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‘Swapped’ Star Justina Machado on Empathy and Magic

May 10, 2026 Michael Lee

In the new animated film Swapped, Justina Machado lends her voice to Calli, a fiercely protective mother who would rather keep her son safely tucked away than let him explore a dangerous world. In our conversation, Machado reflects on her own immigrant upbringing of “lay low, get in no trouble,” how that connects to Calli’s “hide today, alive tomorrow” philosophy, and how fear-filled love shapes the character’s journey toward empathy, unity, and letting go.

Animation, Movies, ReviewsLeave a comment

‘Swapped’ Uses a Familiar Story to Deliver Timely Lessons on Empathy

May 1, 2026May 1, 2026 Michael Lee

Nathan Greno’s Swapped may not reinvent the body swap formula, but it uses it effectively to remind audiences of the importance of seeing the world through someone else’s perspective. Backed by a terrific cast led by Michael B. Jordan and Juno Temple, Netflix’s latest animated film turns a familiar premise into a funny, heartfelt story about empathy, identity, and our relationship with the natural world.

Animation, Movies

Netflix Reveals New Look at Skydance Animation’s ‘Swapped’

March 11, 2026March 11, 2026 Michael Lee

A new animated adventure comedy is heading to Netflix. Swapped, directed by Nathan Greno, will feature the voices of Michael B. Jordan, Juno Temple, Tracy Morgan, and Cedric the Entertainer when it releases later this spring. So the streaming service has released new images from the upcoming release.