Comedian Fortune Feimster reveals the hilariously unbridled process of voicing Nibbles Maplestick in the record-breaking Zootopia 2, a role that required taking her comedy to a whole new level.
The record-breaking success of Zootopia 2 is not just a story of box office triumph; it’s a testament to the creative magic that happens behind the scenes. As the Disney sequel prepares for its digital release, exclusive new insights reveal just how comedian Fortune Feimster brought the delightfully eccentric character of Nibbles Maplestick to life in a recording session that was anything but by-the-numbers.
Feimster, 45, voices Nibbles, a beaver who is a pivotal conspiracy theorist podcaster and a key ally for detectives Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde. The character is described as being full of “oddness and weirdness,” yet “so confident in who she is,” a trait that Feimster’s comedic persona embodies perfectly. This unique blend of confidence and quirkiness makes Nibbles an instant standout in the film’s vibrant world.
The casting of Feimster was a deliberate choice by the filmmakers, who have long been fans of her work. “We’ve all been fans of Fortune Feimster’s comedy for many, many years,” says co-director Byron Howard. “When Nibbles Maplestick came up, that was the only name that got discussed. Fortune has brought so much to Nibbles.” This sentiment is echoed by co-director Jared Bush, who praises Feimster for being “fearless when it comes to comedy.”
That fearlessness was put to the test during recording. Bush recounts the directors pushing Feimster to elevate her performance. “Anytime we’d tell her, ‘Okay, that’s at like a nine or 10 — go up to, like, a 20,’ she’s like, ‘No problem! Here it is!'” Bush says with a laugh. This collaborative, high-energy dynamic allowed Feimster to explore the outer limits of Nibbles’s personality, resulting in a performance that is both hilarious and endearing.
The character’s importance to the film’s narrative cannot be overstated. Nibbles is not just a side character; she is an essential piece of the puzzle who knows a great deal about reptiles and helps drive the plot forward. Her role underscores the film’s themes of truth, friendship, and looking beyond stereotypes, much like the original Zootopia. Ginnifer Goodwin, who voices Judy Hopps, notes how seamlessly Feimster slipped into the character, calling Nibbles “hilarious and endearing and friendly and all the things that then Fortune slips right into.”
This creative success is built upon a foundation of monumental achievement. Since its theatrical debut in November 2025, Zootopia 2 has become the highest-grossing animated film of all time, earning over $1.7 billion at the global box office. The film’s accolades extend beyond financial success, as it has also earned an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature, solidifying its place in cinematic history.
For Feimster, being part of such a legacy is a deeply personal honor. In a post on Instagram celebrating the film’s release, she shared her emotional reaction to seeing her name in the credits. “I went to a screening of it by myself at Disney a few weeks ago and I had no idea my character Nibbles was such a big part of the movie,” she wrote. “When the credits rolled and I saw my name alongside Ke Huy Quan’s, it made me a little emotional. I thought about all the Disney movies I grew up watching and I couldn’t believe I’m now part of that history.”
The film’s digital release on Tuesday, Jan. 27, gives fans a new opportunity to appreciate the details that make Zootopia 2 a masterpiece, from its stunning animation to its stellar voice cast. Feimster’s performance as Nibbles is a prime example of how a perfect casting choice and a fearless comedic approach can elevate a character from the page to an unforgettable on-screen presence.
As fans eagerly await the film’s physical release on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD on March 3, the story of how Nibbles Maplestick came to life serves as a fascinating glimpse into the art of animation and the power of comedy to create truly memorable characters.
For the fastest, most authoritative analysis on all your favorite entertainment news, stay with onlytrustedinfo.com. We break down the stories behind the headlines so you never miss a beat of what matters in pop culture.
