“Big Mouth” To Re-Cast “Missy” As Jenny Slate Steps Down
Jenny Slate has decided to step down as the voice of “Missy” on Netflix’s Big Mouth. The move comes as producers have had a discussion about the biracial character being voiced by a white voice actor and whether or not there should be a change. The producers have released the following statement:
— nick kroll (@nickkroll) June 24, 2020
Big Mouth Season Four is already completed so Jenny’s take as “Missy” will continue this Fall with the role expected to be recast in time for the fifth season.
Our Take
I don’t recall any controversy being strewn from Jenny Slate’s character being cast, nor should there be. The exciting thing about animation is that behind-the-scenes, anything goes. Black actors can voice white characters, white actors can voice Asian characters, the production of an animated series is a blender of possibilities. If Jenny chooses to relinquish the role for whatever reason, that’s her choice. At the end of the day, it’s an animated series, there are no rules.
Synopsis:
Big Mouth is a 10-episode, half-hour edgy adult animated comedy from real-life best friends Nick Kroll (Kroll Show, The League) and Andrew Goldberg (Family Guy) about the glorious nightmare that is teenaged puberty.
Comedian John Mulaney (John Mulaney: The Comeback Kid, Saturday Night Live) lends his voice to the character of Andrew, while Kroll (who serves as co-creator, executive producer) voices many including best friend Nick. Maya Rudolph (Maya & Marty, Bridesmaids), Jason Mantzoukas (The League, Lady Dynamite), Jordan Peele (Keanu, Key and Peele), Fred Armisen (Portlandia, Documentary Now!), Jenny Slate (Girls, Lady Dynamite) and Jessi Klein (Inside Amy Schumer) are among those who lend their voice to the series.
Nick Kroll, Andrew Goldberg and screenwriter-directors Mark Levin & Jennifer Flackett are all creators and executive producers on the series. Big Mouth is a Netflix production.
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