Ralph Breaks the Internets Cast List Is Full of Fun, Surprising Easter Eggs

In Ralph Breaks the Internet, Easter eggs abound. Which was bound to happen, considering the films Extremely Online status; its entire plot hinges on popular Web sites and memes. The most fertile space for the film to hide its deep cuts in plain sight is its sprawling cast list, a delightfully random assortment that reveals even tiny parts went to folks whose names youll recognize—ranging from June Squibb to Nicole Scherzinger to YouTubers like GloZell Green.

Heres one Easter egg for the comedy set: theres a scene in which Jason Mantzoukas voices a character who asks Groot (voiced, as ever, by Vin Diesel) a question. The credits reveal that Mantzoukass character is named “Hey Nongman”—a sly reference to a joke from the comedy podcast Comedy Bang Bang. In a 2015 episode, Mantzoukas and Scott Aukerman are chatting when Mantzoukas says “Hang on, man,” which Aukerman mishears as “Heynong man.” Its since become a classic running gag, with official Heynong Man merch cementing its strange little place in C.B.B. history. The reference has also popped up in other places; Mantzoukas previously slipped it into his appearance on Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Heynong Man lives.

Another neat little Easter egg arrives courtesy of Michael Giacchino, the prolific composer with a punny sense of humor whos worked on several Pixar and Disney movies—including Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. In Ralph, Giacchino makes a brief voice turn as FN-3181, a Stormtrooper who chases after Vanellope (voiced by Sarah Silverman). Its a full-circle moment for the Star Wars fanboy, who also voiced Stormtrooper FN-3181 in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

The cast list also boasts an array of digital influencers and comedians who got their start online. YouTuber-turned-Netflix star Colleen Ballinger—better known as Miranda Sings—plays an animated version of herself, as does YouTuber and designer Tiffany Herrera. Comedian and writer Jaboukie Young-White, who got his break on Twitter before making the leap to writing on shows like Big Mouth and becoming a Daily Show correspondent, also appears as an office employee named McNeely.

Speaking of comedians, the voice of J.P. Spamley—a seedy salesman with connections to the Dark Web—sure sounds a lot like Bill Hader, who isnt formally credited for the part. (When asked for comment, Disney kept mum.) If the part is voiced by the comedian, theres precedent: Hader has done numerous voice roles in the past, and has a Disney connection as well. Hader served as a voice consultant for the creation of BB-8 in The Force Awakens, alongside Ben Schwartz. The addition of Hader also strengthens Ralphs already noticeable Saturday Night Live connections; alum Horatio Sanz voices a brief role, as do current cast members Melissa Villaseñor and Alex Moffat.

And though this doesnt quite count as an Easter egg, it should be noted that almost all of the actresses who have voiced Disney princesses in the past returned here to play their original parts (Anika Noni Rose as Princess Tiana, and Ming-Na Wen as Mulan, and so on and so forth). However, the Ralph team had to get creative when it came to casting voices for Disney princesses from older movies, like Snow White. (Adriana Caselotti, who originally voiced the character, died in 1997.) The team didnt have to look very far to find a replacement, however—the role ended up being voiced by Pamela Ribon, the co-writer of Ralph Breaks the Internet.

The Parent Trap

Oreos and peanut butter? The pivotal snack brings the main characters, Annie and Hallie, together . . . and probably inspired millions to rethink how they eat the classic cookie.Photo: From Walt Disney/Everett Collection.

Its Complicated

Meryl Streep and Steve Martin getting high, then going into a beautiful bakery and making chocolate croissants is one of the purest, gentlest moments in film.

Somethings Gotta Give

There are so many delicious moments in this film, from Diane Keatons characters many lush dinners to the midnight snacks cooked up in her stunning kitchen (a Meyers specialty). But perhaps the most indelible moment arrives courtesy of Keanu Reeves—playing a hot young doctor who lends everything, even shopping at a local farmers market, a flirtatious appeal. What is it about peaches?Photo: From Columbia Pictures/Everett Collection.

Father of the Bride

In the film, an aggravated Steve Martin goes to the grocery store and tears into bags of hot-dog buns, griping that he only wants 8, not the pre-packaged 12. Its not quite a gourmand-level scene, but it is silly and real and will maybe make you crave bread.

The Holiday

In a film full of obscenely cozy moments, this one might be the coziest: Cameron Diaz grocery shopping in a quaint, but impeccably designed English shop, guzzling straight from a wine bottle as she pushes her cart full of goodies.

Home Again

Meyers produced this rom-com directed by her daughter Hallie Meyers-Shyer—a film that proves the apple doesnt fall far from the cinematic tree. Home Again mostly takes place in and around Alices (Reese Witherspoon) gorgeous California home, with a million satisfying feasts laid out on her huge table.Photo: By Karen Ballard/Open Road Films/Everett Collection.PreviousNext