USA Today reports that the people who brought us Despicable Me and Horton Hears a Who have enlisted the talents of Danny DeVito for 3-D animated version of Dr. Seuss’s beloved tale of environmentalism, The Lorax.
Illumination Entertainment chief Chris Meledandri believes DeVito’s voice is perfect for the Lorax because of his ability to be both “acerbic and grouchy” and “absolutely lovable.”
The film will begin like the book, but introduce several new characters including O’Hare, an industrialist peddling cans of fresh air. Ed Helms (The Office and The Hangover) will voice the villainous Once-ler. Betty White and Zac Efron have also signed on.
DeVito believes the Lorax is the perfect character to bring awareness to issues of sustainability. “The Lorax,” he says, “is not a guy who pussyfoots around. He’s not a guy who uses kid gloves. No, no, the Lorax means business.”
Speak for the trees, DeVito, speak for the trees!
