It’s hard to believe next year will finally see the release of a live-action Dora the Explorer film. Since the show debuted in 2000 it’s always been discussed as an eventual film. Who knew it would take 19 years? Peruvian-American actress Isabela Moner was announced as the lead earlier this year, and audiences’ reactions to her in the Dora costume have been unique, to say the least.
Now, audiences will continue to be enthralled by the entertaining weirdness that is a live action Dora the Explorer with the announcement that Oscar-winning actor Benicio Del Toro has joined the film. He’ll be providing the voice for the villainous fox, Swiper, known for his continued attempts to nab Dora’s items; his schemes are foiled by Dora’s refrain of “Swiper, no swiping.” Del Toro will only be providing the voice of the character as filming wrapped up earlier this year in Australia. The feature is described as a “Goonies-type adventure” wherein a now high-school age Dora, with the help of her pet monkey, Boots, must find her parents (played by Michael Peña and Eva Longoria) as well as a lost Incan civilization.
The James Bobin directed-film also includes stars Eugenio Derbez and Adriana Barraza, as well as Q’orianka Kilcher in unspecified roles.
Del Toro has been popping up in a slew of popular features, including the Star Wars and Marvel franchises, so lending his voice to the kid friendly (and sure to be financially successful) Dora the Explorer makes sense. It’s definitely odd that he’d be nabbed for a character who doesn’t necessarily have the most lines, but it’s assumed Swiper’s role will be fleshed out more than it is in a standard episode. The rest of the cast is just as impressive. Who’d have thunk in 2019 we’d have a Dora the Explorer movie with Oscar winners in it?
Dora the Explorer arrives in theaters August 2nd, 2019