Madagascar (2005) is a beloved animated comedy film that launched a popular franchise delighting children and adults alike. Produced by DreamWorks Animation, it follows a group of Central Park Zoo animals who unexpectedly find themselves stranded on the wild island of Madagascar. The film became a major box office success, praised for its humor, music, and memorable characters. For UK audiences, understanding the star-studded voice cast adds another dimension of enjoyment. This article provides a detailed overview of the Madagascar (2005) cast and key production information relevant for fans.
Main Cast and Their Characters
Ben Stiller as Alex the Lion
Ben Stiller voices Alex, the confident and charismatic African lion who is the star attraction at the Central Park Zoo. Stiller’s comedic timing and energetic delivery bring Alex’s charm and occasional vulnerability to life. The character struggles between being a glorious performer and yearning for freedom, adding emotional depth.
Chris Rock as Marty the Zebra
Chris Rock provides the voice for Marty, Alex’s best friend and an energetic plains zebra. Marty’s adventurous desire to explore life outside the zoo sets the movie’s plot in motion. Rock’s comedic style adds a lively and humorous edge, making Marty a fan favourite.
David Schwimmer as Melman the Giraffe
Best known for his role as Ross on Friends, David Schwimmer voices Melman, the hypochondriac reticulated giraffe. His anxiety-prone and earnest character adds both humor and heart to the group dynamic. Schwimmer’s distinctive vocal nuances contribute a memorable portrayal.
Jada Pinkett Smith as Gloria the Hippo
Jada Pinkett Smith voices Gloria, the confident and sassy hippopotamus who is one of Alex’s closest friends. Gloria brings balance to the group with her down-to-earth attitude and occasional romantic subplots. Smith’s voice delivers a perfect blend of humor and grace.
Sacha Baron Cohen as King Julien XIII
The eccentric and unforgettable King Julien XIII, the self-proclaimed king of the lemurs, is voiced by comedian Sacha Baron Cohen. His improvisational style helped create the character’s wild personality and comic flair. The song “I Like to Move It” performed by King Julien became iconic and synonymous with the franchise.
Supporting Cast and Additional Voices
- Cedric the Entertainer as Maurice: Maurice is King Julien’s trusty advisor and a more grounded character.
- Andy Richter as Mort: Mort is an adorably energetic Goodman’s mouse lemur who idolizes King Julien.
- Tom McGrath as Skipper: The voice of the leader of the penguin group, Skipper, delivered with an authoritative tone.
- Christopher Knights as Private: Private is the youngest penguin and the mild-mannered rookie.
- Chris Miller as Kowalski: Kowalski is the brains of the penguin group, providing strategic planning.
- Conrad Vernon as Mason: The chimpanzee who communicates through sign language, a comedic foil to his fellow ape.
- Elisa Gabrielli as Nana: Nana is the elderly New Yorker with a Yiddish accent, adding quirky humor.
- Additional Voices: Several crew members and actors including Eric Darnell and David P. Smith contributed additional animal and background voices, enriching the world of Madagascar with various character sounds.
Production and Crew Highlights
- Directors: Eric Darnell and Tom McGrath
- Writers: Mark Burton, Billy Frolick, Eric Darnell, and Tom McGrath
- Music: Composed by Hans Zimmer, whose lively score complemented the comedic and adventurous tone.
- Distributor: DreamWorks Pictures
- Release: Premiered in UK cinemas on 27 May 2005.
Critical Reception and Legacy
- Madagascar was praised for its animation quality, humor, and voice performances but received mixed reviews on story depth.
- Commercially, it was highly successful, grossing $556.6 million worldwide, making it the sixth highest-grossing film of 2005.
- The film’s success spawned sequels, TV spin-offs, stage shows, and video games, cultivating a lasting franchise appreciated by UK families and kids.
Fun Facts for UK Fans
- The “I Like to Move It” song by King Julien, originally by Reel 2 Real, became synonymous with the film and popular in UK clubs and radio.
- Multiple UK voice actors contributed additional voicing and background roles.
- The film blended influences from New York culture, African wildlife, and quirky humor tailored to global audiences including Brits.
FAQs: Madagascar (2005) Cast
1. Who voices Alex the Lion?
Ben Stiller provides the voice for the confident lion.
2. What character does Chris Rock voice?
Chris Rock is the voice of Marty the Zebra.
3. Which actor voices King Julien?
Comedian Sacha Baron Cohen brings King Julien to life.
4. Who directed Madagascar (2005)?
Eric Darnell and Tom McGrath directed the film.
5. When was Madagascar released in the UK?
It was released on 27 May 2005.
Final Thoughts
The 2005 animated classic Madagascar boasts a star-studded voice cast that brought vibrant and humorous characters to life, resonating with UK families and animation lovers alike. Its legacy continues to charm new generations, thanks in large part to the stellar performances of voice actors like Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, and Sacha Baron Cohen. Whether watching for nostalgia or discovering it for the first time, Madagascar remains a joyful and timeless animated adventure.
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