Homeward Bound 3 Cast Changes: Who's In, Who's Out?

Homeward Bound 3 Cast Changes: Who's In, Who's Out for the Anticipated Disney Adventure?

For fans who grew up with the heartwarming tales of Shadow, Chance, and Sassy, the news of a third installment in the Homeward Bound franchise has been met with a mix of excitement and curiosity. Homeward Bound 3, officially titled Homeward Bound 3: A River Runs Through It, promises a fresh adventure for our beloved animal companions, but with a significant shake-up in its human and even some animal voice cast. This article delves into the roster, revealing who’s returning, who’s new, and which iconic characters will unfortunately not be making the journey.

The original films, The Incredible Journey (1993) and Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco (1996), captivated audiences with their blend of animal antics and poignant storytelling. A new film has been a topic of speculation for years, and the journey to its release has been as winding as the paths our furry heroes take. Initially slated for a much earlier date, the film finally saw its release on Disney on June 22, 2020, after being delayed and moved forward from a much earlier proposed release date of May 1, 1999. This long hiatus and rescheduling have only heightened anticipation and discussion around the project. For a deeper dive into the release date complexities, you might be interested in Homeward Bound 3: Two Films? Unraveling the Release Confusion.

A New Journey Begins: The Plot of Homeward Bound 3: A River Runs Through It

Homeward Bound 3: A River Runs Through It picks up with a compelling premise that ensures the spirit of adventure remains intact. The film sees our intrepid animal protagonists – Shadow, Chance, Delilah, Ace, and Sassy – making a daring escape from Baker, LA, after a series of events. Their ultimate goal? To reunite with their new owners: Miles, Samantha, Carla, Claire, David, and Toby, who are now residing in San Diego. This epic journey promises new challenges, heartwarming reunions, and undoubtedly, plenty of laughs and tears along the way. The focus on a new human family and a new destination hints at a fresh chapter for the franchise, emphasizing themes of belonging and the unbreakable bond between pets and their people. For more details on their epic quest, check out Homeward Bound 3: River Runs Through It - Journey to San Diego.

New Faces, New Family: Who’s In for the Human Cast?

Perhaps the most significant change in Homeward Bound 3 is the complete overhaul of the human cast. This film marks a departure from the beloved Seaver family, introducing an entirely new set of human companions for our animal heroes. This decision opens up new narrative possibilities and allows for a fresh dynamic, while still centering on the timeless theme of pets finding their way home to their human families.

Here’s a look at the exciting new human cast members joining the Homeward Bound universe:

Josh Green as Miles: A fresh face bringing energy to one of the central new human characters.
Jenny Slate as Samantha: Known for her distinctive voice work (e.g., Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, Zootopia) and comedic acting, Slate is sure to bring warmth and humor to her role.
Kimberly Williams-Paisley as Carla: A veteran actress recognizable from films like Father of the Bride and TV series such as According to Jim, her presence adds a touch of seasoned charm.
Cameron Richardson as Claire: Bringing her experience from various film and television roles, Richardson will help round out the new family.
Tony Hale as David: A phenomenal comedic actor, famously known for his roles as Buster Bluth in Arrested Development and Gary Walsh in Veep, Hale's involvement suggests a strong comedic element within the new human family dynamic.
Zachary Levi as Toby: Best known for his leading roles in Chuck and as Shazam in the DC Extended Universe, Levi brings star power and a likable persona to Toby. His range from comedy to action suggests a versatile performance.
Jean Smart as Kate: An acclaimed actress with a rich career, including recent hits like Hacks and Mare of Easttown, Smart's involvement is a huge draw, promising depth and gravitas to the new parental figures.
Gary Taylor as Frank: Another addition to the supporting human cast, helping build the world around the new family.
Miranda Cosgrove as Carly: A recognizable face from her Nickelodeon days on iCarly, Cosgrove's casting appeals to a younger demographic who grew up with her.
Jerry Trainor as Spencer: Also known from iCarly, Trainor's comedic timing and chemistry with Cosgrove could add a fun, familiar dynamic for many viewers.
Nathan Kress as Freddie: Completing the iCarly trio, Kress’s presence further reinforces the nostalgic appeal for a certain segment of the audience.
John Stamos as Maxwell: The beloved actor from Full House and other iconic roles, Stamos's inclusion adds significant star power and broad appeal, hinting at a potentially charming or pivotal character.

This diverse and talented ensemble of actors, combining comedic veterans, established dramatic performers, and nostalgic favorites, suggests that the new human story will be as engaging as the animals' adventure.

Familiar Voices, Fresh Dynamics: The Animal Ensemble

While the human cast sees a complete change, the voice cast for our animal protagonists retains some cherished voices while introducing new talent. This mix ensures continuity for long-time fans while breathing new life into the beloved characters.

Here’s the voice cast:

Dustin Milligan as Shadow: The wise and loyal American Bulldog (formerly an Old English Sheepdog), Shadow's voice is now portrayed by Dustin Milligan. Known for his roles in Schitt's Creek and RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars, Milligan steps into the big shoes of Don Ameche, who voiced Shadow in the original, and Ralph Waite from the sequel. His performance will be crucial in maintaining Shadow's steadfast spirit.
Michael J. Fox as Chance: In a welcome return for fans, Michael J. Fox reprises his iconic role as the mischievous and lovable American Bulldog, Chance. His distinctive voice and comedic timing have always been a highlight of the franchise, and his return is a significant win for continuity and fan satisfaction.
Sally Field as Sassy: The sassy Himalayan cat also sees her original voice actress, Sally Field, return to the role. Field's sharp wit and warm delivery as Sassy have been integral to the character's charm, and her comeback guarantees the cat's signature personality remains intact.
Carla Gugino as Delilah: Introduced in the second film as Chance's love interest, the Kuvasz Delilah gets a new voice with Carla Gugino. Gugino, known for her versatile roles in films like Spy Kids and Gerald's Game, takes over from Sarah Jessica Parker, bringing her own unique interpretation to the character.
Zachary Gordon as Ace: The new character, Ace, is voiced by Zachary Gordon, famous for his role as Greg Heffley in the first three Diary of a Wimpy Kid films. Ace is a new addition to the animal group, suggesting an expanded ensemble and potentially new dynamics among the animal friends.

The return of Michael J. Fox and Sally Field for Chance and Sassy is a powerful anchor for the franchise, reassuring fans that the core essence of the animal trio remains. The new voices for Shadow and Delilah, along with the introduction of Ace, promise a fresh auditory experience and new character interactions that will undoubtedly enrich the story.

Saying Goodbye to the Seaver Family: Who's Out?

As mentioned, the most prominent departures from the Homeward Bound universe in this third film are the entire original human family – the Seavers. This signifies a clear creative decision to pivot the franchise into new territory, potentially aiming for a soft reboot or a continuation with a fresh human perspective.

The actors not returning include:

Robert Hays as Bob Seaver: The patriarch of the original human family.
Kim Greist as Laura Seaver: Bob's wife and a loving figure to the pets.
Benj Thall as Peter Seaver: The eldest of the Seaver children, with whom Chance had a special bond.
Veronica Lauren as Hope Seaver: The middle child, often paired with Sassy.
Kevin Chevalia as Jamie Seaver: The youngest child, deeply attached to Shadow.

The absence of the Seaver family is a major shift. It means the emotional core will be rebuilt around the new family, Miles, Samantha, Carla, Claire, David, and Toby. While fans might initially miss the familiar faces, this change also presents an opportunity for a new generation to connect with the story and for the animal characters to form new, equally strong bonds. It allows the film to stand on its own while still carrying the heart and spirit of the original films.

Beyond the Beloved Pets: Other "Homeward Bound 3" Mentions

It's worth noting that the phrase "Homeward Bound 3" can sometimes lead to confusion due to other unrelated projects sharing similar titles. For instance, discussions on platforms like Reddit have shown "Homeward Bound - [3]" referring to fanfiction or other independent works, such as stories set in the "Nature of Predators" universe. These are distinct from the Disney film focusing on Shadow, Chance, and Sassy. Our article, and the general fan discussion, centers on the official Disney motion picture. It’s important for viewers and readers to distinguish between the various interpretations of a shared title, ensuring they find the content relevant to the beloved animal adventure.

Conclusion

Homeward Bound 3: A River Runs Through It embarks on a new chapter for the beloved animal adventure franchise. With a completely fresh human cast and a blend of returning and new animal voices, the film presents an exciting evolution. While we say goodbye to the Seaver family, the introduction of a talented new ensemble, coupled with the cherished voices of Michael J. Fox and Sally Field, promises to deliver another heartwarming and thrilling journey. This new installment invites both nostalgic fans and a new generation of viewers to join Shadow, Chance, Sassy, and their companions on an unforgettable quest for home in San Diego. Get ready to experience the enduring power of friendship and the incredible bond between humans and their pets once more!