High-Flying Animated Comedy Adventure Soars into Theaters August 9, 2013
BURBANK, Calif. (February 28, 2013) - Dane Cook has been tapped to voice the lead character Dusty, a plane with high hopes in "Disney's Planes." Inspired by the world of "Cars" and directed by Disneytoon Studios veteran and aviation enthusiast Klay Hall ("King of the Hill," "The Simpsons"), "Disney's Planes" is an action-packed 3D animated comedy adventure about Dusty's dream of competing as a high-flying air racer-and his decidedly unfortunate fear of heights. The film takes off in theaters in 3D on Aug. 9, 2013.
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"Dane Cook brings unmatched charisma and brilliant comedic timing and instincts to the character," said Hall. "He gives Dusty a great edge."
Cook is well known for his appearances on Comedy Central and HBO specials, and for his successful comedy albums. He recently guest starred on "Louie" opposite Louie C.K., and his film credits include starring roles in a host of films, including "My Best Friend's Girl" opposite Kate Hudson, "Dan In Real Life" opposite Steve Carell, and "Mr. Brooks" opposite Kevin Costner. The actor/comedian just signed a deal with NBC Entertainment and Universal Television to develop a new project starring Cook.
The all-new story offers an exciting cast of characters and centers on Dusty's high-flying dream. But Dusty's not exactly built for racing, so he turns to a seasoned naval aviator who helps Dusty qualify to take on the defending champ of the race circuit. Dusty's courage is put to the ultimate test as he aims to reach heights he never dreamed possible, giving a spellbound world the inspiration to soar. The film is produced by Traci Balthazor-Flynn and executive produced by John Lasseter. For more information, check out Disney.com/Planes, like us on Facebook: facebook.com/DisneyPlanes and follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/DisneyPictures.
Okay, why the change in vocal talent on the lead character? It's not like Disney hasn't shown a number of clips of this movie, including at the D23 Expo. And where did the decision to give it a theatrical release come from? Who's telling us that this is worthy of a theatrical release when it was done on the cheap as a stand-alone home entertainment release?
Well, if you remember Pixar had to change lead voices on Marlin on Finding Nemo and that was obviously an upgrade.
While I'm sure Dane Cook has a much more youthful voice than John Cryer, between him and and Larry the Cable Guy, the World of Cars is doing a great job employing my least favorite comedians.
This is a good fit! Dane Cook has the cocky arrogance and manic social peer insecurities a teenage plane should have (boy, that's a weird sentence!) I just fear PIXAR is going for some of the same character traits as Lightning McQueen which is setting up this movie to fail. We'll see. Seems like a lame movie though to me. Would have much rather seen Newt or something semi-original. This storyline reminds me of that old Tex Avery Cartoon only dragged-out and boring like Cars 2 -- the worst PIXAR flick to date.
I just hope PLANES is good. What with Monster University (snore...Zzz) and now this; It seems like Pixar is becoming a "regurgitating sequel studio" much to Disney's delight. I expect Disney-Pixar's "Planes" to tailspin, crash and burn. But only time will tell. Up next...Pixar's Trains! Coming to theaters April 1st, 2015.