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| GMMTV Star Pond Naravit Expands Career with Disney & Pixar Animation Debut (Photo: GMMTV/Instagram) |
Thai rising star Pond Naravit is stepping into an entirely new lane, and it’s one that could quietly reshape his career path. The popular GMMTV actor is officially making his animation dubbing debut by joining the Thai voice cast of Disney and Pixar’s upcoming feature film Hoppers, marking his first-ever collaboration with the global animation powerhouse. The announcement has instantly stirred excitement among fans, as it signals a major milestone for the actor beyond his usual television success.
Pond Naravit, whose full name is Naravit Lertratkosum, is set to lend his voice to the Thai-language version of Hoppers, scheduled to premiere in cinemas starting 5 March. While Disney and Pixar have built a reputation for delivering heartfelt and visually ambitious animated storytelling, the actor’s participation adds an extra layer of anticipation, especially for Southeast Asian audiences who have been following his acting journey closely.
Hoppers is described as a large-scale animated project from the creative studio behind beloved hits such as Inside Out and Toy Story. The story revolves around a group of scientists who develop groundbreaking technology that allows human consciousness to be transferred into highly realistic robotic animal bodies.
This innovation enables humans to communicate directly with animals by experiencing life from their perspective, setting the stage for an adventure packed with action, humour, and emotional storytelling that Pixar is widely known for.
In the film, the narrative follows Mabel, an animal-loving girl who gets the chance to test the revolutionary technology.
After transferring her consciousness into a robotic beaver, she discovers a hidden world filled with unexpected secrets and challenges, creating a fresh concept that blends imaginative science fiction with heartfelt life lessons.
For Pond Naravit, this project represents a personal and professional leap. Known primarily for his strong screen presence in popular television dramas, the actor admitted feeling both thrilled and surprised when the opportunity arrived.
He shared that simply watching the trailer already made him eager to be part of the film, praising its unique concept that blends body-switching elements with animal-themed storytelling.
He also hinted that the character he voices carries a distinct charm, teasing that the role could easily win over audiences nationwide.
However, production teams are deliberately keeping details about Pond Naravit’s character under wraps, a decision that has only intensified speculation and excitement among fans eager to guess which animated personality matches his voice and persona.
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The original English-language version of Hoppers features a notable voice cast including Piper Curda, Bobby Moynihan, and Jon Hamm, alongside several other well-known talents.
Their involvement highlights the global scale of the project, positioning the Thai adaptation as part of a wider international rollout.
Pond Naravit’s participation in such a globally recognised animation franchise is widely viewed as a significant step in expanding his entertainment footprint.
Prior to this, he gained widespread attention through several television projects, including his recent BL series Me and Thee, which remained widely discussed among viewers even after its finale aired. Transitioning into voice acting allows him to demonstrate versatility while opening doors to new opportunities within international productions.
Fan and netizen reactions have been notably mixed but largely enthusiastic. Many supporters expressed pride in seeing Pond Naravit represent Thai talent in a Disney-Pixar project, calling it a well-deserved breakthrough moment.
Social media discussions quickly filled with fans guessing his mystery character, with some suggesting playful animal personalities while others speculated he might voice a key supporting figure designed to steal scenes.
Another group of viewers praised the actor’s willingness to challenge himself creatively, highlighting how voice acting requires emotional delivery without relying on physical expressions.
Several netizens also noted that this move could inspire other Thai actors to explore animation projects, especially as global studios continue expanding localisation efforts across Asia.
Meanwhile, a small portion of viewers admitted curiosity about how Pond Naravit’s voice performance will compare to his on-screen acting style. Rather than criticism, most of these comments reflected excitement and genuine interest in witnessing his transformation into a voice performer.
Hoppers prepares for its theatrical release, expectations continue building not only around the film’s imaginative storyline but also around Pond Naravit’s debut in the animation field.
Disney and Pixar known for delivering memorable characters that resonate across generations, fans are eager to see how the actor’s voice will contribute to the film’s emotional and comedic balance.
The release date approaching, anticipation is steadily growing among both animation enthusiasts and Pond Naravit’s loyal fanbase.
Do you think his mystery character will become one of Pixar’s scene-stealers, or will it surprise audiences in a completely unexpected way?