Brenda Song leaps into another Disney project with ‘Amphibia’

Rick Bentley

Brenda Song has a decadeslong history with Disney Channel projects. Her credits range from a regular cast member on “The Suite Life with Zack & Cody” to her latest job as the voice of Anne Boonchuy in the animated series “Amphibia.” The frog-out-of-water series debuts Monday.

“It really feels like a family reunion when I get to work on another Disney project,” Song says. “I am so fortunate that Disney has been so wonderful to me. I grew up here. I started working on “The Suite Life’ when I was 15 and I’m 31 now.

“I not only got to live out my dream every single day but I got to do it in a safe environment while sending out a positive message. When this opportunity came along there was no way I could say no because it’s such a wonderful family to be a part of.”

“Amphibia” focuses on Anne, a 13-year-old who does something she doesn’t want to because of peer pressure. The music box she steals comes with consequences, as it proves to be magical and transports her to a world of frog people and other crazy characters. It then becomes a journey for Anne to find her way home.

“Amphibia” is the creation of executive producer Matt Braly, who was inspired by his heritage, family and childhood trips to Bangkok. Before leaping into the world of frogs, Braly worked as a storyboard artist on “Steven Universe” and “Gravity Falls” and as a director of “Big City Greens.”

This is Song’s latest as a voice actor, having worked on “Lilo & Stitch: The Series,” “Phineas & Ferb,” “Pixie Hollow Games” and “Robot Chicken.” The animated credits go along with a longer list of onscreen jobs that include “Dads,” “New Girl,” “Scandal” and the upcoming “Dollface.”

Song found “Amphibia” to be more than just another chance to work behind a microphone. The California native, whose father is Hmong and mother is Thai-American, loves that it’s so family-friendly while also giving her a chance to cast a light on part of her own culture.

“One thing that is wonderful about Disney is that regardless if you are in an ensemble or you are the lead, how this family treats you is exactly the same. It is completely unbiased and so much fun,” Song says. “Yes, I am sure the pressure is much more so but, to be honest, it doesn’t feel different.

“Every project is different and has its own challenges but it is like coming home to family all the time.”

A second season of the animated offering has been ordered.

Tribune News Service