REEL DEAL: The Lorax - Zac Efron SPOTLIGHT

Zac Efron Voices “TED” in Dr. Seuss’ THE LORAX 

The role of the passionate and curious 12-year-old named Ted went to Zac Efron, known to audiences for the High School Musical series and the hit musical Hairspray.  Though the character is much younger than the actor, the filmmakers knew that Efron’s charm and youthful spirit would serve the character well

Efron vividly remembers his parents reading “The Lorax” to him as a child and credits the book as “planting the seed of an environmentalist” in him.  Reflecting upon his character, he states: “Ted is a regular kid growing up who is hungry for adventure.  He’s got a crush on this girl, and he has a crazy grandma and a mom who is too strict, so he wants his freedom.  He lives in a world in which there is virtually no nature—no trees and no plants.  Everything exists through technology, so it’s fun to see him navigating a similar family life that we have today.”

Voicing an animated character was a new experience for Efron.  He notes that though the process of recording alone in a booth felt a bit awkward at times, he enjoyed the challenge.  “I thought back to my childhood and put myself in these awkward, hilarious situations that this kid finds himself in.  The variations between something being funny and something not quite fitting are so slight, but they can make all the difference.  It’s fun to really let go, though I’m sure it looked ridiculous when I was in the sound booth.”  

How was it to play Ted in THE LORAX?

It was awesome. Ted’s a little rock star. He’s an ambitious, driven AND crafty young guy. He would do anything for the girl he loves. He’s a cool, cool cat.

REEL DEAL: The Lorax - Danny DeVito SPOTLIGHT

Danny DeVito Voices “THE LORAX” in DR SEUSS’ THE LORAX 

Lending the vocal talent as the iconic title character of the Lorax is no other than Danny  DeVito is one of the entertainment industry’s most versatile players, excelling as an actor, producer and director. 

When casting the actors who would voice the characters in Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax, the filmmakers looked to a variety of performers to find not just the ideal actors for the film, but also the perfect people to embody Dr. Seuss’ iconic characters.

Cast as the gruff yet comical Lorax was legendary comic actor Danny DeVito, who currently entertains TV audiences weekly with his portrayal of Frank Reynolds on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.  

REEL DEAL: The Lorax SPOTLIGHT

“What was the Lorax? And why was it there? And why was it lifted

and taken somewhere from the far end of town where the Grickle-grass grows?

The old Once-ler still lives there. Ask him. He knows.”

—Dr. Seuss, “The Lorax”

From the creators of Despicable Me and the imagination of Dr. Seuss comes the much anticipated feature Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax, a 3D-CG adaptation of the classic tale of a forest guardian who shares the enduring power of hope.  The animated adventure follows the journey of a 12-year-old as he searches for a real Truffula Tree, the one thing that will enable him to win the affection of the girl of his dreams.  To get it he must find the story of the Lorax, the acerbic yet charming character who fights to protect his world.   

Lending their vocal talents to the project are DANNY DEVITO as the iconic title character of the Lorax and ED HELMS as the enigmatic Once-ler.  Also bringing their voices to the adventure are global superstars ZAC EFRON as Ted, the idealistic youth who searches for the Lorax, and Grammy Award winner TAYLOR SWIFT as Audrey, the girl of Ted’s dreams.  Rounding out the cast are ROB RIGGLE (The Hangover, Big Miracle) as the villain O’Hare, JENNY SLATE as Ted’s protective mother, and beloved actress BETTY WHITE  as Ted’s wise Grammy Norma.