Netflix's holiday classic Klaus redefined traditional animation when it premiered in 2019, earning an Academy Award nomination through a stellar ensemble performance. The voice cast brings depth to a bleak, isolated town called Smeerensburg, grounding a whimsical Christmas origin story in genuine emotional stakes.
The primary voice cast features Jason Schwartzman as the lazy postman Jesper and J.K. Simmons as the reclusive toy maker Klaus. They are joined by Rashida Jones as Alva, Norm Macdonald as Mogens, Joan Cusack as Mrs. Krum, and Will Sasso as Mr. Ellingboe. Each actor infuses their animated counterpart with distinct vocal quirks that make the characters memorable long after the credits roll.
Jason Schwartzman as Jesper Johansen
Jason Schwartzman voices Jesper, the spoiled, self-absorbed son of the Royal Postmaster General who is sent to the frozen island town of Smeerensburg as punishment. Schwartzman brings a frantic, fast-talking energy to the role. He captures Jesper's evolution from a lazy slacker who only cares about returning to his life of luxury into a compassionate community builder.
The physical comedy of the animation matches Schwartzman's vocal delivery. When Jesper groans, panics, or tries to scheme his way out of delivering letters, Schwartzman uses a high-pitched, expressive cadence. This vocal style helps sell the comedic desperation of a city boy completely out of his depth in the Arctic.
J.K. Simmons as Klaus
J.K. Simmons takes on the role of Klaus, a massive, brooding woodsman living alone in a cabin filled with handcrafted wooden toys. Simmons relies on his characteristic gravelly bass tones to give Klaus an intimidating initial presence. As the character thaws out and bonds with Jesper, Simmons softens his delivery, injecting a warm, rumbling laugh and a protective gentleness.
Simmons avoids making Klaus a cliché Santa figure. Instead, his performance highlights grief and isolation, making the character's eventual transition into a legendary gift-giver feel earned and emotionally resonant.
Rashida Jones as Alva
Rashida Jones voices Alva, a former teacher who gave up on education when the town's children stopped attending school, settling instead to work as a cynical fishmonger. Jones brings a dry, sharp wit to Alva. Her deadpan delivery underscores the bleakness of Smeerensburg before Jesper and Klaus disrupt the status quo.
Jones balances Alva's initial exhaustion with a fierce independence. When Alva yells across the fish market or argues with Jesper, Jones maintains a crisp, grounded tone that anchors the film's secondary romantic and community storylines.
Norm Macdonald as Mogens
The late Norm Macdonald voices Mogens, the sarcastic, unfazed ferryman who guides Jesper into Smeerensburg and watches the town's ongoing chaos with amused detachment. Macdonald brings his iconic, deadpan delivery style entirely intact. He doesn't change his natural speaking voice much, but his comedic timing shines through every single line read.
Mogens serves as the audience surrogate and a Greek chorus rolled into one. Macdonald's relaxed, slightly raspy drawl makes lines about local feuds and impending disaster sound like dry observations from a man who has seen it all.
Joan Cusack and Will Sasso as the Clan Leaders
Joan Cusack voices Mrs. Tammy Krum, the sharp-tongued matriarch of the Krum family, while Will Sasso voices Mr. Aksel Ellingboe, the bombastic leader of the rival Ellingboe clan. Both actors lean into broad, theatrical vocal choices to portray characters consumed by a multi-generational petty feud.
Cusack uses a sharp, clipped cadence that conveys strict control and vindictiveness. Sasso counters with an oversized, booming delivery that highlights Mr. Ellingboe's stubborn foolishness. Together, their vocal performances anchor the town's absurd political dynamic.
Neda Margrethe Labba as Márgu
Neda Margrethe Labba voices Márgu, a young Sámi girl who reaches out to Jesper despite the language barrier. Labba brings genuine youthful innocence to the project. Because Márgu speaks very little English, her performance relies heavily on expressive giggles, gasps, and warm vocal inflections that communicate pure friendship across cultural divides.
Her inclusion in the cast brought authentic representation to the film, reflecting the indigenous Sámi people of northern Scandinavia. Her performance stands out as one of the most heartwarming parts of the movie.
Sergio Pablos in Dual Roles
Director and co-creator Sergio Pablos steps into the voice booth to handle two unique non-verbal roles: Olaf Krum and Magdelone "Pumpkin" Ellingboe. Olaf communicates entirely through guttural, hulking grunts, while Pumpkin's dialogue is famously restricted to repeating the single word "mine" in a booming tone. Pablos uses varied vocal pitches to turn these simple constraints into running gags.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who voiced Santa Claus in Klaus?
J.K. Simmons voiced the title character Klaus, who serves as the film's inspiration for the legend of Santa Claus.
Did Norm Macdonald record his lines before passing away?
Yes, Norm Macdonald completed his voice work as Mogens well before the film's release in November 2019.
Is Klaus available to stream on Netflix?
Yes, Klaus is an original Netflix animated feature film and remains available to stream on the platform.
What awards did the voice cast and crew win?
While the actors received individual praise, the film itself won seven Annie Awards, including best animated feature, alongside a BAFTA win for Best Animated Film.
