The news that came out last month that ViacomCBS is reviving Rugrats for a new generation of fans was welcome, but the news keeps getting better. Not only will Tommy, Chuckie, Angelica, Phil and Lil, and other favorites be returning to our screens, but the reboot will feature voice talent from some pretty awesome people including Tony Hale, Natalie Morales, Anna Chlumsky, Nicole Byer, and Michael McKean, just to name a few. However, if you thought that was the best news, there’s more: there will be an openly gay mom character on the new Rugrats too!
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- This is going to be iconic. “This incredibly talented group of actors provides a fresh and very funny take on these iconic roles, combining humor with heart to bring the characters to life in a whole new way,” said Liz Paulson, Senior Vice President, Talent and Casting, Nickelodeon. Ramsey Naito, President, Nickelodeon Animation added: “The all-new Rugrats is packed with comedy, music, and adventures that only babies can embark upon, and the role of the grown-ups is an essential piece of the series.”
- Yes, the original voice actors are coming back too. E.G. Daily will be back as Tommy, Nancy Cartwright will voice Chuckie, Cheryl Chase is back as Angelica, Cree Summer as Susie, and Kath Soucie as Phil and Lil. “Rugrats is one of the most iconic cartoons recognized by fans around the globe, and this original version is one we are taking great care and pride in creating for a brand-new audience,” Naito said in a statement, as per Comicbook.com. “Having the voice cast behind these special characters come together is one of the essential pieces to making the show recognizable and we can’t wait to watch this talented group bring them to life again.”
- Wait, so what about the gay moms? Since we last saw our favorite little rugrats, one character in particular has undergone some pretty big life changes. Betty DeVille, the mom of Phil and Lil, seems to have divorced their dad Howard and is now living as an openly lesbian woman.
- It’s not really a surprise to Natalie Morales, who will voice the character. As she said in an interview with The A.V. Club: “Anyone who watched the original show may have had an inkling Betty was a member of the alphabet mafia.” Hopefully, the representation will help kids with gay parents feel a little more represented.
