Steve Buscemi and John Cleese have joined the cast of Exodus Film Group’s CG-animated short film Igor: Unholy Frijoles, announced Exodus’ president, John D. Eraklis. Buscemi will voice the part of Scamper, a super intelligent, yet sarcastic lab rabbit, while Cleese will lend his voice to the character of Dr. Glickenstein, Igor’s evil master. Buscemi and Cleese join Christian Slater, who stars in the title role of Igor. The highly anticipated film, which is currently in production, precedes the feature-length theatrical version Igor, due out in 2007. For more on the project, follow this link:

An irreverent animated comedy with a new twist on the classic mad scientist/monster genre, Igor is the story of a mad scientist’s hunchbacked lab assistant who has big dreams of winning the coveted first place award at the annual Evil Science Fair and becoming a mad scientist in his own right.

Buscemi’s character, Scamper, is Dr. Glickenstein’s genetically altered lab rabbit who is surreptitiously brought back to life by Igor after an unfortunate run-in with a fast-moving carriage. While infinitely more intelligent than the others, Scamper wallows in a sarcastic and pessimistic gloom and remains self-conscious of the conspicuous tire tread left across his belly.

Cleese’s character, Dr. Glickenstein, is a cruel and malevolent mad scientist and Igor’s unforgiving master. A condescending egomaniac, he constantly torments Igor and ridicules his ideas. Dr. Glickenstein is quick to remind Igor that he’s not here to think, but to follow orders and serve his master.

Igor is being executive produced by seasoned animation executive Max Howard, who has collaborated on such animated blockbusters as Disney’s Lion King and Aladdin, and Warner Bros.’ Space Jam and The Iron Giant.

“We’re excited to have these two excellent actors join the cast,” said Howard. “Their distinct voices and dynamic styles each lend themselves perfectly to these characters.”

Igor, along with The Hero Of Color City and Amarillo Armadillo, comprise the slate of Exodus’ $50 million film fund, one of the first private equity animation film funds in the entertainment industry. The cutting edge CG-animation for Igor is being created by Exodus’ award-winning animation partner ElectroAge. Both the Igor short and feature were written by Chris McKenna. Emmy winner Fil Barlow is directing the short.