Robert Irwin, wildlife enthusiast and son of the late Steve Irwin, has taken his love for animals to an exciting new frontier: Hollywood animation. The 20-year-old conservationist recently made his film debut in the highly anticipated sequel Zootopia 2, lending his voice to a charming koala character named Robert Furwin. In an exclusive interview, Irwin described the experience as “so surreal,” reflecting on the thrill of joining an animated universe that celebrates animals in ways both entertaining and educational.
Fans of the Irwin family will know Robert not just as a television personality, but as a dedicated advocate for wildlife conservation. Following in his father’s footsteps, he has combined his passion for animal protection with media projects that engage audiences of all ages. His role in Zootopia 2 is a natural extension of that mission, allowing him to bring awareness to conservation issues while entertaining millions. As Robert explained, “Being part of a story where animals are the heroes—and where I can contribute my own voice—is beyond exciting. It’s like stepping into a world I’ve always loved from the inside out.”
The character, Robert Furwin, is a quirky and lovable koala with a keen sense of humor and a big heart. Fans of the first Zootopia film know the franchise for its clever social commentary and charming anthropomorphic animal characters, and Robert Furwin fits seamlessly into that universe. Irwin shared that voicing the character required him to tap into his own personality and experiences with real animals, adding authenticity to the role. “It was incredible to channel my own experiences with wildlife into a character that kids and families will enjoy,” he said.
The recording process, Irwin noted, was an entirely new challenge. Unlike on-camera work with real animals, voice acting demands conveying emotion, timing, and personality solely through sound. “At first, it felt a bit strange,” he admitted. “You’re sitting in a booth, staring at a microphone, imagining this world around you. But once I got into the character, it became so much fun—laughing, improvising, and really connecting with the story and the other voice actors.”
Robert also expressed his gratitude for being part of a project that continues the original film’s legacy of addressing important themes in a playful, accessible way. Zootopia 2 explores topics like cooperation, understanding, and the environment, all within a story that children and adults can enjoy. Irwin’s involvement adds a layer of real-world connection, bridging the gap between animated animals and real-life conservation efforts.
Fans have already expressed excitement over the casting announcement, praising the choice to bring a member of the Irwin family into the beloved franchise. Social media buzzed with admiration for Robert, celebrating both his voice work and the continuation of his family’s dedication to wildlife.
For Robert Irwin, voicing Robert Furwin in Zootopia 2 is more than just a career milestone—it’s a moment of personal fulfillment and a chance to merge his passions for wildlife, storytelling, and engaging new audiences. He summed it up perfectly: “Being part of this film is surreal, exciting, and a dream come true. I can’t wait for everyone to meet Robert Furwin and see a bit of my world reflected in his adventures.”
