You’ve probably seen the posters or caught the trailer for My Freaky Family (also known as The Scarygirl Movie in some regions) and thought, "Wait, I know that voice." It’s that nagging feeling when a character speaks and you can almost see the actor's face, but you can’t quite place them. Honestly, the My Freaky Family cast is a weirdly perfect blend of veteran character actors and recognizable stars who bring a ton of heart to this quirky, visually striking world. Based on the Scarygirl graphic novels by Nathan Jurevicius, the film tackles big themes—identity, belonging, and the environment—but it’s the voices that make those themes actually land instead of feeling like a lecture.
The story follows Arkie, a girl who looks a bit different from everyone else, as she embarks on a journey to save her father from a scientist obsessed with "perfection." It’s a bit dark, kinda whimsical, and totally unique.
Arkie and the Core Trio: Jillian Nguyen’s Breakout Moment
At the center of everything is Arkie. She isn’t your typical animated protagonist. She’s got a tentacle-like arm and a fierce sense of loyalty. Jillian Nguyen provides the voice for Arkie, and she brings this grounded, gritty vulnerability to the role. You might remember Nguyen from Loveland or Barons. She doesn’t play Arkie as a "chosen one" superhero; she plays her as a kid who is just trying to get her dad back. It’s a performance that anchors the entire film. If her voice felt too "cartoony," the movie wouldn't work.
Then you have the supporting duo. Every quest needs the comic relief and the muscle, right?
Sam Neill voices Bunniguru. Yes, that Sam Neill. The Jurassic Park legend. Hearing his distinguished, slightly authoritative voice coming out of a giant, enlightened rabbit is exactly as entertaining as it sounds. Neill has this uncanny ability to sound both wise and utterly ridiculous at the same time. He gives Bunniguru a sense of history. You feel like this rabbit has seen some things.
And then there’s Egg. Voiced by Rob Collins, Egg is the nervous, hyper-aware companion. Collins, known for Cleverman and Total Control, does a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to the film’s humor. The chemistry—or lack thereof—between the stoic Bunniguru and the frantic Egg is a highlight of the My Freaky Family cast dynamics.
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The Villainous Turn: Tim Minchin as Dr. Maybee
Every story like this needs a foil, and in My Freaky Family, we get Dr. Maybee. He’s a scientist who wants to harness the life force of the world to create something "perfect," which is usually code for "something boring and soulless."
Tim Minchin was a brilliant casting choice here.
Minchin is a polymath—musician, comedian, actor, and the mind behind the Matilda musical. He has a very specific cadence. It’s sharp, fast, and rhythmic. He brings a theatrical flair to Dr. Maybee that makes the villain feel more like a tragic figure than a one-dimensional bad guy. You can tell Minchin is having a blast with the dialogue. He leans into the character’s ego. It’s a "freaky" performance for a freaky family movie.
Deep Cuts in the Supporting Cast
The depth of the My Freaky Family cast goes beyond the big names on the poster.
- Deborah Mailman voices Nana. Mailman is basically Australian acting royalty (The Sapphires, Offspring). Her voice has this natural warmth that provides a much-needed emotional safety net for the characters (and the audience).
- Remy Hii plays Chi. You’ve seen him in Spider-Man: Far From Home and Crazy Rich Asians. He adds a layer of modern energy to the ensemble.
- Mark Coles Smith voices River. Smith has been doing incredible work lately in Mystery Road: Origin, and his inclusion here shows how much the production valued actual acting chops over just "star power."
- Liv Hewson, who many know from Yellowjackets, also lends their voice to the project, adding to the contemporary feel of the voice roster.
Why the Australian Connection Matters
You might notice a pattern here. Most of the My Freaky Family cast are Australian or have strong ties to the region. This isn't a coincidence. The film is an Australian-led production (Passion Pictures, Highly Spirited), and it embraces that identity.
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Often, international animated films try to "sanitize" the accents to appeal to a global (read: American) audience. This movie doesn't really do that. It keeps its grit. The voices sound like people, not polished voice-over machines. This adds to the "freaky" vibe. It feels authentic to the source material created by Nathan Jurevicius.
What People Often Get Wrong About the Movie
There is a misconception that this is just a "kids' movie." Honestly? It’s a bit more intense than your average bright-and-bubbly flick. The character designs are inspired by "designer toys" and lowbrow art movements. It’s got an edge.
When you look at the My Freaky Family cast, you see actors who are used to doing heavy drama or complex satire. They didn't approach this like a simple paycheck gig. They treated the script like a real piece of character-driven cinema. If you go in expecting Paw Patrol, you’re going to be surprised. It’s closer in spirit to something like Coraline or The City of Lost Children.
The Creative Vision Behind the Voices
Director Ricard Cussó and the production team clearly wanted a specific "vibe." They needed voices that could bridge the gap between the grotesque and the beautiful. The world of the film is decaying but also lush.
The sound design works in tandem with the cast. When Sam Neill speaks, the audio mix lets you hear the gravel in his voice. When Jillian Nguyen’s Arkie gets emotional, the music swells, but her voice stays quiet and intimate. It’s a masterclass in how voice acting is about more than just reading lines—it’s about breath, timing, and reacting to a world that isn't actually there during the recording session.
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Actionable Steps for Fans of the Cast
If you enjoyed the performances in My Freaky Family, here is how to dive deeper into the work of this talented group:
Check out the Source Material
Before it was a movie, it was Scarygirl. Tracking down Nathan Jurevicius’s original graphic novels will give you a whole new appreciation for how the My Freaky Family cast interpreted these characters. The art style is legendary in the indie comic world.
Explore the Actors' Live-Action Work
Don't stop at the animation.
- Watch Jillian Nguyen in Loveland for more of that sci-fi edge.
- If you haven't seen Sam Neill in Hunt for the Wilderpeople, do it now. It captures that same "grumpy but lovable mentor" energy he brings to Bunniguru.
- Dive into Tim Minchin’s Upright. It’s a brilliant series that shows off his range far beyond his musical comedy roots.
Follow the Animation Studio
Keep an eye on Passion Pictures. They are the same folks who worked on Love, Death & Robots and the Gorillaz music videos. Their casting choices are consistently interesting because they prioritize unique voices over "flavor of the week" celebrities.
The My Freaky Family cast succeeded because they didn't try to make the characters "normal." They embraced the weirdness. In a world of cookie-cutter animation, that's something worth talking about.