Scottish actress Michelle Gomez, renowned for her captivating portrayals of seductive villains, is embarking on a dramatically different kind of role. The Glasgow-born star is trading pencil skirts and red lipstick for the tusks and bristles of a formidable wild boar.
From Sexy Villain to Porcine Captain
Michelle Gomez will voice the character of Captain Hoggbottom in Disney's hotly anticipated animated sequel, Zootopia 2. This marks a significant departure from the femme fatale persona she has perfected in shows like Doctor Who and The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. Instead of a glamorous antagonist, Gomez will bring to life a no-nonsense police officer who just happens to be a wild boar.
The 58-year-old actress enthusiastically announced her new role on social media, sharing a photo of her character with the caption: 'I give you Hoggbottom (she is one hell of a hog)'. For this part, Gomez will utilise her native Scottish accent, albeit with a gruffer, more authoritative delivery suited to a tough police captain.
A Career Built on Grit and Glamour
Gomez's path to Hollywood A-listers was not a straightforward one. Before finding fame in the 2002 Channel 4 comedy series The Book Group, she held a variety of jobs, including cleaning toilets in a Glasgow hotel and working as a karaoke host. Her dedication to her craft eventually led her to London, a successful acting career, and marriage to Pirates of the Caribbean actor Jack Davenport.
Her career is notable for its powerful, often seductive female characters. She famously played Missy, a mischievous incarnation of the Master in Doctor Who, and Madam Satan in the Netflix series Sabrina. Reflecting on these roles, Gomez once said, 'Maybe I’m filling a niche market for sexy, angry women,' and described playing Satan's wife as 'great and powerful and empowering and fun and manipulative and sexy.'
She is currently lending her voice to another iconic character, Professor McGonagall, for the Harry Potter audiobook series.
Star-Studded Cast and Past Controversy
In Zootopia 2, Gomez will join an impressive cast of Hollywood heavyweights. She will star alongside Michael J Fox, Jason Bateman, and global music superstar Shakira.
Her involvement in the Harry Potter franchise, however, was not without controversy. In August, she faced a backlash due to creator JK Rowling's outspoken stance on trans rights. This prompted Gomez to issue a public statement clarifying her own position, in which she insisted she 'supports trans rights without hesitation'.
From cleaning hotel bathrooms to voicing characters for major franchises, Michelle Gomez's career continues to be as dynamic and unexpected as the roles she chooses, with Captain Hoggbottom being the latest fascinating addition to her filmography.
