Anastasia

The youngest daughter of the last tzar of Russia is brought up in an orphange after being seperated from her grandmother during the revolution when her family is killed. Ten years later, "Anya" leaves the orphanage in search of her past. Eventually, she discovers who she is with the help of her canine friend, Pooka (whom she meets at what is basically the crossroads of her life), as well as con men Dimitri and Vladimir. Throughout her "journey to the past," she is haunted by dreams of the family she once had, as well as nightmares cast upon her by the unholy monk, Rasputin.

Anastasia's design was modeled after Audrey Hepburn (especially her eyes), by director, Don Bluth. She was also slightly redesigned from her original conception to resemble Meg Ryan a bit when she agreed to voice the character. Anastasia is given voice by Meg Ryan (left), one of Hollywood's most talented (and beautiful) actresses. Liz Callaway (right), of Broadway's "Les Miserables" is the singing voice of Anastasia. She has also been the singing voice of Princess Jasmine (in the two OVA sequels), as well as princess Odette in "The Swan Princess")

The eight year old Anastasia was also given the star treatment in regards to her voice. Kirsten Dunst (left) of "Interview with a Vampire," "Jumanji" and most recently "Wag the Dog" was the speaking voice. Lacey Chabert, of Fox's "Party Of Five" sang for the young duchess (she sang two lines and giggled).

Back to Character Menu!

Dmitri

Once a servant in the Romanov palace, young Dmitri risked his life to help young Anastasia and her grandmother, the Dowager Empress, Marie escape the revolution and execution of the Romanov family. Years later, he is the handsome young con man who is searching for a young woman to portray Anastasia in hopes of retrieving the ten-million ruple reward the aging matriarch is offering for her return. With the help of his closest friend, Vladimir, he inadvertantly finds the genuine article, and falls in love with her.

John Cusack (left), last seen in "Con Air" is the speaking voice of the young con man who turns out to have a good heart. Jonathan Dokuchitz(right), from Broadway's "Dream" sings the part.

It is also worth mentioning that Glen Walker Harris (Meet Wally Sparks, Wild at Heart) delivered the two or three lines of the young Dmitri. Fortunately, he did not sing, otherwise Fox would have probably also hired someone else to sing for him :c)

Back to Character Menu!

Vladimir

Vladimir is Dimitri's partner-in-crime in the plot to collect the ten-million ruple reward Marie has offered for the return of the Grand Duchess, Anastasia. Vlad is a former member of Russia's aristocratic society, and as such he once had a fling with Sophie, Marie's cousin.

He is a jolly sort of fellow who never seems to worry. Therefore, who better to voice him that Kelsey Grammer of TV's "Fraiser."

Back to Character Menu!

Rasputin

Feeling betrayed by the Romanovs, the unholy monk sells his soul for the power to destroy them. This curse, places on the entire family, takes effect in the form of the Russian revolution. After most of the family is killed, however, Rasputin spies Marie and Anastasia escaping and chases them. He soon drowns in an icy river (probably the only historically accurate event in this movie). Rasputin, however, is not dead but in limbo where he remains for ten years because Anastasia is not dead. To escape limbo, Rasputin must kill Anastasia.

Christopher Lloyd is used to playing cartoons. He has been Judge Doom in "Who Framed Roger Rabbit," and Murlok in "Duck Tales: the Movie". Lloyd's performance is hilarious, and his accent is oddly more convincing than Lansburry's. Jim Cummings is Rasputin's singing voice and he does quite a job matching Lloyd's voice (listen for Cummings sing the line "Tie my sash and a dash of cologne for that smell!" it's very close) especially considering that this man is now Winnie the Pooh, Pete, King Louie, and the Tazmanian Devil, as well as the singing voice of Pocahontas' father.

Back to Character Menu!

Marie

Marie is the Dowager Empress and Anastasia's grandmother. She is old, stubborn and tired of the heartache caused by the dozens upon dozens of false Anastasia's claiming to be the grand duchess. When Anya returns to her life, she at first refuses to even see her. However, Dimitri insists on giving Marie that which makes her happiest.

Voiced by Angela Lansburry with a thick Russian accent that is not always convincing, but at least consistant, Ms. Lansburry brings warmth and wisdom to the character. Something the screenplay doesn't seem to intend, but it is quite complementary

Back to Character Menu!

Sophie

Sophie is the plump but cute first cousin and lady-in-waiting to Marie. She is Marie's confidant and always bubbly and doting. Unlike Marie, Sophie is easily tricked by actresses claiming to be Anastasia. She does however, know the genuine article when she sees it and is more than willing to assist in arranging a meeting with the Empress, even after she refuses to see any more girls claiming to be Anastasia. This is especially due to the fact that one of the men that escorts her is Vladimir, an old flame that is apparently restarted now that he is in Paris again.

Goosebumps. That's what I get when I hear Bernadette Peters speak. She is an amazing actress who has apparently found a very comfortable spot in 'toon town. She is the voice of Rita on Anamaniacs and Angelique on the new video movie, "Beauty and the Beast: the Enchanted Christmas" Ms. Peters was also recently seen on television as Cinderella's wicked step mother on Disney's remake of "Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella" as well as "The Odyssey" playing Circe.

Back to Character Menu!

Bartok

Faithful to Rasputin, but not to the last, little Bartok is responsible for reuniting Rasputin and the Reliquey- the source of Rasputin's unholy power. He is an albino bat with a villainous streak, but the little guy does have his moments. He usually retrieves various limbs and facial features that fall from his rotting corpse, and assists the unholy monk, but in reality, he feels that Rasputin should simply "Get a life," and "Forget the girl."

Hank Azaria voices the little bat. He has been seen on Fox TV's "Herman's Head" and heard in FOX TV's "The Simpsons" as various characters including Apu.

Back to Character Menu!

Pooka

Pooka is the name Anastasia gives her furry little guardian angel when he helps her decide which road to take at the crossroads of her life. He protects his mistress and guards her with a passion against the dangers of Rasputin and takes an immediate liking to Vladimir.

Pooka is not voiced by any live actor. Instead, Fox decided to record 16 different dogs and edit each bark to create an authentic "voice" for the puppy.

Back to Character Menu!