant about his work on Spellbound, Lithgow shared candid details about both the triumphs and disappointments he has faced in his voice-acting career. A seasoned actor in both live-action and animation, he praised the creative process behind the Skydance film, emphasizing how much his character has evolved over the years. Yet, despite his excitement, the actor admitted that long gaps in production led to doubts about whether his voice would remain in the final cut. Here's what he had to say:
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Little did I know that in the course of those two or three years that I worked on [Spellbound], bit by bit they responded to what I brought to the project, virtually doubled the role, and invented this wonderful plot twist... [I] get to sing my own song. The experience got better and better as it went along.
It was so damn exciting and flattering, and I have to tell you, it had been so long since they had called me in at all that I thought they had probably replaced my character with somebody else's voice. That's happened to me a couple of times.
Lithgow's fear stemmed from past experience, having been replaced after recording full performances for two major animated movies. The actor reflected on the uncertainty that often accompanies voice work in animated projects:
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It happens all the time because voices are fungible. They can change them anytime they want. Famously, Shrek originally was not Mike Myers. Actually, it was Chris Farley who, God rest his soul, passed away [and] couldn't complete the project. Mike Myers voiced his entire role, and then they decided that Shrek should have a faint Scottish accent, and so he voiced it all again. That's what they do.
I could, but I won’t, tell you two major animated films in which I recorded the entire role and only then found out they decided it wasn't quite right and replaced me with two other actors. I'll give you a hint. The actors were James Woods and Jeffrey Wright. I fully accept they thought the change was necessary, so I sucked it up and walked off with my tail between my legs, and I've never confessed it to anybody in public.
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Lithgow Was Almost The Voice Of Hades In Disney's Hercules
And Jeffrey Wright Replaced Him In A More Recent Pixar Movie
Though he declines to name them, the films he's referencing aren't too hard to identify. Lithgow was originally set to voice Hades in Disney's Hercules (1997), ultimately played by James Woods, and despite his comments, this isn’t the first time he has mentioned this experience – he previously acknowledged the casting change while promoting Shrek (WFAA). An animation demo featuring some of his recordings has even surfaced online.
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Lithgow was also among the original cast announced for 2015's The Good Dinosaur, but when the film released, the role of Poppa was voiced by Jeffrey Wright. His was one of several roles recast as part of a significant story overhaul, which changed the age of the central character.
Lithgow’s candid revelations shed light on how animation’s lengthy development cycles impact even the most accomplished actors. While it’s clear that his experiences on Hercules and The Good Dinosaur were disappointing, his ability to “suck it up” reflects a deep appreciation for the animation industry. Fortunately, Spellbound seems to have been a more fulfilling experience. Working in animation is clearly unpredictable, but Lithgow's story demonstrates the rewards of sticking with a project through its ups and downs.
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5/10
Spellbound
PG
Animation
Comedy
Fantasy
Musical
Spellbound, directed by Vicky Jenson, follows Princess Ellian on her adventurous quest to rescue her family and kingdom. As a mysterious spell transforms her parents into monsters, Ellian must navigate this perilous journey to restore the King and Queen of Lumbria.
- Director
- Vicky Jenson
- Release Date
- November 22, 2024
- Studio(s)
- Skydance Animation
- Writers
- Vicky Jenson , Lauren Hynek , Elizabeth Martin
- Cast
- Rachel Zegler , Miguel Bernardeau , Giovanna Bush , Dennis Stowe , Jenifer Lewis , Dee Bradley Baker , Susan Fitzer , Nicole Kidman , Javier Bardem , John Lithgow , Olga Merediz , Rich Moore , Nathan Lane , Tituss Burgess , John Ratzenberger , Vicky Jenson , Angela Grovey , Jessica Molaskey , Isabelle McCalla
- Character(s)
- Princess Ellian , Chilo , Orsola , Lumbrian Soldier , Nazara , Flink Dee , Old Maid , Queen Ellsmere , King Solon , Bolinar , The General , The Postmaster , Luno - Oracle of the Moon , Sunny - Oracle of the Sun , Milo The Monster Handler , Old Blue-Haired Woman , Lumbrian Citizen
- Runtime
- 109 Minutes
- Main Genre
- Animation
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