The Addams Family, a cultural phenomenon born from Charles Addams’s single-panel cartoons in The New Yorker back in 1938, has captivated audiences for generations. From the iconic 1960s television series and the animated shows of the 70s to the blockbuster 90s movies starring Anjelica Huston and Raul Julia, the macabre charm of this family has proven timeless. Now, a new chapter unfolds with a fresh animated movie directed by Conrad Vernon and Greg Tiernan, the duo behind the adult animation hit Sausage Party. This rendition sees the Addamses relocating to New Jersey, hilariously clashing with suburban norms and a scheming reality TV host, all while preparing for a grand family reunion.
The screenplay, penned by Pamela Pettler (Corpse Bride, Monster House) and Matt Lieberman, promises a witty and spooky adventure. As anticipation builds for the film’s theatrical release, let’s delve into the exceptional actors lending their voices to these beloved characters.
The Addams Family’s Voice Ensemble: A Who’s Who of Hollywood Talent
This animated Addams Family movie boasts an impressive lineup of actors, each perfectly cast to embody the spirit of their spooky counterparts. From Oscar-winning dramatic powerhouses to comedic geniuses and music icons, the voice cast is a major draw for this new take on the classic tale. Let’s explore the actors behind each member of the Addams clan and their eccentric entourage.
Charlize Theron as Morticia Addams
Charlize Theron as Morticia Addams
Charlize Theron brings her sophisticated voice to the matriarch of the Addams family, Morticia. Known for her captivating presence and versatility, Theron perfectly embodies Morticia’s elegant yet eerie demeanor. Beyond lending her voice, Theron also serves as an executive producer for the film, showcasing her commitment to this project.
Theron’s recent work includes producing and starring in Netflix hits like Mindhunter, Hyperdrive, and Murder Mystery. Her acting prowess is undeniable, with memorable roles in Long Shot, Tully, and the upcoming Bombshell, where she portrays Megyn Kelly alongside Margot Robbie and Nicole Kidman. Her involvement adds a layer of prestige and star power to the animated film.
Finn Wolfhard as Pugsley Addams
Finn Wolfhard as Pugsley Addams
Stepping into the role of Pugsley Addams, the energetic and often mischievous son, is Finn Wolfhard. Recognizable from his breakout role in Stranger Things and his portrayal of Richie Tozier in It and It: Chapter Two, Wolfhard brings a youthful and slightly raspy voice that suits Pugsley’s adventurous spirit.
Wolfhard’s experience extends beyond the supernatural realm of Stranger Things. He has also showcased his acting range in The Goldfinch and has even ventured into directing short films. He mentioned to The Hollywood Reporter that voice acting for The Addams Family presented unique challenges, requiring a different kind of clarity and precision compared to on-camera work.
Chloë Grace Moretz as Wednesday Addams
Chloë Grace Moretz as Wednesday Addams
Chloë Grace Moretz voices the iconic Wednesday Addams, the morbidly inclined daughter with a penchant for the macabre. Moretz, who gained early recognition in Desperate Housewives and My Name Is Earl, has built a successful film career with roles in 500 Days of Summer, the Kick-Ass franchise, and the horror remake Carrie.
Moretz’s voice captures Wednesday’s dry wit and deadpan delivery perfectly. Her upcoming projects include the World War II thriller Shadow in the Cloud and the live-action/animated Tom and Jerry movie, demonstrating her versatility across genres.
Oscar Isaac as Gomez Addams
Oscar Isaac as Gomez Addams
The passionate and dramatic patriarch, Gomez Addams, is voiced by the talented Oscar Isaac. Known for his diverse roles, including his breakout performance in Inside Llewyn Davis, his role as Poe Dameron in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, and his portrayal of Apocalypse in X-Men: Apocalypse, Isaac brings a charismatic and theatrical flair to Gomez.
Isaac’s critically acclaimed performance in the HBO miniseries Show Me a Hero further solidified his reputation as a versatile actor. Audiences can anticipate seeing him in the highly anticipated Dune adaptation, showcasing his continued presence in major film projects.
Bette Midler as Grandmama
Bette Midler as Grandmama Addams
Legendary entertainer Bette Midler lends her distinctive voice to Grandmama, the Addams family’s potion-brewing and delightfully eccentric grandmother. A Tony, Emmy, and Grammy Award winner, Midler’s career spans decades, from her early stage performances to iconic film roles in For the Boys, The Rose, and The First Wives Club.
Midler’s vibrant personality and comedic timing are ideal for bringing Grandmama to life. Her recent Broadway return in Hello, Dolly! and her guest role in Ryan Murphy’s The Politician highlight her enduring appeal and versatility across different entertainment mediums.
Nick Kroll as Uncle Fester
Nick Kroll as Uncle Fester
Comedian and actor Nick Kroll voices the endearingly strange Uncle Fester, known for his bald head, hunched posture, and peculiar ability to conduct electricity. Kroll, with his background in animation through Sausage Party, Sing, and his Emmy-nominated Big Mouth, is no stranger to voice acting.
Kroll’s comedic roots in sketch and stand-up, including his Broadway show Oh, Hello on Broadway with John Mulaney, inform his portrayal of Uncle Fester’s quirky nature. His television roles in The League and Kroll Show, along with film appearances in I Love You, Man and Get Him to the Greek, demonstrate his wide-ranging comedic talent.
Snoop Dogg as Cousin Itt
Snoop Dogg as Cousin Itt
In a surprising and inspired casting choice, music icon Snoop Dogg voices Cousin Itt, the hairy, mumbling relative only understood by the Addams family. Snoop Dogg, a rapper, songwriter, producer, and media personality, brings his unique vocal style and laid-back persona to this bizarre character.
Beyond music, Snoop Dogg has expanded into acting, with a role in Dolemite Is My Name, and television hosting, alongside Martha Stewart in their Emmy-nominated Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party. His involvement adds an unexpected and contemporary twist to the Addams Family ensemble.
Allison Janney as Margaux Needler
Allison Janney as Margaux Needler
Academy Award winner Allison Janney voices Margaux Needler, the pushy and intrusive reality TV host neighbor who shakes up the Addamses’ move to New Jersey. Janney, known for her commanding presence and versatility, brings a comedic edge to the role of the antagonist.
Janney’s extensive film and television career includes roles in Bad Education, Bombshell (reuniting her with Charlize Theron), and the CBS sitcom Mom. Her ability to play both dramatic and comedic roles makes her a perfect fit for the complex character of Margaux Needler.
Elsie Fisher as Parker Needler
Elsie Fisher as Parker Needler
Elsie Fisher voices Parker Needler, Margaux’s daughter who befriends Wednesday Addams. Fisher, despite her young age, is an animation veteran, having voiced Agnes in the Despicable Me franchise. Her critically acclaimed performance in Eighth Grade earned her a Golden Globe nomination and showcased her ability to portray nuanced teenage characters.
Fisher’s role in the Stephen King-inspired series Castle Rock further demonstrates her range. Her voice acting experience and her talent for portraying relatable adolescent characters make her ideal for Parker Needler, bridging the gap between the Addams family and the “normal” world.
Jenifer Lewis as Great Auntie Sloom
Jenifer Lewis as Great Auntie Sloom
The formidable Jenifer Lewis lends her voice to Great Auntie Sloom, adding to the extended Addams family’s quirky roster. Lewis, renowned for her role as Ruby Johnson in Black-ish, boasts a prolific voice acting career including roles in Big Hero 6: The Series, the Cars movies as Flo, and Mama Odie in The Princess and the Frog.
Lewis’s powerful and distinctive voice, honed through decades in film and television roles in Meet the Browns, Girlfriends, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, brings gravitas and humor to Great Auntie Sloom.
Tituss Burgess as Glenn
Tituss Burgess as Glenn
Tituss Burgess voices Glenn, adding another layer of comedic talent to the ensemble. A four-time Emmy nominee for his portrayal of Titus Andromedon in Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Burgess is celebrated for his flamboyant personality and vocal range.
Burgess’s recent projects include Dolemite Is My Name alongside Eddie Murphy, guest appearances on The Good Fight, voice work in Smurfs: The Lost Village, and a role in the Netflix movie Set It Up. His comedic timing and vocal dynamism are sure to make Glenn a memorable character.
Catherine O’Hara as Grandma Frump
Catherine O’Hara
Comedy icon Catherine O’Hara voices Grandma Frump, Morticia Addams’s mother and Gomez’s mother-in-law. O’Hara, famous for her roles in Beetlejuice, Home Alone, and Best in Show, is also an animation veteran, having voiced Sally in Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.
O’Hara’s recent Emmy-nominated performance in Schitt’s Creek and her role in A Series of Unfortunate Events demonstrate her enduring comedic brilliance. Her upcoming animated film The Beast, Heroes of the Wildfire and her involvement in The Addams Family highlight her continued presence in animation.
Martin Short as Grandpa Frump
Martin Short
Rounding out the Frump family is Martin Short, voicing Grandpa Frump, Morticia’s father. Emmy-winning comedian Martin Short, known for his Saturday Night Live days and recent TV shows like Maya & Marty and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, brings his signature comedic energy to this role.
Short’s comedy tour with Steve Martin, An Evening You Will Forget for the Rest of Your Life, and his upcoming animated film The Willoughbys showcase his enduring comedic talent. His addition to The Addams Family voice cast further solidifies its comedic star power.
A Spooktacular Voice Cast for a New Generation
The animated Addams Family movie has assembled a truly remarkable cast of actors, each bringing their unique talents to these beloved characters. From seasoned voice actors to Hollywood A-listers and music icons, this ensemble promises to deliver a fresh and entertaining take on the Addams Family for audiences of all ages. With such a stellar voice cast, this animated rendition is poised to be a spooktacular success, introducing the wonderfully weird world of the Addams Family to a new generation.
