The highly anticipated reboot of the beloved animated series, The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder, is set to introduce some exciting new characters, voiced by a stellar cast. Randall Leibowitz-Jenkins and Barry Leibowitz-Jenkins, the adoptive parents of 14-year-old activist Maya Leibowitz-Jenkins, will be brought to life by Emmy Award winner Billy Porter and Emmy nominee Zachary Quinto, respectively. This announcement, initially reported by Entertainment Weekly, has generated significant buzz and anticipation for the show’s fresh approach to family dynamics.
First-look images reveal the dynamic between Randall and Barry. Randall, sporting a suave suit with a pink shirt and polka-dot tie, exudes confidence. Barry, towering behind him in a fitted mustard polo and jeans, appears supportive and grounded. The characters’ vibrant and expressive styles immediately hint at their engaging personalities and the fresh energy they will bring to the Proud family universe. As Nicki Minaj would say, it’s easy to become “obsessed” with this captivating duo.
This expansion of The Proud Family cast is a significant step forward for the series. While the original show was praised for its representation of Black and Latinx families, Louder and Prouder aims to further broaden its scope of inclusivity. One area where the original series showed its age was in its portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters. Michael Collins, a recurring character from the original series, served as an example. While coded as queer through his interests in fashion and dance, Michael’s sexuality was never explicitly addressed, and his storylines often relied on stereotypical bullying and teasing.
Fortunately, Louder and Prouder is set to revisit Michael Collins with a more nuanced and contemporary lens. Voiced by EJ Johnson, the gender nonconforming son of Magic Johnson, Michael is reimagined as “Penny’s best guy friend” and a “non-conforming trendsetter.” Descriptions suggest a character who embraces fierce fashion and confidently expresses himself both at school and on the basketball court. The initial images of the updated Michael Collins showcase a character who is truly fashion-forward, a stark contrast to the somewhat dated portrayal in the early 2000s.
The addition of Billy Porter, Zachary Quinto, and EJ Johnson to The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder cast signals a commitment to evolving representation and storytelling. By introducing characters like Randall, Barry, and a reimagined Michael, the reboot promises to resonate with a contemporary audience and deliver storylines that are both entertaining and meaningfully inclusive. Fans are eager to see how these talented voice actors bring these characters to life and contribute to the next chapter of the Proud family saga.
