Honestly, it’s rare for a sequel to hit the same notes as the original without feeling like a cheap cash grab. But when you look at The Croods A New Age cast, you realize why this one actually stuck the landing. It isn't just about the flashy names—though, let’s be real, having Nicolas Cage and Ryan Reynolds in the same recording booth (even virtually) is a vibe. It’s about how the new additions, like Peter Dinklage and Leslie Mann, shifted the entire dynamic of the prehistoric world we thought we knew.
The movie had a weirdly long road to the screen. It was canceled, then uncanceled, then shuffled through the mess of 2020. Yet, the voice acting feels remarkably cohesive. You've got the original cave-family returning with their signature chaotic energy, but they’re pitted against the "Bettermans," a family that is basically every annoying, "evolved" neighbor you’ve ever had.
The Returning Heavy Hitters: The Croods A New Age Cast Basics
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The core family stayed intact, which was a huge relief for fans of the first film.
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Nicolas Cage as Grug
Cage is... well, Cage. He brings this frantic, overprotective dad energy to Grug that nobody else could pull off. In this sequel, Grug is dealing with the nightmare of his daughter, Eep, wanting to leave the "pack" to start a life with Guy. Cage plays the "prehistoric helicopter parent" perfectly.
Emma Stone as Eep
Eep is the heart of the franchise. Stone gives her that raspy, adventurous spirit that makes her feel more like a modern teenager than a cavewoman. Watching her interact with a world that actually has "amenities" for the first time is one of the highlights of the film.
Ryan Reynolds as Guy
Guy is the "idea man." Reynolds uses that fast-talking, slightly sarcastic charm we know from Deadpool, but tones it down just enough to keep Guy endearing. In this movie, he’s caught between his past (the Bettermans) and his present (the Croods), and you can really hear that internal tug-of-war in his performance.
The rest of the OG pack:
- Catherine Keener returns as Ugga, the grounded mother who usually has to stop Grug from doing something stupid.
- Clark Duke is back as Thunk, who spends most of the movie obsessed with a "window" (the prehistoric version of a TV).
- Cloris Leachman as Gran. This was actually one of her final roles before she passed away, and she absolutely kills it. Her timing is impeccable.
Meet the Bettermans: The New Neighbors From Hell
The real magic of the second film comes from the "more evolved" family. The casting directors really hit the jackpot here. They needed people who could sound pretentious but somehow still likable, or at least funny enough that you don't want them to get eaten by a Bear-Owl.
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Peter Dinklage as Phil Betterman
Phil is the patriarch of the Betterman clan. He’s got the man-bun, the "advanced" treehouse, and a massive ego. Peter Dinklage uses his deep, authoritative voice to make Phil sound like a tech CEO from Silicon Valley who just happened to be born in the Stone Age. He and Grug are total opposites, and their "man-cave" scenes are some of the funniest moments in the movie.
Leslie Mann as Hope Betterman
Hope is the passive-aggressive queen of the prehistoric suburbs. Leslie Mann has this specific way of sounding incredibly sweet while simultaneously insulting your entire lifestyle. She views the Croods as "projects" rather than people, and Mann plays that condescending tone to a T.
Kelly Marie Tran as Dawn Betterman
Dawn is the daughter who has been cooped up behind a wall her whole life. Kelly Marie Tran brings a massive amount of "golden retriever energy" to the role. Instead of being a rival for Eep, she becomes her best friend. It’s a refreshing subversion of the "jealous girl" trope you usually see in these kinds of movies.
Why This Specific Cast Worked
Animation is tricky. You can't rely on facial expressions unless the animators perfectly match the actor's quirks. According to producer Mark Swift, Ryan Reynolds’ mannerisms actually influenced how Guy was animated in the sequel. You can see it in the way the character moves—it’s very "Ryan."
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But beyond the leads, the supporting cast is stacked with weirdness. Chris Sanders, the director of the first film, still voices Belt (the "Dun dun duuuun!" sloth). James Ryan voices Sash, the Bettermans' sloth. Even the Punch Monkeys have a distinct personality, which is wild considering they don't even speak English.
The Dynamics That Matter
- Grug vs. Phil: A classic "Blue Collar vs. White Collar" feud, but with more clubs and giant insects.
- Eep and Dawn: Their friendship is the soul of the second act. It’s about two girls realizing they’ve both been "caged" in different ways—one by a cave, one by a wall.
- Guy's Identity Crisis: Reynolds does a great job showing Guy’s struggle to fit into the "civilized" world he once dreamed of.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you're looking to dive deeper into the world of The Croods A New Age cast or just want to see more of these actors, here is where you should head next:
- Watch the Behind-the-Scenes: There is a great clip of Ryan Reynolds in the sound booth that shows exactly how much physicality he puts into a voice role. It explains why Guy feels so "alive."
- Check out "The Croods: Family Tree": If you loved the characters but want more, this spinoff series on Hulu and Peacock continues the adventures. Note that while some voices change (common for TV spinoffs), the vibe stays pretty consistent.
- Explore the Bettermans' Vibe: If you liked Peter Dinklage’s comedic timing here, he has a history of doing great voice work (like in The Angry Birds Movie or Destiny), though his role as Phil Betterman is arguably his most "fun."
- The Cloris Leachman Tribute: Since this was one of her last major projects, pay close attention to Gran’s "Thunder Sisters" arc. It’s a great final bow for a comedy legend.
The movie grossed over $215 million worldwide during a time when most theaters were literally closed. That doesn't happen just because of pretty colors. It happens because the audience connects with the voices behind the characters. Whether it’s Grug’s grunting or Phil’s condescending "Better-man" emphasis, the cast made this prehistoric world feel surprisingly human.