Summer 2019 saw the return of everyone’s favorite animated pets in The Secret Life of Pets 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the 2016 blockbuster hit. This Chris Renaud-directed film delves once again into the hilarious antics our furry, feathered, and scaled companions get up to when their human owners are out of sight. While retaining the charm of the original, Secret Life of Pets 2 introduces new characters and scenarios, particularly for Max the Terrier as his owner Katie navigates married life and motherhood. A family trip to the countryside throws Max into a whirlwind of new anxieties and comical encounters with farm animals.
Returning for this adventure are beloved characters and voice talents, including Kevin Hart as the energetic Snowball and Eric Stonestreet as the lovable giant Duke. Audiences were also treated to fresh faces and voices, most notably Harrison Ford making his animated film debut as the stoic sheepdog Rooster, and Tiffany Haddish lending her comedic flair to the Shih Tzu, Daisy.
Before diving back into the secret world of pets, let’s re-introduce you to the talented voice cast that brings these animated characters to life, ensuring The Secret Life of Pets 2 lived up to the original’s impressive $875.5 million global box office success.
Patton Oswalt as Max
Taking over the lead role of Max, the anxious terrier protagonist, is Patton Oswalt. Oswalt stepped into the role previously voiced by Louis C.K., bringing his own brand of comedic timing and warmth to the character. This isn’t Oswalt’s first foray into voicing animated animal characters; he famously voiced Remy, the culinary rat in Disney’s Ratatouille. Beyond animation, Oswalt is a prolific actor and comedian, known for his roles in The King of Queens and Veep, and at the time of the film’s release, he was also involved in the Veronica Mars revival.
Kevin Hart as Snowball
Kevin Hart reprises his role as Snowball, the once rebellious bunny who led the “Flushed Pets” in the original film. Snowball has undergone a significant transformation, now domesticated and adored by his owner, Molly. However, the question remains: has Snowball truly left his wild side behind? Hart, a comedy superstar, is well-known for his stand-up specials and blockbuster movies like Jumanji and Ride Along. Coinciding with The Secret Life of Pets 2, Hart also released his Netflix comedy special Kevin Hart: Irresponsible.
Harrison Ford as Rooster
In a casting coup, Hollywood legend Harrison Ford joined The Secret Life of Pets 2 as Rooster, a wise and rugged Welsh Sheepdog. Known for iconic action roles like Han Solo and Indiana Jones, Ford brings gravitas and a touch of gruff charm to the animated world. Rooster serves as a mentor figure to Max during his countryside adventure. Prior to reprising his role as Indiana Jones in 2021, and before The Secret Life of Pets 2 release, Ford also starred in another animal-centric film, The Call of the Wild.
Eric Stonestreet as Duke
Eric Stonestreet returns as Duke, the large, fluffy Newfoundland mix who joined Max’s life in the first film, initially causing chaos but eventually becoming a beloved member of the family. Stonestreet’s warm and slightly goofy voice perfectly embodies Duke’s gentle nature. Widely recognized for his Emmy-winning role as Cameron Tucker in Modern Family, Stonestreet was filming the final season of the hit sitcom while working on The Secret Life of Pets 2.
Jenny Slate as Gidget
Jenny Slate is back as Gidget, the adorable and determined white Pomeranian with a secret crush on Max. Gidget’s loyalty and surprising martial arts skills are put to the test in Secret Life of Pets 2 as she embarks on a mission to retrieve Max’s favorite toy from a group of formidable cats. Slate is a versatile actress and comedian known for her roles in Parks and Recreation and Obvious Child. Following The Secret Life of Pets 2, Slate also lent her voice to another animated animal film, The Ark and the Aardvark.
Tiffany Haddish as Daisy
Tiffany Haddish brought her signature energetic and hilarious voice to Daisy, a new character in The Secret Life of Pets 2. Daisy is a brave and resourceful Shih Tzu who gets caught up in an adventurous plotline. Haddish, known for her breakout role in Girls Trip and her voice work in Tuca & Bertie, adds another layer of comedy to the already star-studded cast. Around the release of the film, Haddish was also working on projects like Limited Partners and The Last O.G..
Lake Bell as Chloe
Lake Bell reprised her role as Chloe, the delightfully cynical and food-motivated tabby cat. In Secret Life of Pets 2, Chloe humorously guides Gidget in the art of feline behavior, helping her infiltrate the cat gang holding Max’s toy. Bell is known for her roles in Childrens Hospital and Bless This Mess, which she also executive produces and stars in, and was renewed for a second season around the time of the movie’s release.
Dana Carvey as Pops
Comedy veteran Dana Carvey returned as Pops, the elderly Basset Hound who uses wheels to get around. Pops, with his dry wit and world-weary perspective, provides comedic relief and sage advice to the younger pets. Carvey, a Saturday Night Live alum, brings his comedic chops to Pops, delivering memorable lines like “For me, every breath is a cliffhanger.”
Hannibal Buress as Buddy
Hannibal Buress voices Buddy, the cool and collected dachshund and one of Max’s close friends from New York City. Buddy’s relaxed demeanor provides a contrast to Max’s anxiety. Buress, a comedian and actor known for his role in Broad City, brought his signature deadpan delivery to the character of Buddy.
Chris Renaud as Norman
Chris Renaud, the director of The Secret Life of Pets 2, also lends his voice to Norman, the guinea pig who is always up for an adventure, even if he sometimes gets lost. Renaud, a key figure in the Despicable Me franchise as executive producer, continues to shape the world of animated comedy with his directing and voice work. He was also involved in producing Minions: The Rise of Gru around this time.
Ellie Kemper as Katie
Ellie Kemper returns as Katie, Max’s beloved owner, who is now navigating the joys and challenges of being a newlywed and a mother. Katie’s changing life is the catalyst for Max’s emotional journey in Secret Life of Pets 2. Kemper, known for her roles in The Office and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, brings warmth and relatability to the role of Katie. She was also working on the comedy film The Stand-In during this period.
Nick Kroll as Sergei
Adding a touch of villainy to The Secret Life of Pets 2 is Nick Kroll as Sergei, a circus owner with a reputation for animal mistreatment. Sergei becomes the antagonist in Snowball and Daisy’s storyline. Kroll, known for his comedic characters and voice work in Big Mouth and The Addams Family, brings a distinct and slightly menacing tone to Sergei.
The Secret Life of Pets 2 boasts an impressive ensemble cast, blending returning favorites with exciting new voices. This talented group of actors perfectly captures the humor, heart, and adventurous spirit of the film, making it a delightful watch for audiences of all ages.
