Pedro Pascal stars with Matt Berry in Oscar-nominated animated movie The Wild Robot, a milestone career moment for Berry, whose comedic satire Toast of London once filled him with doubts. Berry’s early fears that the show would jeopardize his reputation as a voiceover professional were ultimately misplaced as the series raised his industry profile, leading to high-profile roles and recognition.
Matt Berry, co-creator and star of Toast of London, was initially apprehensive about lampooning the voiceover industry, worried that such satire might alienate casting directors and other professionals. In the 2012 show, Berry portrayed Steven Toast, a struggling middle-aged actor navigating an eccentric world of comedic misadventures and regular voiceover work, surrounded by hip audio technicians who rarely showed him respect. The British comedy, written with Arthur Matthews, was met with critical acclaim, earning impressive ratings, including a 92% approval score on Rotten Tomatoes’ Popcornmeter, and eventually developing a cult following. The series‘ success led to an expanded universe with Toast of Tinseltown.
Fear of Satire Opens Doors to Major Opportunities
Despite his success, Berry privately struggled with the concern that the humor and self-deprecating depiction of voice actors might sabotage his prospects in more serious projects. In an interview with The Guardian, Berry expressed his surprise at continuing to land work in the field he thought he had satirized to a fault:
“I’m amazed I still get the work. I thought I’d satirised the job into oblivion as Toast. But that only made them want me more. Weird.”
—Matt Berry, Actor and Co-creator
Contrary to Berry’s concerns, his fearless approach to the comedy not only resonated with viewers but caught the attention of industry professionals. The show became both a showcase for his unique comedic delivery and a launchpad for new opportunities in prominent voice acting projects, demonstrating how risk can shape a career. His rise was further propelled by performances in acclaimed programs like What We Do in the Shadows, where he garnered Emmy recognition.
A Role in Oscar-Nominated The Wild Robot
The increased visibility from Toast of London set the stage for Berry to join a star-studded voice cast in DreamWorks’ 2024 animated film The Wild Robot. Teaming up with renowned actors including Pedro Pascal, Lupita Nyong’o, and Mark Hamill, Berry took on the role of Paddle the beaver. The film, based on a novel by Peter Brown and directed by Chris Sanders, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 8, 2024. It achieved significant commercial success, grossing over $330 million worldwide and receiving three Academy Award nominations—making it DreamWorks’ most-nominated film of that year.
Berry’s performance as the neurotic beaver drew acclaim for its comic timing and emotional depth, with reviewers from leading entertainment outlets like EW and People highlighting his contribution to key moments, such as saving the forest in a pivotal scene. Reflecting on his experience working under Chris Sanders, Berry shared insights during a discussion with Luxury London:
“[Chris] turned all the lights off and we played it in the recording studio and, honestly, [I realized] that this is what I need to be doing. This is something that I need to now fully concentrate on because I knew it was going to be exceptional.”
—Matt Berry, Actor and Voice Artist
Berry explained that witnessing the film’s rough cut was a transformative moment, confirming his passion for animation and voice work. This turning point in his creative journey signified a commitment to projects that inspire him, marking a full-circle moment from the uncertainties that once clouded his path.
The Lasting Impact of Berry’s Career Choices
Matt Berry’s career trajectory—from anxious beginnings as Steven Toast to a thriving role alongside Pedro Pascal in an Oscar-nominated animated movie—underscores the value of courage and creative authenticity. The popularity of Toast of London not only bolstered Berry’s standing among casting directors and professionals but also paved the way for remarkable milestones, including his work in DreamWorks’ The Wild Robot. As he continues to captivate audiences with his distinctive style and dedication, Berry’s story stands as a testament to risk-taking and resilience in entertainment.
Those interested in experiencing Berry’s breakthrough series can find Toast of London streaming on BritBox Apple TV in the USA. With momentum from recent successes and critical acclaim, the future appears promising for Berry, Pedro Pascal, Lupita Nyong’o, and others contributing to this new era of animated and comedic storytelling.
