Those curious to see how Disney is handling its live-action feature based on the classic cartoon series Underdog can catch the new teaser trailer, which features the photorealistic, CG-animated canine superhero soaring above skyscrapers in a blatant spoof of the ads for last summer’s Superman Returns. Produced by Spyglass Ent. and Walt Disney Pictures, Underdog is scheduled to fly intp theaters this summer.
The voice of Underdog is quite recognizable as that of actor Jason Lee, star of NBC’s hit comedy My Name is Earl. He takes over the role from actor/comedian Wally Cox, who provided the voice in the animated series from 1974 to 1973. Back then, Underdog always spoke in rhyme while rushing to the rescue of Sweet Polly Purebred and foiling the fiendish plots of mad scientist Simon Bar Sinister. Lee’s previous voice-over experience includes the role of bad guy Syndrome in Disney/Pixar’s The Incredibles.
Directed by Frederik Du Chau (Racing Stripes), the movie will have the powerful pooch adopted by a 12-year-old boy, who helps him protect Polly and the good citizens of Capitol City from Sinister, who will be played by Peter Dinklage (The Station Agent). For most shots, our hero will be played by a real dog who talks with the aid of visual effects, but other shots will require the aid of a digital double. Visual effects for the film are being provided by Framestore CFC, Cinesite and Hatch FX.
To view the teaser trailer, go to http://home.disney.go.com/index. But see it quick before it goes back into the shop for retooling when the religious right starts complaining about the tagline ‘One Nation Underdog.’
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