By Kathia Woods | Special to The OBSERVER
Disney’s latest animated feature, Hoppers, arrives with considerable anticipation, and for good reason. Released in theaters on March 6, the story centers on young Mabel Tanaka, who spends time with her grandmother in a local forest glade in Beaverton, where she observes various untamed animals, including a beaver colony.
Mabel, motivated by her grandmother, develops a profound affection for the natural world. Years later, Jerry Generazzo (Jon Hamm), the mayor of Beaverton, announces plans to replace the glade with a freeway, claiming that the animals have all departed. Now, 19-years-old, Mabel actively campaigns against him. She tries to enlist the support of the local community by circulating a petition; however, her efforts are unsuccessful. Dr. Samantha “Sam” Fairfax (Kathy Najimy), her biology professor, is increasingly frustrated by Mabel’s disengagement from her college studies, stemming from her commitment to activism, sets the film up to some interesting twist as Mabel and company attempt to save the glade.
Ahead of the film’s release, The OBSERVER sat down with members of the cast to discuss the project, the characters they inhabit, and the story at the heart of it all.
Sam Richardson is the voice of Connor, a grad student working under Dr. Fairfax. Richardson shared what it was like to be a part of this fun film.
“To get to play a character who’s embodying another being was like a hat on a hat in a good way,” he said. “I had a good time and I can’t wait for people to get to experience it on the big screen.”
Another comedic veteran, Ego Nwodim, makes her presence known in Hoppers. Viewers get to see Nwodim do what she does best, which is bring the funny as the very present Fish Queen. The Fish Queen is among the many leaders of the animal hive that get to decide on the future of the forest glade. The Saturday Night alum shared what it was like to take on the character.
“The fish queen is boisterous, stern, and formidable” and often makes the entire Animal Council wait mid-speech with a “dramatic pause while she goes down for water,” Nwodim shared on Jimmy Kimmel.
Leading this barrage of madness is Piper Curda as Mabel. Mabel, a fervent animal lover who fervently pursues her heart, is impassioned about the well-being of all creatures, regardless of their size. One of the best scenes in Hoppers is between Mabel and Jerry (Jon Hamm). Curda reflects on their tense relationship.
“It’s so much fun. It’s very liberating. When you play a character like that, the parameters seem quite limited. And, you know, Daniel Chong, the filmmaker, was really wonderful at giving me some leeway but yet staying true to his vision and the concepts he had for the character. But it’s really cool. It’s so much fun,” the actress shares.
Bobby Moynihan is the lovable King George. He is the heart of the film. He shared what young people can take away from him.
“You can continue to love and help someone. I believe that is also significant. But I believe something about King George is that he is extremely hopeful, but he also learns from Mabel how to take action and how to—it’s easy to be a pushover.”
It is also important to note that the late Isiah Whitlock Jr. is in Hoppers as the Bird King. The film is one of the last pieces of work by the actor.
“That we made him say, ‘Flap around and find out,’” producer Nicole Paradis Grindle said of his trademark lines for the film. “I wish that he could have seen how people will respond to that.”
Director Daniel Chong also spoke on working with the late actor, “He loved that line so much working on the film.”
Hoppers stands out as a unique animated feature, featuring a young, unconventional heroine. At its core, it teaches audiences that kindness isn’t always easy, forgiveness doesn’t equate to forgetting, and understanding through compromise can be very rewarding.