‘Umbrella Academy’ Star Emmy Raver-Lampman To Replace Kristen Bell On Apple TV’s ‘Central Park’

This week marks the finale of the first season of Apple TV’s hit animated series Central Park. However, before season two can get underway, the voice cast will receive a big shakeup. In response to the Black Lives Matter movement taking its long-overdue prominent spot in the mainstream, series star Kristen Bell announced she will step down from her role. As first reported by Deadline, Umbrella Academy star Emmy Raver-Lampman will replace Bell in the role of Molly Tillerman.

Molly is a young, mixed-race girl in the show’s family. Its creators and Bell chose to make the change to give an opportunity to an actress of color to tackle the starring role. Moreover, Raver-Lampman has an extensive theatre background, previously appearing in the smash hits like Wicked and Hamilton.

The show focuses on the Tillerman family as they live in and navigate New York’s Central Park. The cast features Leslie Odom, Jr as Owen, Kathryn Hahn as Paige, and Titus Burgess as Cole. Additionally, the stellar voice cast also included Daveed Diggs as Helen and Stanley Tucci as the villainous Bitsy Brandenham. Moreover, the show touts Frozen 2 star Josh Gad as its narrator Birdie.

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The show’s executive creative team expressed their delight in the inclusion of Emmy Raver-Lampman in a statement to Deadline.

“After an extensive casting process that brought a number of incredible contenders to the forefront of our Molly search, we could not be more thrilled, honored, and certain that we have found the perfect marriage of character to voice in the amazing Emmy Raver-Lampman. From the moment we heard her Molly, we knew she was the right choice. Her comedic chops, endearing spirit and other-worldly singing prowess have us jumping with joy at the possibilities of this already wonderful character moving forward.”

Furthermore, the talented actress will reprise of her role as Allison Hargreeves in season two of Netflix’s Umbrella Academy. Season one of the hit superhero series received rave reviews from fans and critics alike.

What do you think of the swap? Are you happy an actress of color will now embody the role of a young biracial character? Let us know your thought below!

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