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The Battle Of The Smithsonian Cast: Where Are The Stars Of Night At The Museum 2 Now (2025 Updates)

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The iconic ensemble cast of Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (2009)—the much-loved sequel to the original museum adventure—remains one of the most star-studded comedy lineups of the 21st century. More than a decade after the film transported audiences to the hallowed halls of the Smithsonian Institution, the actors who brought historical figures like Amelia Earhart, Kahmunrah, and Jedediah to life continue to dominate Hollywood. This deep dive, updated for December 2025, reveals the complete cast list, fascinating behind-the-scenes secrets, and the surprising, fresh projects the A-list stars are tackling right now.

Released in 2009, Night at the Museum 2 saw night guard Larry Daley travel from New York to Washington D.C. to save his animated friends from the newly awakened evil pharaoh, Kahmunrah. The film’s success was built on the chemistry of its returning stars and the introduction of major new talent, many of whom have since earned Oscar nominations and launched major new franchises.

The Star-Studded Cast of Battle of the Smithsonian: A Complete Biography List

The sequel was a powerhouse of comedic and dramatic talent, featuring returning favorites and new faces. Here is a comprehensive list of the principal cast members and their roles, along with a snapshot of their storied careers, providing a foundation of topical authority for the film's legacy:

  • Ben Stiller as Larry Daley: The film's protagonist, a former night guard turned successful infomercial entrepreneur who returns to save his friends. Stiller is a comedy legend known for directing and starring in films like Zoolander, Tropic Thunder, and Meet the Parents. His career spans acting, directing, producing, and screenwriting.
  • Amy Adams as Amelia Earhart: A new character, the wax figure of the pioneering aviatrix who becomes Larry's adventurous love interest. Adams is a six-time Academy Award nominee, celebrated for roles in Arrival, American Hustle, Enchanted, and The Fighter.
  • Owen Wilson as Jedediah: The miniature cowboy diorama figure, best friend to Octavius. Wilson is instantly recognizable for his collaborations with Wes Anderson (The Royal Tenenbaums, Rushmore) and major comedies like Wedding Crashers and Marley & Me.
  • Hank Azaria as Kahmunrah, The Thinker, and Abraham Lincoln: Azaria showcased his incredible versatility by playing the film’s main villain, the pharaoh Kahmunrah, as well as voicing the statues of The Thinker and Abraham Lincoln. He is most famous as a voice actor for dozens of characters on The Simpsons (Moe, Chief Wiggum, Apu).
  • Robin Williams as Theodore Roosevelt: The beloved wax figure of the 26th U.S. President who offers guidance to Larry. Williams was an icon of comedy and drama, known for Good Will Hunting, Dead Poets Society, and Aladdin.
  • Steve Coogan as Octavius: The miniature Roman general diorama figure, often paired with Jedediah. Coogan is an acclaimed British comedian, actor, and writer, creator of the character Alan Partridge, and an Oscar nominee for Philomena.
  • Ricky Gervais as Dr. McPhee: Larry’s former boss, the eccentric curator of the Museum of Natural History. Gervais is a renowned stand-up comedian, creator of the original UK version of The Office, and star of After Life.
  • Christopher Guest as Ivan the Terrible: The wax figure of the 16th-century Tsar of Russia. Guest is a celebrated satirist and director, known for mockumentaries like Best in Show and A Mighty Wind.
  • Alain Chabat as Napoleon Bonaparte: The wax figure of the French military and political leader. Chabat is a highly successful French actor, director, and screenwriter.
  • Jonah Hill as Brandon: A small but memorable role as a museum security guard. Hill has since become an Oscar-nominated actor for Moneyball and The Wolf of Wall Street, and a successful director.

The Cast of Night at the Museum 2: What They Are Doing Now (2024–2025 Updates)

Far from being historical figures themselves, the cast members of Battle of the Smithsonian are actively shaping the future of film and television. The following updates highlight their most recent and upcoming projects, demonstrating their continued relevance in Hollywood and beyond, with information current as of late 2025:

Ben Stiller: From Night Guard to Director's Chair and Sequels

After his success as Larry Daley, Ben Stiller has balanced his career between acting, producing, and highly acclaimed directing work. His recent projects showcase a return to comedy and a focus on prestige television and documentary filmmaking.

  • The Return to Comedy: Stiller broke a seven-year acting hiatus in 2024 with the Christmas comedy-drama Nutcrackers.
  • Upcoming Sequels: He is confirmed to appear in the highly anticipated *Happy Gilmore 2*, a sequel to the 1996 classic, which is scheduled for 2025. He is also set to produce and act in a pickleball comedy titled *The Dink* (2025).
  • Prestige TV Directing: Stiller is in the final stages of post-production for the critically acclaimed Apple TV+ series Severance, with the second season set to return in January 2025.
  • Documentary Work: He has also directed a documentary about his famous comedian parents, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, titled *Stiller & Meara: Nothing is Lost*, which premiered in late 2024.

Amy Adams: From Aviatrix to Black Comedy-Horror

Amy Adams, who brought a spirited and romantic energy to Amelia Earhart, has continued her streak of Oscar-worthy performances, moving into darker, more complex roles. Her most current project is a major shift from the family-friendly adventure film.

  • The 2024 Release: Adams starred in the black comedy-horror film *Nightbitch*, which premiered in late 2024. The film, based on a novel, explores the dark side of motherhood.
  • Festival Recognition: *Nightbitch* was a key feature, opening the 2024 Refocus Film Festival.
  • Future Projects: She has several unannounced projects slated for 2025 and 2026, solidifying her status as one of Hollywood's most in-demand dramatic actresses.

Owen Wilson: The Cowboy Finds New Adventures in Audio and Action

Owen Wilson, the voice of the tiny but mighty Jedediah, has maintained a steady presence in major film and television projects, including his ongoing role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). His latest ventures are both on-screen and in the audio world.

  • Action Drama Role: Wilson is set to star alongside Alan Ritchson in the upcoming action drama film *Runner*.
  • Podcast Series: In a unique move, Wilson is portraying a real-life Yeti hunter in the new scripted podcast series *Tom Slick: Mystery Hunter*.
  • Upcoming Films: His future slate includes the long-awaited *Shanghai Dawn* and the comedy sequel *Focker In-Law* (2026), continuing his work in major franchises.

Hank Azaria: From Pharaoh to The Boss

Hank Azaria's performance as the scene-stealing villain Kahmunrah was a masterclass in voice work and physical comedy. Today, the actor is making headlines for a surprising pivot into the music industry.

  • A Musical Transformation: Azaria is now the frontman for a Bruce Springsteen tribute band called "Hank Azaria & the EZ Street Band."
  • Touring in 2025: The band performed initial concerts in late 2024 and has announced an upcoming 2025 U.S. tour, showcasing Azaria’s vocal talents in a completely new light.
  • Voice Work Continues: Despite his musical detour, Azaria continues his decades-long work as a voice artist for *The Simpsons*.

Unearthing Hidden Artifacts: Fascinating Night at the Museum 2 Trivia

The making of Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian involved complex visual effects and clever acting techniques. These behind-the-scenes facts add a layer of appreciation for the film’s execution and the cast’s dedication.

The Triple Role of Hank Azaria

One of the most impressive feats of the film was Hank Azaria’s triple-duty performance. He not only played the primary antagonist, Kahmunrah, but also voiced two other iconic, though smaller, roles: The Thinker and the statue of Abraham Lincoln. This required a complete change in voice, accent, and mannerisms for three distinct characters, showcasing his unparalleled vocal range that he honed on *The Simpsons*.

The Tiny Tennis Ball Stand-In

The scenes involving the miniature characters, Jedediah (Owen Wilson) and Octavius (Steve Coogan), required the main actors, especially Ben Stiller, to interact with nothing. For certain shots where Larry Daley had to physically interact with the capuchin monkey, Dexter, the production team used a simple, low-tech solution: a tennis ball on a stick. This tennis ball served as a stand-in for the CGI monkey, allowing Stiller to accurately react to the character before the visual effects were added in post-production.

Historical Accuracy and Smithsonian Collaboration

The entire premise of the film hinges on the Smithsonian Institution, which is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex. The production team worked closely with the Smithsonian to ensure that the exhibits, settings, and historical figures were represented respectfully, even within the context of a fantasy-comedy. The film features iconic artifacts like the Spirit of St. Louis, which Amy Adams' character, Amelia Earhart, pilots. The collaboration added a layer of historical realism to the fantastical adventure, making the museum itself a character in the film.

night in museum 2 cast
night in museum 2 cast

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