Zootopia 2 stars Ke Huy Quan and Ginnifer Goodwin had to conquer their fears of snakes. The actors joined The Mary Sue’s Rachel Leishman to talk about the big sequel. One of the biggest themes in the first movie was that looks can be deceiving. Judging a book by its cover rarely tells you the entire story. Both Quan and Goodwin shared their previous relationship with reptiles to kick off our conversation. It seems like there was an adjustment period.
“I’m still afraid of snakes,” Goodwin joked. For a lot of Zootopia 2 viewers, that could still be the case. After all, popular depictions of these reptiles usually come with Some danger involved. (Viewers of a certain age will remember our friend Samuel L. Jackson’s run-ins with them aboard one fateful flight.) But, for a vast majority of snakes, they are just as afraid of humans as we are of them. Quan’s character in Zootopia 2 is literally a snake in trouble with the law because he’s a reptile. So, perception dictates a lot.
“For me, absolutely before I played Gary DeSnake, I was definitely afraid of them,” Quad admitted. “I remember moving into my house one day. I opened the door to the restroom, and I saw a snake slithering across the floor. I literally closed it, went out the house, and called animal control.”
“But I mean, but that’s what’s so great about getting this opportunity to play Gary is that snakes are often so misunderstood. And, if you just, give them a little chance. You’ll realize that they’re actually really friendly animals… Some of them, some of them!”
Is Ke Huy Quan still afraid of snakes after Zootopia 2?
Hearing those two riff on the animal kingdom and possible danger is a lot of fun. But, just like Zootopia 2, there’s a lesson about understanding other creatures that we all can learn from. The Judy Hopps actress was a little less than convinced, and might have needed some reassurance from her co-star.
Goodwin admitted, “I would if you were there and you told me it was safe.” Quan responded, “I actually held one and let it slither across my arm. The tongue was going in and out. I didn’t know it at the time, but the handler said, ‘that’s how they smell.’”
When his co-star expressed relatable concern that she would have thought a bite was coming, the Loki actor said, “that’s how they smell you. It made me less fearful of them.” And that one piece of information made all the difference.
Much like in the real world, learning about different people, places, and things helps demystify them. All that information breaks through whatever preconceived notions you have and allows you to understand what you’re encountering better. The first Zootopia did a great job of teaching younger viewers, and older viewers, about biases. It seems like all that work is rubbed off on the actors as well.
Disney’s Zootopia 2 dances into theaters this weekend!
(Photo Credit: Disney, ABC)
Have a tip we should know? [email protected]
