Academy Award winner Ke Huy Quan slithers into the world of Zootopia 2 as Gary De’Snake, a sweet-natured (and very venomous) blue pit viper whose arrival sends the bustling metropolis into a hilarious panic. The highly anticipated Walt Disney Animation Studios sequel reunites fans with rookie cops Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (voiced by Jason Bateman) as they chase down a twisting new mystery that leads them into unexpected corners of the city. As they go undercover once again, their partnership is pushed like never before. Directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard and produced by Yvett Merino, Zootopia 2 opens in theaters November 26 with a star-studded voice cast that includes Fortune Feimster, Andy Samberg, Idris Elba, Patrick Warburton, Quinta Brunson, Nate Torrence, and the return of Shakira as Gazelle.

Ke Huy Quan sat down with Entertainment Affair’s Joemy Blanco to talk about joining the beloved franchise and what it means to bring Zootopia its very first reptile resident. For Quan, who helped define movie magic for generations with Indiana Jones and The Goonies, stepping into a Disney animated film feels like a long-held dream finally realized. “I grew up loving Disney animated movies,” he shared. “When I got the call that they were thinking of me to play Gary the Snake, you can imagine how happy I was. I always said I wanted to be in a Disney animated movie — a character you can see at Disneyland.”

Gary’s introduction instantly shakes up the animal-populated city. Residents panic at the sight of a reptile with venomous fangs, but audiences quickly learn he’s nothing like the stereotypes that follow him. Quan describes him as a friendly, big-hearted character on a mission to restore his family’s reputation. “He’s not bad at all,” he says with a smile. “He just wants to clear his family’s name so they can come home.”

Voice acting for the film came with unexpected challenges. Quan revealed that actors record their lines without knowing the full script or interacting with fellow cast members. “It’s a very interesting process,” he said. “You’re in a booth with the director. You don’t get to see the script or meet the other actors. I only knew my part.” Leaning heavily on the guidance of Bush and Howard, Quan embraced the collaborative dance between voice actor and animator. “I’m only one half of the team,” he explained. “The animator gives the character facial expressions, emotions, movement — together, we create one character.”

Like the first film, Zootopia 2 balances sharp humor with meaningful themes. Quan hopes families walk away with a powerful message. “Empathy is the best antidote to prejudice,” he said. “When we take time to understand others’ experiences, fear gives way to connection. The movie has a great story, and it’s super fun, clever, and entertaining.”

The conversation also touched on Quan’s remarkable return to Hollywood glory — from childhood icon to Oscar winner. Meeting fans from every generation continues to move him deeply. “When people tell me they grew up on my movies, it does make me feel old,” he joked. “But hearing their stories, especially when they say my journey inspired them during difficult times, that’s really heartwarming. As an actor, that’s what you hope for — to be part of movies that entertain but also impact people’s lives.”

Zootopia 2 slides into theaters November 26, bringing new adventures, new characters, and a whole lot of heart.