DreamWorks Animation is expanding the voice cast for The Croods 2, its upcoming sequel to the 2013 animated hit, with news that Leslie Mann (This is 40) and Kat Dennings (Thor: The Dark World) will lend their voices to new characters.
Mann will portray the matriarch of an upscale family that winds up in a rivalry with the titular caveman family and their human companion. Dennings, meanwhile, will play the frustrated daughter of that new family, who yearns to hunt but is consistently suppressed by her “civilized” parents.
The key players are all back for this follow-up, including Nicolas Cage as the Croods’ patriarch Grug, Catherine Kenner as mother Ugga, feisty daughter Eep (Emma Stone), luggish son Thunk (Clark Duke), ferocious grandma Gran (Cloris Leachman) and Ryan Reynolds as human companion Guy. Kirk De Micco and Chris Sanders are once again writing and directing.
DreamWorks Animation’s Bonnie Arnold and Mireille Soria released a joint statement regarding the casting of Mann and Dennings:
“Kat Dennings and Leslie Mann are both brilliant comedic actresses, and we’re so excited to add them to the mix for The Croods 2, where they’ll join an already stellar and hilarious returning cast including Emma Stone and Nicolas Cage.”
Neither actress is exactly new to voice acting. Mann has had roles in both Rio films, Mr. Peabody & Sherman, animated comedy Allen Gregory and a Hercules animated series. Meanwhile, Dennings has voiced characters in TV series Robot Chicken and American Dad.
DreamWorks Animation is betting on second installments to be sure things at the box office, specifically with such non-sequel disappointments as Turbo and Mr. Peabody & Sherman in its recent past. Next up is Kung Fu Panda 3, which will conclude the adventures of fighting panda Po (voiced by Jack Black). There are two originals on the way as well – Trolls and Boss Baby – before The Croods 2 is scheduled to hit theaters on December 22, 2017.