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In the summer of 2005, Madagascar scored big with both domestic and international audiences, racking up more than half-a-billion dollars at the worldwide box office, making it the top family comedy of the year. Once the fancy-footed lion, quick talking zebra, anxiety-ridden giraffe and smart n saucy hippo were released into theaters around the globe, these four New York friends—better known as Alex, Marty, Melman and Gloria—became the most popular quartet of the season.
So now, the November 2008 reappearance of the zoosters is considered to be one of the most highly-anticipated returns of the season. Armed with some of the most well-regarded African-American performers in the business—comic giant Chris Rock; the versatile and gorgeous Jada Pinkett Smith (along with her spunky daughter, Willow); multifaceted Cedric The Entertainer; the hugely talented and sorely missed Bernie Mac; and the couldnt-be-hotter recording artist will.i.am—Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa is loaded and ready to hit theaters this fall.
For director Eric Darnell, working with such a star-studded and talented cast was reason enough for making the film. He explains, We just give these guys a chance to do what they do best—to just become these characters and let stuff come out. We just get incredible, hilarious—and sometimes touching—stuff. You know, its the best seat in town. Theres no place youd rather be than on the other side of the glass during a recording session. Its better than any theater or playhouse.
For Marty the zebra, as embodied by Chris Rock, this time around its about connecting with his roots. Crash landing on the mainland of Africa may, at first glance, look like a big problem. But for someone whos never actually met any other of his own kind, having lived the majority of his life in the Central Park Zoo, it turns out to be a dream come true.
Chris Rock says, There are people in this world who always think that theres something bigger and better than what they got. Not that Marty doesnt appreciate his friends and all that, but he has it in his head that running with his kind is the ultimate. I mean, it stands to reason—hes a rockin guy, so why wouldnt the party be even better if he was surrounded by a lot of other cool dudes who share his interests?
On the surface, that logic holds true. The old adage of the more, the merrier. But really, everybody looking, acting, sounding exactly like you?
Rock adds, Its like, if your best friend starts acting like you—dressing like you do, talking like you. At first, its probably an ego booster, right, imitation and flattery, whatever. But then, it would start to get irritating and pretty soon youd probably start considering the use of a firearm. Now take that and multiply it by hundreds—all of em acting exactly like Marty. No wonder the guy has a breakdown. How are you you when everyone else is you as well?
Enter Bernie Mac, whom filmmakers felt had the perfect balance of toughness and fatherly warmth in his tone and would make an ideal voice for Zuba, the alpha lion of the pride.
While filmmakers were heavy into post-production in August of 2008, they learned of Bernie Macs passing at age 50. The loss of one of the newest members of the Madgascar family was keenly felt by everyone connected with the film. Head of DreamWorks Animation Jeffrey Katzenberg speaks for all when he says, It is unthinkable that we could suddenly wake up one day and find that such an extraordinary talent, wonderful man and bigger-than-life personality had just unexpectedly passed from our lives. Its impossible to overstate how great his gifts and contributions to our movie have been.
For Alexs Mom, the goal was a lioness who was soft but strong, a mate to Zuba with some toughness and compassion in her hearta perfect role for Sherri Shepherd.
Per McGrath: Sherri Shepherd brought this great quality to Alexs Mom. Its pivotal, because she has to stand up between the fighting father and son and be strong, without being brash.
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Tags: animation dreamworks sherri shephard the view madagascar escape africa ben stiller jada pinkett smith chris rock david shwimmer
