John Ratzenberger will make his return to the world of Monsters Inc. when he appears as the Yeti in tomorrow’s new episode of the Disney+ series Monsters at Work. Ahead of that, Ratzenberger spoke about his role, and why he’s happy to have been a part of such an iconic franchise.
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“The Monsters Inc. franchise is special,” Ratzenberger said. “First, because of the premise, there’s probably millions of children now that are not afraid that there are monsters under their bed. Or if they think there’s a monster under their bed, it might be a friendly monster. So I think it’s done a great service to the insomniac children worldwide.”
Ratzenberger went on to talk about his role as the Yeti, someone who may look mean and intimidating but is actually pretty gentle in the original film. Ratzenberger noted that the split between those two ideas is interesting to him and that he’s glad he got the chance to explore it.
“For Monsters at Work, I’m reprising my role as the Yeti,” said Ratzenberger. “He’s the biggest character in the Monsters world, and probably the strongest, but also probably the gentlest, and I like that dichotomy. The very first time I walked into the sound studio, it’s just been a treat, and I’m grateful that I was a part of it.”
Monsters At Work takes place the day after the Monsters, Incorporated power plant started harvesting the laughter of children to fuel the city of Monstropolis, thanks to Mike and Sulley’s discovery that laughter generates ten times more energy than screams. The series will now center around a new character named Tylor Tuskmon, an eager young monster who graduated top of his class at Monsters University and has always dreamed of becoming a Scarer. However, when he lands a job at Monsters, Incorporated, he discovers that scaring is out and laughter is in. After Tylor is temporarily reassigned to the Monsters, Inc. Facilities Team (MIFT), he must work alongside a misfit bunch of mechanics while setting his sights on becoming a Jokester.
The Disney+ series sees the return of Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Jennifer Tilly Bonnie Hunt, and Bob Peterson as they reprise their respective roles from the acclaimed 2001 film as Mike Wazowski, James P. “Sulley” Sullivan, Celia Mae, Ms. Flint, and fan-favorite Roz. It will also feature new voice cast members including Ben Feldman, Mindy Kaling, Henry Winkler, Lucas Neff, and Alanna Ubach.
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Monsters At Work was developed and is executive produced by Disney animation veteran Bobs Gannaway (Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Planes: Fire & Rescue). Academy Award-nominated Sean Lurie (Inner Workings) is the producer, and Kat Good (Big Hero 6 The Series) and Steve Anderson (Meet the Robinsons) serve as supervising directors. The late Rob Gibbs (Monsters, Inc.) also served as director on some of the earlier episodes.
