The original animated family film Escape From Planet Earth is arriving in theaters just in time for the weekend. This project features a strong lineup of Latino talent, including Jessica Alba as the intelligent Chief Lena and Sofia Vergara as the anchor Gabby. George Lopez also joins the cast as the three-eyed alien, Thurman.
We sat down with two of their hilarious cast mates to discuss the intergalactic adventure. Craig Robinson voices Doc, an intergalactic therapist and genius mouse who invented social networking. Jane Lynch plays Io, a gigantic Cyclops from the sun with a unique approach to anger management.
Both actors have storied careers in both live-action and animation. Lynch is known for The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Glee, while Robinson has appeared in The Office and Hot Tub Time Machine. In this interview, they share their thoughts on saving the planet and why this story appeals to adults.
ShowBizCafe: If each of you had a chance, how would you save the planet?
Craig Robinson: I am a musician and I always thought that if there was an intergalactic talent competition, I would bring my band. We would represent Earth and definitely kick some butt. It is all about using the music to bring everyone together.
Jane Lynch: I think saving the planet is a massive undertaking that one person cannot do alone. We have to do it with one heart and one mind at a time. I wish for everyone to be guided by their heart rather than where they will get their next campaign donation.
SBC: The movie deals with many subjects. Which do you think will appeal to adults?
JL: I love how the film shows our evolution on this planet from gentle beasts like dinosaurs to what we have become. There is such a value in looking at your world from an outsider’s perspective. It is always fun to step a little bit outside of your own reality.
CR: Adults will appreciate the relationship dynamics, especially where characters are being manipulated. I also loved the theme of the aliens and the family coming together. Seeing the brothers fight until they finally respect each other was one of my favorite things.
SBC: Craig, you used to be a teacher. How did that experience help you with this movie?
CR: It is fantastic because I know my audience. I have an 11-year-old niece who will love this, and I am excited to show her a movie she can actually see. I do a lot of R-rated work, so it is nice to do something for the whole family.
SBC: Jane, you have been immortalized as a Muppet and a wax figure. Does that make you feel like you have made it?
JL: I think so. It is all very surreal to be part of an iconic expression of a character like Sue Sylvester. I do not think that happens more than once in a person’s life, and I am glad to be a part of it.
SBC: What exciting things do you have coming up next?
JL: I am doing some Broadway this summer in New York for a few months. My agent said I could tease it, so you will be hearing about it very soon. It is a big move that I am really looking forward to.
CR: I have a pilot I am working on right after The Office ends. It is loosely based on my comedy and my life as a music teacher. It is about a nightclub person who comes in to teach kids, and it should be on television soon.
