Netflix's Klaus reinvented holiday origin stories through a unique visual blend of traditional hand-drawn techniques and modern volumetric lighting. Beyond its technical achievements, the heart of the 2019 animated film lies in its stellar voice cast. Jason Schwartzman and J.K. Simmons anchor the narrative with performances that turn a familiar legend into a nuanced, emotional journey.
Understanding who brings these characters to life adds depth to the viewing experience. This guide breaks down the main voice actors, their career backgrounds, and the roles they play in the remote, snowy town of Smeerensburg.
Main Voice Cast and Characters
The cast blends comedic timing with dramatic weight, matching the film's shift from cynical comedy to emotional resonance.
Jesper Johansen Voiced by Jason Schwartzman
Jason Schwartzman voices Jesper, the spoiled, self-absorbed son of the Postmaster General. Sent away to the miserable island town of Smeerensburg as punishment, Jesper is forced to establish a functional post office or lose his inheritance. Schwartzman brings his signature fast-paced, anxious delivery to the role, capturing Jesper's evolution from a lazy slacker into a compassionate community builder. Before Klaus, Schwartzman built a career through frequent collaborations with Wes Anderson (Rushmore, The Darjeeling Limited) and starring roles in television series like Bored to Death.
Klaus Voiced by J.K. Simmons
J.K. Simmons voices Klaus, a reclusive, imposing woodworker living on the edge of town. Guarded by grief and surrounded by handmade toys, Klaus initially terrifies Jesper. Simmons balances a booming, gravelly exterior with deep vulnerability, creating a grounded version of a mythic figure. Simmons won an Academy Award for his terrifying performance in Whiplash and is widely recognized for playing J. Jonah Jameson in the Spider-Man franchise and voicing Omni-Man in Invincible.
Alva Voiced by Rashida Jones
Rashida Jones voices Alva, a former schoolteacher who turns to selling fish after the town's children stop attending school due to an endless generational feud. Jones infuses Alva with sharp wit and a weary realism that grounds the chaotic town dynamics. Jones is best known for her television work on Parks and Recreation as Ann Perkins and on The Office as Karen Filippelli.
Mogens Voiced by Norm Macdonald
The late Norm Macdonald voices Mogens, the dry, sarcastic ferryman who drops Jesper off in Smeerensburg and watches the chaos unfold with amused detachment. Macdonald's signature deadpan delivery suits the cynical tone of the town's adult population. A legendary stand-up comedian and Saturday Night Live alumnus, Macdonald brought his distinct deadpan humor to numerous comedy films and voice roles before his passing.
Supporting Cast and Town Dynamics
The eccentric residents of Smeerensburg drive the bitter rivalry at the center of the plot. Their voice actors give distinct personalities to the warring clans.
Mrs. Tammy Krum Voiced by Joan Cusack
Joan Cusack voices Mrs. Krum, the matriarch of the Krum clan who keeps the generational blood feud alive. Cusack brings theatrical intensity and fierce comedic energy to the role. A two-time Oscar nominee, Cusack's extensive filmography includes School of Rock, Working Girl, and the Toy Story franchise where she voices Jessie.
Mr. Aksel Ellingboe Voiced by Will Sasso
Will Sasso voices Mr. Ellingboe, the dimwitted patriarch of the rival Ellingboe family. Sasso matches Cusack's energy with booming, blustery frustration as he tries to out-feud the Krums. Sasso gained prominence through his work on MADtv and subsequent comedic television and film roles.
Márgu Voiced by Neda Margrethe Labba
Neda Margrethe Labba voices Márgu, a young Sámi girl who bridges the cultural and language gap with Jesper. Her expressive, natural performance provides some of the most touching interactions in the film, highlighting how friendship transcends spoken language.
Pumpkin and Olaf Voiced by Sergio Pablos
Director Sergio Pablos steps into the voice booth to provide vocal effects and dialogue for two larger-than-life background figures: Magdelone "Pumpkin" Ellingboe, who only speaks a single word, and Olaf Krum, the hulking son of Mrs. Krum who communicates through nonverbal grunts.
Behind the Animation and Voice Direction
Recording voice work for an animated feature requires a unique process, especially for a project developed outside traditional studio pipelines. Director Sergio Pablos conceived the project at The SPA Studios, aiming to revive hand-drawn animation through proprietary lighting tools.
Unlike many animated films where actors record separately in isolation, the production arranged collaborative table reads and vocal sessions when possible to build natural chemistry. Jason Schwartzman and J.K. Simmons worked closely to ensure the shifting dynamic between Jesper and Klaus felt earned rather than rushed. This careful attention to vocal pacing matches the film's visual style, ensuring the performances carry the emotional weight of the story.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did the voice actors sing any songs in the movie?
No, the main dialogue cast did not record original tracks for the soundtrack. The film's prominent musical moments, including the original song "Invisible", were performed by recording artists like Zara Larsson and Jussi Karvinen.
Where was Klaus produced?
The film was primarily animated at The SPA Studios in Madrid, Spain, bringing together international animators, lighting artists, and character designers to create its distinctive look.
Is Klaus part of a franchise or sequel?
As of now, Klaus stands as a standalone feature film on Netflix. Despite critical acclaim, including a BAFTA win for Best Animated Film, the creators have kept it as a single self-contained origin story.
Why does Márgu speak a different language from Jesper?
Márgu speaks the Sámi language, an indigenous language of northern Scandinavia, emphasizing the cultural divide and geographic isolation of the setting before the children bridge the gap through play and gift-giving.
