Robert Irwin has made his movie debut in a surprising role as a koala bear named Robert Furwin in the much-anticipated ‘Zootopia 2’. The Australian star, known for his work in environmental conservation and as the son of the late Steve Irwin, shared his excitement about this new venture after recently winning ‘Dancing with the Stars’. The movie premiere took place on November 13th, where Irwin voiced the character alongside his dance partner Witney Carson just before their victory on the competition series on November 25th.
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In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE at the movie premiere, Robert Irwin expressed his disbelief and joy at being part of such a significant project. He described the experience as “surreal” and highlighted his deep connection to animals, especially koalas which are native to Australia. Irwin’s involvement in the film allowed him to celebrate not just the traditional cute and cuddly animals but also reptiles and snakes, reflecting his passion for all creatures, big and small.
Irwin’s role as Robert Furwin places him among a star-studded cast that includes Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Ke Huy Quan, Fortune Feimster, and many more renowned personalities. While he has previously lent his voice to television shows, this marks his official entry into the world of movies. The opportunity to voice a character so close to his heart, a koala, held significant meaning for Irwin, especially given the ongoing efforts by his family in Australia to rescue and rehabilitate koalas, a species currently facing endangerment.
Speaking about the importance of conservation and nature, Irwin shared his enthusiasm for being part of a film that aims to reconnect people with animals. Despite his busy schedule with ‘Dancing with the Stars’ rehearsals, Irwin highlighted that this opportunity was something he couldn’t miss. Alongside his dance partner Witney Carson, the duo shared their excitement for this new chapter in Irwin’s career and his dedication to representing Australia’s iconic animal.
As Zootopia 2 hits theaters worldwide, fans can catch a glimpse of Robert Irwin’s voice bringing Robert Furwin to life on the big screen. The film’s message of celebrating diversity in the animal kingdom resonates with Irwin’s own ethos of appreciating and protecting all forms of wildlife. His involvement in such a project not only marks a significant milestone in his career but also underscores his ongoing commitment to conservation efforts and raising awareness about endangered species.
In conclusion, Robert Irwin’s foray into the world of animated movies with ‘Zootopia 2’ represents a merging of his passion for wildlife conservation and his budding career in the entertainment industry. His portrayal of Robert Furwin, the lovable koala, adds a personal touch to the star-studded cast and showcases his dedication to promoting the welfare of animals. As audiences flock to cinemas to watch ‘Zootopia 2’, they can witness Irwin’s debut on the big screen and appreciate his efforts to bring attention to the importance of preserving our natural world.