To accompany Danny DeVito’s appearance on The Today Show this morning, Universal has released the first trailer for The Lorax, in which DeVito lends his gruff voice to the titular creature with an impressive mustache and a fierce love for the environment.
As you can see, this gorgeous trailer includes the a number of recognizable elements from the book (the Lorax, the Once-ler locked away in a bleak building, Truffala trees) but offers plenty of new elements, from the face of the Once-ler to a bookend subplot about a lovestruck boy (Zac Efron) and his quest to win the favor of the girl next door (Taylor Swift) by finding a rare object: a living tree. While I admittedly was hoping for more Lorax and less love story, it’s a smart move by Universal to display early on what else they have in store for this adaptation of Dr. Suess’ adored childrens book. There’s also a healthy dose of shots sure to look striking in 3-D (or Tree-D…ha), but the trailer’s best moment is by far DeVito as the Lorax.
The film’s producer Christopher Meledandri has said, “Danny has this wonderful ability to be acerbic and grouchy but at the same time absolutely lovable…It’s almost like Walter Matthau had. His comedic edge was very sharp, but he always maintained that warmth.” With just the trailer as evidence, this seems dead on casting, and has me eager to see more teasers, trailers and clips en route to the animated adventure’s spring release.
Synopsis: (courtesy of Apple)
The 3D-CGI feature Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax is an adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ classic tale of a forest creature who shares the enduring power of hope. The animated adventure follows the journey of a boy as he searches for the one thing that will enable him to win the affection of the girl of his dreams. To find it he must discover the story of the Lorax, the grumpy yet charming creature who fights to protect his world. Danny DeVito will lend his vocal talents to the iconic title character of the Lorax, while Ed Helms will voice the enigmatic Once-ler. Also bringing their talents to the film are global superstars Zac Efron as Ted, the idealistic young boy who searches for the Lorax, and Taylor Swift as Audrey, the girl of Ted’s dreams. Rob Riggle will play financial king O’Hare, and beloved actress Betty White will portray Ted’s wise Grammy Norma.
The Lorax opens March 2, 2012.
What do you think of The Lorax’s first trailer?