Disney's Ponyo cast chats

Liam Neeson plays Fujimoto and thought Ponyo would be his only chance to work with Miyazaki -- the Japanese filmmaking visionary. "He seems to dip from various cultures from around the world," Neeson said. "The myths, the fantasies of different countries and then adds something else uniquely his, a magnetic element that's purely him, you know?"

Neeson's character has a birds-eye view of the world of Miyazaki in Ponyo. "I play this character, Fujimoto, who I guess is a regulator of the oceans. He lives underwater, but he's capable of going up on dry land as long as he remains wet. He can't dry out," Neeson said.

Neeson was drawn to his character's supernatural elements. "He's kind of Merlin-type of figure capable of making magic potions. He kind of addresses and keeps -- or tries to keep -- the balance of the whole ecosystem of the ocean. He's quite a colorful strange character."

The Ponyo SheKnows trailer

Neeson returns

The Irish actor, in his first film since the tragic death of his wife Natasha Richardson, is surrounded by Academy Award winners in Matt Damon and Cate Blanchett as well as Tina Fey, Betty White and Lily Tomlin making Ponyo one of the summer season's best casts.

Disney brings some serious sibling star power to the Ponyo vocal talents with the starring roles of Noah Cyrus (Miley's sister) as Ponyo and Frankie Jonas (The Jonas Brothers youngest) as Sosuke.

Ponyo is a goldfish who drifts from her home where she lives with her father Fujimoto (Neeson) and winds up on the adventure of a lifetime where childhood dreams become animated reality in the hands of a visionary director.

Just to enjoy the story, quite simply. It's quite wonderful and magical. There are lessons there, something for everyone. One aspect of (it) is how to live one's life," Neeson adds. "To live each moment and to be curious about life -- And celebrate it."

With a star-studded cast, who, for Neeson, stood out?

"Cate Blanchett delivers a lovely, magical, soft soothing voice that's pretty special. Everyone was frankly wonderful as their characters -- especially Noah who plays the little Ponyo," Neeson said.

Up next...the Cyrus-Disney connection continues.