Ed Helms Interview For ‘Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax’

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

Danny DeVito will lend his vocal talents to the iconic title character of the Lorax, while Ed Helms will voice the enigmatic Once-ler. Also bringing their talents to the film are Zac Efron as Ted, the idealistic youth who searches for the Lorax, and Taylor Swift as Audrey, the girl of Ted’s dreams. Rob Riggle will play financial king O’Hare, and beloved actress Betty White will portray Ted’s wise Grammy Norma. ‘Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax’ is scheduled for release March 2nd in the US and July 27th in the UK. Look out for a more in-depth interview with Ed Helms for the film in March.

What is your own background with the stories of Dr. Seuss?

Ed Helms: I’ve loved Dr. Seuss from a very young age. My mum, I guess, just sort of started pounded it into me, my brother and sister when we were little – and The Lorax in particular. That was a book that had a very special place on our book shelf for some reason. When I heard that these guys were making it I was just immediately like, “I’ve gotta be a part of this!” Dr. Seuss just speaks to children, I don’t know he does it. He was a genius. Just beautiful stories, beautifully told.

This being your first animated movie, where the filmmaking process for an actor is incredibly different to live-action film, how was it for you watching the final product?

Ed Helms: When I’m working on a movie or TV show, I’m there, I’m acting, I’m seeing the scenes play out around me. I see the sets, I know what people look like, I know what I’m involved with so I have a pretty good idea what it’s gonna end up looking like when it’s all said and done. With this, for two years I went into a voice-over booth and said things, it was kind of like acting in a void – I had no idea exactly how it was gonna come together. But then I just recently watched the finished movie, I was like, “OH MY GOD! THIS IS INSANE!” (Laughs) I loved it, it was the coolest thing I’ve ever seen. I’m so proud to be a part of it, it’s kind of jaw dropping because it makes you realise what a massive collaboration something like this is – and I’m such a little part of it. My character, the Once-ler, he’s prominent in the movie, but from an executional standpoint all I did was say a bunch of things. The design of the whole world, the movement of the characters, the animation, the story telling, the great big epic score. It was mind-blowing!

The visuals are stunning, there’s so much detail to the whole world….

Ed Helms: Oh yeah, the visuals are just breathtaking. And the character designs of all these characters are really cool. Some of them are sweet and funny, then some of them are austere and a little bit spooky. It just covers the whole gamut. The characters are so engaging and unique. It’s easy when you’re telling a big story like this to have a lot of generic archetypal characters that just fill a role. On this, the animators, the director, the writers, they’ve gone to great lengths to give every single creature or person such a unique personality. It’s awesome.

Your surrounded by a great voice cast in The Lorax as well?

Ed Helms: That’s always cool, to be surrounded by people you admire. It’s an incredible ensemble cast. It’s a real honour to be a part of it. Danny DeVito, he’s one of the great comedy actors and directors of all time. Of course Betty White, she’s just a legend. Rob Riggle, who plays O’Hare, he’s a very old friend of mine, with whom I’ve done comedy with for ever and ever. It was a joy to be brought together on such a cool project. Jenny Slate, she’s just another phenomenal comedian. And then Zac Efron and Taylor Swift, they’re great performers in their own rights.