You know the guy. He’s wiry, slightly unhinged, wears a leaf for an eyepatch, and treats a piece of broccoli like a daughter. If you’ve spent any time watching the Ice Age franchise, you've definitely wondered who plays Buck in Ice Age because that voice is just everywhere. It’s frantic. It’s high-pitched. It’s undeniably British.
The man behind the eyepatch is Simon Pegg.
Honestly, it’s hard to imagine anyone else bringing that level of manic energy to a prehistoric weasel. Pegg first stepped into the role of Buck (short for Buckminster) back in 2009 for Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs. Since then, he’s become a fan favorite, sticking with the character through multiple sequels and even his own standalone spin-off on Disney+.
Why Simon Pegg Was the Only Real Choice for Buck
Casting a voice actor isn't just about finding a "funny voice." It's about finding an energy that matches the character’s soul. Buck is a survivor. He’s spent years alone in the "Dinosaur World" underneath the ice, which has made him—let’s be real—completely nuts.
Simon Pegg, known for his work in Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, and the Mission: Impossible films, has this specific ability to play "competent but stressed." That’s Buck in a nutshell. He’s an incredible warrior who also happens to talk to inanimate objects.
Pegg has often talked about how much he loves the character. In various interviews during the press tours for the films, he’s mentioned that Buck is basically his "inner child" let loose. He doesn't just read the lines; he yells them, whispers them, and physically acts them out in the recording booth to get that breathless, survivalist tone just right.
Is it always Simon Pegg?
There’s often a bit of confusion about whether the same person plays Buck in every single appearance. It’s a fair question. In the world of animation, sometimes big stars are replaced by "voice-alikes" for TV shows or smaller projects to save on the budget.
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But for Buck, Disney and Blue Sky Studios (before it closed) stayed remarkably loyal. Pegg voiced him in:
- Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (2009)
- Ice Age: Collision Course (2016)
- The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild (2022)
Wait, what about the cameos? Even in the short films and the brief appearances, Pegg has largely been the guy. He clearly has an affinity for the weasel. It's rare to see an A-list actor stick with a side character in an animated franchise for over a decade, but Pegg seems to treat Buck like one of his most important roles.
The Character Inspiration: More Than Just a Weasel
When you look at who plays Buck in Ice Age, you also have to look at what influenced the performance. If you feel like Buck reminds you of a certain seafaring captain, you’re onto something.
The creators at Blue Sky Studios have admitted that Buck was heavily inspired by Captain Ahab from Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick. Instead of a white whale, Buck has Rudy—the massive, pale Baryonyx that took his eye. Pegg leans into this "obsessed hunter" trope, using a voice that feels like a mix between a Shakespearean actor and a guy who’s had way too much caffeine.
It’s this complexity that makes the character work. Most kids' movie sidekicks are just there for a quick laugh. Buck actually has a tragic backstory and a weird, lonely existence that Pegg manages to make both hilarious and slightly sad.
The 2022 Spin-off and the Future of Buck
For a while, people thought the Ice Age series was done after the fifth movie. But then came The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild. This was a huge deal because it moved the focus away from the main trio—Manny, Sid, and Diego—and put Buck center stage.
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There was some internet chatter when the trailer dropped. Fans were worried. "Is that still Simon Pegg?" The answer was a resounding yes. While some of the other original cast members didn't return for the Disney+ original (Manny and Diego were voiced by different actors), Pegg stayed on.
Why the Voice Matters So Much
Voice acting is a specialized skill. In Buck Wild, the animation style changed slightly because the production moved to a different studio. If they had changed the voice and the animation style, the character would have felt like a total stranger. Pegg’s voice is the "glue" that kept the character feeling authentic, even when the visual world around him was shifting.
Think about it. If you close your eyes and listen to Buck, you hear the gravelly transitions and the sudden jumps in pitch. That’s not easy to mimic. It’s why when people ask who plays Buck in Ice Age, they usually aren't just looking for a name—they're looking for the person responsible for that specific, chaotic vibe.
Fact-Checking the Cameos and Other Media
You might also hear Buck's voice in video games or theme park attractions.
- Video Games: Generally, for the tie-in games (like the Dawn of the Dinosaurs game), studios try to get the original talent. Pegg has lent his voice to various iterations of the character across platforms.
- Theme Parks: In the Ice Age themed areas of various parks, you’ll hear Buck guiding guests. Again, Disney usually uses high-quality recordings from the original sessions or brings the actor back for fresh lines to ensure "brand consistency."
There was a brief rumor that James Corden or even Russell Brand might have been considered for the role back in the day, but those were never confirmed. Pegg has been the "one and only" since the character's inception.
What You Should Do Next
If you’re a fan of Pegg’s work as Buck, there are a few things you can do to see the range of the actor who brought this weasel to life.
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First, go back and watch Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs. It’s arguably the best film in the franchise, largely because of Buck’s introduction. Pay attention to the "Rules of the Jungle" monologue—it's a masterclass in voice acting timing.
Second, check out Simon Pegg’s non-animated work. If you like the frantic energy of Buck, you’ll see shades of it in his character "Scotty" in the Star Trek reboot films. He uses a different accent, but that same "high-stress genius" vibe is present.
Finally, keep an eye on Disney+ for any future shorts. While no official seventh Ice Age movie has been confirmed for a theatrical release yet, the character of Buck remains one of the most bankable assets in the franchise. It's highly likely we haven't seen the last of the one-eyed weasel or the man who voices him.
Quick Summary of Voice Credits for Buck:
- Lead Voice Actor: Simon Pegg
- First Appearance: Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (2009)
- Most Recent Appearance: The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild (2022)
- Key Character Inspiration: Captain Ahab (Moby-Dick)
Understanding who plays Buck in Ice Age helps you appreciate the craft behind the character. It’s not just a cartoon; it’s a performance by one of the most respected comedic actors of his generation.
Actionable Insight: If you're interested in voice acting yourself, listen to Pegg's "Buck" voice compared to his natural speaking voice. He moves the resonance from his chest up into his throat to create that "raspy weasel" sound. It's a great exercise in vocal placement. For fans, the best way to support the continuation of these characters is to stream the official releases on Disney+, as viewership metrics directly influence which characters get more spin-offs.