An aspect of the making of
Sony Pictures Animation's new family comedy “Hotel Transylvania” that set it
apart was the chance to bring several of the actors together into the recording
studio to voice their roles together – responding to each other as they would
in a live-action film.
After
all, several of the actors, including Adam Sandler, Kevin James, David Spade,
and Steve Buscemi, have known each other for years and acted together in
several films, and all were excited by the prospect of working together on a
film that everyone in their families could enjoy. “It really doesn’t happen all
that often in animation that you are able to bring your voice actors together,”
says producer Michelle Murdocca. “It was really fun to see Adam Sandler playing
off of Kevin James, and Kevin playing off of David Spade. It was the beginning
of them creating these characters and personalities together – it helped make
the characters really funny and really emotional.”
 |
| Kevin James as Frankenstein. Photos courtesy of Columbia Phils. |
Kevin
James voices the role of Dracula’s best friend Frankenstein—an oversized
working man with an even bigger heart. It’s been a long time since this monster
stormed through the countryside, frightening villagers and constables alike.
Now, he’s an unassuming married man who loves his adoptive family, Dracula
(Sandler) and Mavis (Selena Gomez).
“He
can be funny and loving and endearing and sweet – he shows us the true Frankenstein,
who he is at heart,” says Murdocca. “But make no mistake – he is also a big guy
who you do not want to mess with. That doesn’t come out too often in our movie,
but when it does, you better watch out.”
“Frank
seems like a big, tough guy, but there are times when he goes to pieces,” says
James. “I mean literally. Like to travel, he actually comes apart and gets
packed in several suitcases... which is not fun at baggage claim.”
 |
| Steve Buscemi as Wayne |
Steve
Buscemi lends his voice to Wayne the werewolf, a miserable data
processor by day and a put-upon father by night. He and his wife Wanda have
produced litter after litter of pups, and as a result, he barely has the energy
to get through a day and has lost most of his sense of smell from a barrage of
poopie diapers. So even though he arrives with his misbehaved children and
pregnant wife in tow, Wayne can’t wait for his vacation at Hotel Transylvania
to begin.
“Wayne
is the classic dad – the guy who works all day and just wants to come home to a
little peace and quiet, only to find that the kids are just getting started and
ready to jump all over him,” says Buscemi. “OK, that’s one thing, if you’ve got
one, two, three kids – but fifty-something?”
 |
| David Spade as Griffin. |
The
infamous Invisible Man has a name, and it’s Griffin. He’s good at
lurking, and because no one can see him, he has a frustrating habit of
blindsiding his friends. He’s always ready with a funny quip… but while he can
dish it out, he can’t take it – he’s really sensitive, especially about his
curly red hair.
“Griffin’s
problem is that he’s often overlooked. But it’s not his fault – it’s just that
he’s invisible,” says Murdocca. “He’s perfect for David Spade – acerbic, dry,
witty, but also really good-natured.”
“Griffin
loves going on vacation. He’s extremely handsome and has a killer body. At
least, that’s what he tells me, and I’m not gonna disagree,” says Spade.
 |
| CeeLo Green as Murray |
Recording
artist CeeLo Green voices Murray the Mummy, a big bandaged guy, who’s
actually larger-than-life. As a former entertainer to the great Pharaohs of
Egypt, Murray is extremely likable, boisterous and always the center of every
party. Living most of the year deep inside an Egyptian tomb, every time he
arrives at Drac’s hotel, he is ready to PARTY! He’s a ball of fun, and uses
humor to avoid confrontations, which he stays away from at all costs.
“CeeLo
Green killed it, right from the first day,” says Murdocca. “He’s a really
honest, sweet guy, and that comes across in his performance and his character.
He’s just a big, cuddly, loveable mummy, looking for love.”
No comments:
Post a Comment