Jason Bateman Reveals Personal Reason He Wanted to Star in 'Zootopia'

— -- Jason Bateman says getting the call to star in the new Disney animated movie “Zootopia” was a “really great call” to get.

“I see mostly these kinds of movies because I have two little girls, nine and four,” Bateman, 47, told “Good Morning America” correspondent Rachel Smith. “So I wanted to work in one.”

Bateman gives voice to Nick Wilde, a sly but lovable fox whose unlikely friendship with a bunny is the focus of the movie.

“This film ends up being extremely timely with these messages of inclusion and not being a fear monger and letting people cohabit without worrying that they're gonna infringe on your freedoms,” Bateman said.

Bateman said he outwardly relates to his character, who is portrayed in "Zootopia" as a cynic.

“I'm a very sort of positive, optimistic person, but I cover with a lot of snark,” Bateman said. “I've got a hard candy shell [but] inside there's a very, there's a soft, chewy center.”

“Zootopia” is open in theaters now.

"Zootopia" is produced by Disney, which is the parent company of ABC News.