Jason Bateman, the voice behind the beloved character Nick Wilde in the animated film series Zootopia, expressed his bemusement regarding the intense fan affection for his character. During a recent interview segment, Bateman was asked by co-star Ginnifer Goodwin about the phenomenon of fans finding his animated fox character attractive.
During the true or false segment, Goodwin brought up a Reddit thread where users debate Nick Wilde’s appeal. Bateman confirmed the existence of such discussions, noting, “This is true. My daughters told me this. It’s very weird. I guess it’s flattering.” He pondered the nature of this admiration, questioning, “Where did it come from though? Are they saying the fox itself is handsome?”
Understanding the Appeal
Goodwin elaborated on the factors contributing to Nick’s allure, attributing it to “the attitude, the voice, and the eyes.” Bateman responded with a smirk, acknowledging the sentiment shared by both Goodwin and fellow co-stars. The conversation then shifted to the popular fan ship known as WildeHopps, which romantically pairs Nick Wilde with Judy Hopps, the rabbit character voiced by Goodwin.
This fan-created narrative has sparked significant interest, with some fans even creating unofficial content around their relationship. Goodwin humorously admitted her confusion about the ship, stating, “It’s very confusing for me.” Despite the puzzling nature of such fan obsessions, it is clear that Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps have resonated deeply with audiences.
Continuing a Legacy
As Bateman and Goodwin return to their roles for the upcoming sequel, Zootopia 2, the characters are set to once again capture the hearts of fans. The sequel promises to explore new adventures while building on the original’s themes of friendship and understanding across differences. The anticipation surrounding the film is palpable, particularly given the success of the first installment, which won an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2017.
With a star-studded voice cast including Idris Elba, Quinta Brunson, and Ke Huy Quan, the sequel aims to deliver a mix of humor and poignant storytelling. As the release date approaches, fans eagerly await the chance to see how Nick and Judy’s relationship evolves, both in terms of their camaraderie and the fan interpretations that have developed since the original film.
In a landscape where animated characters often become cultural icons, Nick Wilde’s unique appeal exemplifies how storytelling can transcend traditional boundaries. Whether through fan engagement or character development, the legacy of Zootopia continues to thrive.
