Pop star Ariana Grande, “X-Men” actor Nicholas Hoult and Katie Holmes are set to voice the leads in the Weinstein Company’s animated family comedy “Underdogs,” it was announced Tuesday. The voice cast also includes Matthew Morrison (“Glee”), Eugenio Derbez (“Instructions Not Included”), John Leguizamo, Chazz Palminteri and “Saturday Night Live” stars Taran Killam and Bobby Moynihan.
Oscar-winning Argentinean filmmaker Juan Jose Campanella is directing the movie, which is being re-voiced in English before the Weinstein Company releases the film in both 2D and 3D on April 10, 2015. The U.S. cut of the film will also feature a script that has been reworked for a domestic audience.
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“Underdogs” follows Jake (Morrison) a shy, but talented, foosball player. His passion for the game is rivaled only by his love for free-spirited Laura (Grande). With her encouragement, he beats the town bully, Ace (Hoult), in a foosball game. But everything changes when Ace becomes the world’s best soccer player and returns years later to turn their village into a new sports stadium. He starts to destroy everything and kidnaps Laura in the process. Just when it looks like all hope is lost, the toy figures from Jake’s foosball table come to life. He and the players embark on a wild adventure to save Laura and reclaim their village. With the help of his team, his town, and a little bit of magic, Jake will try to save the day.
“This talented cast takes our script and enhances it, with brilliant improvisation and wonderful chemistry. I’m so proud of these super talented actors and comedians,” said TWC co-chairman Harvey Weinstein.
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“Underdogs” was the winner of the Grand Prize Feature Award at this year’s New York International Children’s Film Festival.