Local teen voicing ‘Ryder’ in third ‘Paw Patrol’ film

Roger Varley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Thirteen-year-old Henry Bolan hasn't exactly been rubbing elbows with Snoop Dogg, Paris Hilton and Bill Nye, but he is starring in a movie with them.

‘Ryder’ from ‘Paw Patrol’. Photo from pawpatrol.com

Bolan, a student at Quaker Village Public School, has a leading role in the latest “Paw Patrol” animated movie. He will be playing the role of Ryder, the leader of the search and rescue dog crew. He won the role over more than 800 other children from Canada and the U.S. after recording his audition at home and sending it in. He heard about the auditions through his agent.

Yes, Bolan has an agent at the age of 13. That's because he has done work on animated shows before. He said he appeared as the main character in a TV animated series called “Super Wings.”

Bolan was cast for the “Paw Patrol” movie in spring of 2024 and he has been doing his voice-over work since then. His mother, Jenny Young, who is a professional actress, said she worried that Bolan's voice might change before the recording was finished, but so far her fears have not come to pass.

Bolan said he usually does his work alone in the recording studio. He hasn't met his fellow stars yet, adding that he hopes to meet them at the movie's premiere in July 2026,

The teen said his friends had difficulty believing him when he told them he had landed the part. But perhaps they shouldn’t have been surprised. Boaln has appeared in several local stage productions, including Anne of Avonlea, Beauty and the Beast and Shrek the Musical. He also appeared in a professional stage production called Full Light of Day when he was just seven years old.

Bolan explained that the current job is somewhat easier than other voice-overs he has done. He records the dialogue and the animators then match the screen actions to his voice. In other productions, he has had to match the already drawn animation which, he said, is more limiting on his performance.

He said there are similarities and differences in performing on stage and performing in a movie. The similarity comes in preparation.

"You have to get into character," he said. "You have to believe you are the character."

One of the differences - and difficulties - is the commute to Toronto for the recording sessions. His mother said the ride down provides time to do vocal warm-up.

However, Young says there are currently limitations she has set on his career. His face will not appear on the TV screen or movie screen while he is still a schoolboy.

Bolan said he is looking forward to auditioning for a local play in the fall. He is allowed to do stage work because he is a member of the film and television union.

His mother said Bolan has worked with the Sunderland Lions Club youth theatre, is a member of the band at school and loves to play football with his pals.