Netflix’s new Big Mouth spinoff series Human Resources features a bevy of returning characters. Big Mouth has gained popularity for its unapologetically sincere (and at times gratuitous) depictions of prepubescence and human sexuality. But Human Resources takes the franchise to new levels, dumping the human characters and focusing solely on the antics of the universe’s emotional creatures.
Human Resources uses a cast of non-human characters from Big Mouth in a new setting. Billed as “Big Mouth meets The Office”, the series offers a look at the world of symbolic creatures. The emotional creatures are depicted as being a part of a corporate structure, not dissimilar to the emotions in Disney’s Inside Out (though decidedly less appropriate for children). Putting the creatures in a vacuum allows the series to explore the relationships between familiar characters in a loosely-structured format.
Human Resources includes a wealth of exciting new characters, like Rosie Perez as Petra the Ambition Gremlin, Randall Park as Pete the Logic Rock, and Hugh Jackman as Dante the Addiction Angel. But given the referential nature of the show, the returning Big Mouth characters inevitably drive much of the plot. With that in mind, here is a look at all of the familiar faces in Human Resources season 1.
Maurice “Maury” Beverley/Rick—Nick Kroll
Maury is among the most ever-present characters in the Big Mouth franchise. As the Hormone Monster of timid young Andrew Glouberman, Maury represents all of his unexpressed impulses, often offering vile and dangerous suggestions to his clients. Rick is a decrepit version of effectively the same character, with both being voiced by Big Mouth co-creator Nick Kroll. Both Hormone Monsters return in Human Resources as even more exaggerated versions of themselves, with Maury’s antics providing the B-story in most episodes. Kroll also voices a slew of other Big Mouth characters, including Coach Steve, Nick Birch, and Lola Skumpy.
Constance “Connie” LaCienega—Maya Rudolph
Connie is a Hormone Monstress with an on-again/off-again relationship with Maury. She is among the most brutally honest of Big Mouth’s characters, which can make her somewhat abrasive at times, but Connie does genuinely care for her clients, often even mimicking their emotions. The wilder side of her character is put on display in Human Resources, enabled by an office full of similarily rambunctious Hormone Monsters. Connie is played by legendary comedienne and SNL alum Maya Rudolph, giving her an outlet for her unique vocalizations and comedic style.
The Shame Wizard, Lionel St. Swithens—David Thewlis
The Shame Wizard differs substantially from the Hormone Monsters, both in form and in purpose. He is a cruel sadist, deriving pleasure from preying on people’s most deep-rooted shames. While The Shame Wizard is still certainly stoking misery in Human Resources, the series shows a softer side of Lionel, from his eagerness to socialize to his unusual relationship with his mother. The Shame Wizard is played by David Thespis, most famous for portraying Remis Lupin in the Harry Potter franchise.
Rochelle—Keke Palmer
Rochelle is perhaps the most dynamic non-human character in the Big Mouth franchise. She is first shown as Missy’s Hate Worm, exaggerating the truth to exacerbate situations and counseling her clients to succumb to their anger. But her character changes substantially in Human Resources, glowing brighter than the other Lovebugs and generally excelling at her job. Rochelle is played by former child star Keke Palmer, who gained notoriety for her performance as the titular character in 2005’s Akeelah and the Bee.
Walter Las Palmas—Brandon Kyle Goodman
Walter is a dramatic lovebug tasked with helping Nick Birch pursue his romantic interest in Jessi Glaser in Big Mouth season 5. When it becomes clear that Nick’s feelings aren’t likely to be reciprocated, Walter’s disappointment ends up turning him into a Hate Worm. His intensity only grows in Human Resources, with his emotions swinging wildly from scene to scene. Walter is played by Brandon Kyle Goodman, best known for playing Deco in Netflix’s 2020 comedy Feel the Beat.
Gavin Reeves—Bobby Cannavale
Gavin is an impulsive and somewhat intimidating character, known to be the beast of all Hormone Monsters. He takes his job a bit too seriously, frightening away Nick Birch with his enthusiasm and unsettling tone. Gavin’s toxic masculinity and thinly veiled self-confidence issues are on full display in Human Resources as he is promoted to Head of Testosterone for the NFL. Gavin is played by actor Bobby Cannavale, who is best known for playing Paxton in Marvel’s Ant-Man.
Sonya Poinsettia—Pamela Adlon
Sonya is an experienced Lovebug who appears in Big Mouth season 5 to help Jessi Glaser process her attraction to Ali. She begins Human Resources in a position of power, but after she is let go, her character begins to spiral downward as she is replaced by a young, incompetent Lovebug, Emmy. Pamela Adlon lends her voice to the character, a voice which viewers may recognize as Bobby Hill from Mike Judge’s animated series King of the Hill.
Tito Taylor Thomas—Maria Bamford
The main antagonist of Big Mouth season 4, Tito the Anxiety Mosquito is a discompassionate manifestation of human stress and worry. Although Tito is still nervous by nature, her character becomes a comedic relief in Human Resources, appearing to deliver short, neurotic outbursts. Tito is played by comedienne and prolific voice actress Maria Bamford, who also provides voices for Midnight Gospel and Adventure Time.
Mona—Thandiwe Newton
Mona replaces Connie as Missy’s Hormone Monstress, offering a different and somewhat troubling take on her role as a guide than her predecessor. Mona is a cool British Monster that encourages Missy to be more like her, often to her detriment. Mona’s character doesn’t have much influence over the story in Human Resources, but she can be seen throughout the series participating in her brand of debauchery with the other Hormone Monsters in the office. Mona is played by British actress Thandiwe Newton, who is perhaps best known for portraying Maeve Millay in HBO’s sci-fi series Westworld.
Simon Sex—Jemaine Clement
Simon only appeared in one episode of Big Mouth season 5, but he makes a return in Human Resources nonetheless. He is effectively the antithesis of Maury, despite the two being friends. He is a sensitive Hormone Monster whose goals revolve around peace, love, and harmony. Simon is played by New Zealand actor Jemaine Clement, one of the two members of the popular musical comedy duo Flight of the Conchords.