Exodus Film Group informs that Christian Slater, Steve Buscemi and John Cleese will lend their voices to the CGI comedy Igor. While Slater will voice the title part, Buscemi has the role of Scamper, “a super intelligent and ill-tempered lab rabbit.” Cleese will give a voice to Dr. Glickenstein, the evil master of Igor. More details on the Weinstein Co./Exodus project, including pics of the noted characters, may be found by clicking:
Christian Slater, Steve Buscemi, and John Cleese lend voices to Exodus’ CG-Animated Feature Igor
The Weinstein Company to Distribute Igor
VENICE, CA (July 19, 2006) – Exodus Film Group announced today that Christian Slater, Steve Buscemi and John Cleese will lend their voices for Exodus’ CG-animated feature comedy Igor. The Weinstein Co. has an all encompassing distribution deal for Igor including North America as well as representing international rights. TWC recently returned from the Cannes Film Festival having sold the film into most foreign territories.
A playfully irreverent comedy which brings a new twist to the classic monster genre, Igor is the story of a mad scientist’s hunchbacked lab assistant who has big dreams of becoming a scientist in his own right and winning the coveted first place award at the annual Evil Science Fair.
“These are three fantastic actors,” said John D. Eraklis, Exodus’ president. “Their distinct voices and dynamic styles each lend themselves perfectly to the characters.”
Harvey Weinstein stated, “Christian, Steve and John all have such entertaining voices that will perfectly articulate each character and add to the incredible excitement already surrounding this film.”
Slater (Windtalkers, Untamed Heart) is lending his voice in the title role of “Igor,” Dr. Glickenstein’s hunchbacked lab assistant; Buscemi (Charlotte’s Web, Fargo) will voice “Scamper,” a super intelligent and ill-tempered lab rabbit; with Cleese (Shrek 2, Shrek the Third, A Fish Called Wanda) voicing the character of “Dr. Glickenstein,” Igor’s evil master.
With a hunch on his back and a Yes Masters degree in Servitude, Slater’s character, “Igor,” is the lab assistant to the cruel Dr. Glickenstein. But Igor isn’t like other Igors. He has big dreams… dreams of becoming a Mad Scientist himself and of winning the Evil Science Fair.
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 smarter than the others, Scamper wallows in a 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 produced by Eraklis and seasoned animation executive Max Howard, who has collaborated on numerous animated blockbusters such as Disney’s The Lion King, and Aladdin, and Warner Bros.’ Space Jam and The Iron Giant. The screenplay was written by Chris McKenna, who is currently writing for his third season on the Fox animated TV show American Dad and is co-writing New Line’s heist comedy Black and White.
Exodus Film Group is an independent production company which has made pioneering steps in the animation field by creating one of the first private equity animation film funds in the entertainment industry. Exodus’ CG-animation slate also includes The Hero of Color City and Amarillo Armadillo, with Howard set to executive produce. Exodus is in pre-production on the live action film Bunyan & Babe featuring the voice of comedic actor Eddie Griffin (DysFunktional Family, Scary Movie 3) as the CG-animated “Babe the Blue Ox.” Eraklis is producing Bunyan with executive producer Tarquin Gotch (Home Alone, Curly Sue). Award-winning composer Basil Poledouris (The Jungle Book, Lonesome Dove) is composing the score.
