Adapted from the children's novel of the same name, Apple TV+'s Harriet The Spy stars Beanie Feldstein as the titular 11-year-old, a curious writer who is determined to find the answers behind anything and everything that triggers her curiosity. Apart from Feldstein, the Booksmart and Impeachment star is joined by veteran actors like Jane Lynch and Lacey Chabert as well as some really high-profile voice artists.
When it comes to the latter category, the ensemble doesn't only include actors involved in other children's cartoons or superhero shows, but even iconic anime series like Naruto. All in all, the Apple TV+ original boasts a well-known and critically-praised team of performers.
Beanie Feldstein - Booksmart (2019)
Getting her big break with a supporting role on Lady Bird, Harriet the Spy lead Beanie Feldstein continued her streak with the coming-of-age comedy Booksmart. Starring opposite Kaitlyn Dever, Feldstein stars as a "nerdy" high-schooler who wishes to let loose one night before graduation. The subsequent results are over-the-top, hilarious, and most unexpectedly heartwarming.
While Feldstein went on to prove her dramatic prowess with the FX series Impeachment, Booksmart bore testimony to her impeccable comic timing.
Jane Lynch - Best In Show (2000)
Harriet's nanny Ole Golly is played by Two and a Half Men alumna Jane Lynch. The actress is also known for appearing in several of Christopher Guest's mockumentary movies including Best in Show. A satire on competitive dog shows, the movie takes an insider's look into one such event and the fancy antics of the participants.
Often, dog-centric movies tend to take a sentimental turn, but Best In Show goes on to demonstrate how bizarrely funny someone's attachment to an expensive pet canine can be. Joining Lynch is a talented ensemble boasting the likes of Schitt's Creek actors Eugene Levy and Catherine O'Hara.
Lacey Chabert - The Wild Thornberrys (1998-2004)
The brainchild of the creators of Rugrats, The Wild Thornberrys is another classic Nickelodeon cartoon from the 2000s. It features a dysfunctional family of nature researchers and the misadventures that the children embark on. Leading the cast is 12-year-old Eliza, the youngest daughter in the family who possesses a gift to communicate with animals.
Lacey Chabert, who voices Harriet antagonist Marion, also lends her voice to Eliza. She went on to reprise the role in The Wild Thornberrys Movie and a crossover movie with Rugrats called The Rugrats Go Wild.
Kimberly Brooks - Spies In Disguise (2019)
Harriet's best friend Janie is voiced by Kimberly Brooks, a prolific voice actor with credits ranging from Dexter's Laboratory to Steven Universe. When it comes to movies, she was recently spotted in Space Jam: A New Legacy and the animated spy comedy Spies in Disguise.
The movie stars Will Smith as an "awesome spy" who is accidentally transformed into a pigeon by a scientific whiz kid voiced by Tom Holland. As the movie parodies the over-the-top gadgets of spy franchises like the James Bond movies, the protagonist's super-car, an Audi RSQ e-Tron, is voiced by Brooks.
Crispin Freeman - Young Justice (2010-)
Appearing as Harriet's father, Crispin Freeman is another talented voice actor who boasts a diverse record in films and TV. In the latter, he is popular among DC fans as the voice of Red Arrow AKA Roy Harper in the teen-centric superhero series Young Justice. Setting itself apart from usual DC ensembles like the Justice League, Young Justice focuses on adolescent characters such as Robin, Miss Martian, Aqualad, and Superboy.
As global threats increase with every new season, Young Justice also explores its titular team's personal struggles and coming-of-age experiences. Freeman's Red Arrow is an integral part of the team that shares a tumultuous relationship with other leading figures in the squad.
Grey Griffin - Invincible (2021-)
Appearing as Harriet's mother is Grey Griffin, the voice actress who also has explored other creative avenues such as comedy, singing, and songwriting. In terms of voice-acting, one of her latest credits includes the adult animated superhero show Invincible. Dealing with a young hero's introduction to superhero vigilantism, Invincible also pokes fun at familiar superhero tropes with a vast team of heroes that resemble popular Marvel and DC figures.
One of these is Shrinking Rae, a superheroine who can manipulate her size much like Marvel's Ant-Man and DC's Atom. Grey Griffin voices the character who is also a member of the superhero collective Guardians of the Globe.
Bumper Robinson - Justice League: Doom (2012)
Bumper Robinson appears in Harriet The Spy as Janie's father. Otherwise, Robinson has been attached to several franchises such as Transformers, Marvel, and DC properties. His most popular DC role is that of Cyborg in the DC animated movie Justice League: Doom. Inspired by the 2000s Justice League comic storyline "Tower of Babel", Doom pits the superhero team against Ra's Al-Ghul.
However, this conflict leads to an ideological civil war within themselves as it is revealed that Batman had always had a contingency plan to counter each teammate in case a worst-case scenario were to happen. The result is an introspective superhero drama that explores themes such as power and loyalty.
Charlie Schlatter - Kick Buttowski: Suburban Daredevil (2010-2012)
Apart from Janie, Harriet's other best friend is Sport, who is voiced by Charlie Schlatter. When it comes to his lead roles, a particularly memorable credit will be Kick Buttowski in which he voiced the protagonist. The animated comedy deals with the dangerous stunts of Kick Buttowski, a rebellious young boy who embarks on a journey to be the world's greatest stunt daredevil. Joining him in his adventures is his loyal accomplice Gunther.
Even though most of his stunts face some interference or the other, Kick's adrenaline-fueled quests truly make him a "suburban daredevil".
Maile Flanagan - Naruto (2002-2007)
A foolish classmate of Harriet's, Pinky Whitehead is voiced by Maile Flanagan. Even though her live-action gigs might find her appearing as a woman in authoritative roles, Flanagan is worshipped among fans of anime dubs, as she voices the titular teenager in Naruto. One of the best shonen anime in existence, Naruto revolves around a young ninja's journey to becoming the leader of his village and the greatest ninja in his region.
Flanagan's brash, immature style of voicing Naruto has established her presence in the pantheon of most recognizable English-speaking anime voice actors.
Phil LaMarr - Samurai Jack (2001-2017)
Guest-starring in one Harriet The Spy episode as the school's sports teacher, Phil LaMarr is popularly known as Marvin in Pulp Fiction, the ill-fated youngster who encounters a hilarious car death. But over the years, LaMarr has established himself as a voice actor, especially after his lead role in Samurai Jack.
Incorporating themes from samurai fiction, sci-fi, and fantasy, this Cartoon Network original is a mishmash of genres and serves as a cartoon that balances both style and substance. The plot essentially deals with Jack, a samurai who is sent to a different timeline. On his way back home, Jack engages in world-saving adventures. LaMarr has voiced the character in both the original seasons as well as the Adult Swim revival.