The Secret Life of Pets (2016) is a popular animated film that offers a comedic look into what pets do when their owners are away. Among the film’s diverse group of pets, one character stands out as both hilarious and memorable: Snowball, the white rabbit who plays a major role in the movie's plot. Voiced by comedian Kevin Hart, Snowball is not your average bunny—he's a rebellious and charismatic character with a surprising backstory.
Let’s dive into the personality of Snowball, his role in the movie, and why this rabbit is one of the film’s most memorable characters.
Who is Snowball, the Rabbit from The Secret Life of Pets?
Snowball is a white rabbit with an unpredictable, spunky attitude. At first glance, he appears to be just a cute, fluffy bunny, but Snowball is anything but typical. He is the leader of a ragtag group of abandoned pets who live on the streets of New York City. These "flushed pets" are animals that have been given up or abandoned by their owners, and Snowball takes it upon himself to lead them on a mission to exact revenge on humans.
Despite his small size, Snowball is a fearless, charismatic leader who demands respect from his followers. He is a self-proclaimed "former pet" who holds a deep grudge against the people who abandoned him. His love for his new family of "flushed pets" and his desire to protect them is one of the more endearing qualities of his character. However, Snowball’s antics also serve as the film’s comic relief, often leading to chaotic and hilarious situations.
Personality of Snowball
Snowball’s personality is a mix of mischief, anger, and comedic charm. Here's a closer look at his character traits:
- Rebellious
Snowball's main motivation throughout The Secret Life of Pets is to seek revenge on the humans who abandoned him. He despises people and is determined to make them pay for what he perceives as a betrayal. He leads his band of flushed pets in daring and often ridiculous schemes to overthrow the humans. - Comedic and Over-the-Top
Despite his serious (and often angry) demeanor, Snowball is a source of comic relief in the movie. His over-the-top behavior and dramatic speeches add a layer of humor to the film. For example, he constantly refers to himself as the "King of the Flushed Pets" and engages in dramatic monologues about the injustices of being abandoned by his owner. - Endearing and Loyal
While Snowball's anger towards humans is intense, he’s also fiercely loyal to his new "family." He’s protective of the other abandoned pets and values their friendship, even if his methods are sometimes a bit extreme. Over the course of the film, Snowball's character evolves as he begins to see the good in others, particularly the protagonist, Max the terrier. - Underdog with a Heart of Gold
Snowball, in many ways, represents the archetype of the underdog. While he may appear as an out-of-control, misfit bunny, he ultimately has a soft spot for his friends. His character arc moves from villain to hero, as he helps Max and the other pets defeat the film’s antagonists and save the day. Snowball's evolution as a character teaches us about redemption, friendship, and the importance of community.
Snowball's Role in The Secret Life of Pets
At the start of the movie, Snowball is introduced as the leader of the flushed pets, a group of animals who have been abandoned and are now living in the wild. He sees Max, the film’s main character (a Jack Russell Terrier), as a threat to his group’s lifestyle. Snowball's goal is to make Max and his friends aware that there’s a new "leader" in town, and he’s ready to take on any pet that gets in his way.
When Snowball learns about the kidnapping of Max's best friend, Duke, he initially sees it as an opportunity to further his cause, but as the story progresses, his motivations begin to shift. Snowball starts to realize that his actions might not be as justified as he once thought. This realization leads him to team up with Max, Duke, and the rest of the pets to stop the antagonists of the movie—an evil gang of cats led by a menacing animal named Sergeant.
Snowball's Evolution in the Movie
Though Snowball begins the movie as a selfish, rebellious character with a grudge against humans, his evolution throughout the film is heartwarming. He moves from being the antagonist to becoming one of the heroes of the story. Snowball’s ability to shift his mindset and team up with Max shows the importance of growth and redemption.
By the end of The Secret Life of Pets, Snowball has turned into a lovable, albeit still slightly eccentric, character. His journey demonstrates that even the most unlikely individuals can change, and that forgiveness and acceptance are powerful forces.
Snowball's Legacy and Impact
Snowball’s popularity led to his return in the sequel, The Secret Life of Pets 2 (2019), where he continues his adventures and has a slightly more refined character. In the sequel, Snowball becomes a superhero in his own right as he tries to protect a young bunny named Daisy. His character, while still comedic, has evolved into a more positive and protective figure, and the audience can’t help but root for him.
Kevin Hart’s energetic voice performance and the witty, lovable nature of Snowball made him one of the standout characters in the Secret Life of Pets franchise. His transformation from a vengeful bunny to a hero shows that even in a world where pets live lives that we can only imagine, change is always possible.
Conclusion: Why Snowball the Rabbit Stands Out
Snowball is a great example of how a seemingly simple character, like a bunny rabbit, can become a beloved icon in popular culture. His hilarious antics, quirky personality, and heartwarming growth make him a standout character in The Secret Life of Pets. Despite being a small, fluffy rabbit, Snowball’s journey from misfit to hero is a testament to the power of friendship, loyalty, and the ability to change. Whether you’re watching him on screen for the first time or revisiting his mischievous ways in the sequel, Snowball is sure to bring a smile to your face.
So, if you haven't already, be sure to watch The Secret Life of Pets and experience the funny, lovable world of Snowball and the other pet characters who share in the secret lives of pets when we’re not around!