'Epic' Cast Talks Working With Director Chris Wedge and What it Meant to Work on the Animated Film

Animation work, both for directors and actors, requires a special attention to detail and the ability to transmit emotions using only their voices. Not every actor is cut out to do animation work and even when they are, they are not always interested in the projects that ultimately won't advance their careers. 

But that wasn't the case for the cast of 'Epic,' the latest animation film from the creators of 'Ice Age,' who spoke to reporters last week. The star-studded cast opened up about their work with director Chris Wedge and what it meant to work on an animated film, some for the first time.

Irish actor Colin Farrell, who plays Leafmen leader Ronin, told reporters that working on 'Epic' was "fun," saying, "It was very liberating to not having the judgment of the camera there [in the recording booth]." Farrell, 36, said, "It's lovely to be able to do something the kids can see for sure." The father of two added, "It'd be nice if they liked it, I mean they don't have to of course."

Meanwhile, co-star and fellow Irishman Chris O'Dowd, who plays a Leafman-wannabe snail Grub, jokingly added, "You know, normally, I hate kids, so doing something that they were able to watch was quite pleasant."

While many in the cast had no prior voice experience-Farrell once had a radio show in his 20s-and were poised for surprises, comedic actor Aziz Ansari (Mub) was surprised by something else entirely. "I didn't know it was animated," the 30-year-old joked. Ansari, who previously work with Wedge in "Ice Age," even went as far as to say he thought "everything would be CGI-ed" around him. 

Jokes aside, the cast also spoke on how they hoped the film would inspire young movie-goers to explore the outdoors. Actress Amanda Seyfried, who plays 17-year-old Mary Katherine or MK, said she had grown up playing outdoors and how she believed that was lost on younger generations. "This movie brings us back to the wonders of nature and the universe," Seyfried said. 

For director Chris Wedge, animation was his way to reach a larger audience--both children and adults. "I want truth on the screen," he said. 

'Epic' premieres on Friday, May 24 in a theater near you. The nearly two-hour long animated film will also run in 3D.