From the creators of “Despicable Me” and the imagination of Dr. Seuss comes the 3D-CG feature “Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax,” an adaptation of the classic tale of a forest creature who shares the enduring power of hope. The animated adventure follows the journey of a 12-year-old 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 lends 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 Zac Efron as Ted, the idealistic youth 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. “Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax” is the third feature created by Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment (“Despicable Me,” “Hop”). The film is set for release March 2nd in the US and July 27th in the UK.

What is your own personal background with the work of Dr. Seuss?
Zac Efron: I was raised on Dr. Seuss, my parents read his books to me. I’m pretty sure I learnt how to read via his pros. I got interested in art very young as well, I was definitely inspired by his drawings and artwork. He was definitely a figure in my childhood, an important figure. And “The Lorax” in particular, I clearly remember being read that book by my parents, I vividly remember flipping through the pages.

Having that connection to the story and Dr. Seuss, what was it like being offered this part and undertaking this role?
Zac Efron: It was one that really meant something to me. It wasn’t just a made up character, this is a book I had a personal connection to. It just felt right, sometimes the universe does those things, sends something back your way (laughs). This film really felt like that for me. I felt very lucky to be a part of this film. In the movie, Ted’s young, he’s spontaneous – I know what it’s like to be a kind of young, ambitious, crazy kid. It was definitely fun to go back there and re-live those moments through Ted. It was fun. There is definitely something for everybody in this movie. I actually can’t wait for people to see these characters brought to life. This once in a life time epic journey to save the planet, it’s a fun journey.

The way Ted has Audrey, did you have a sort of infatuation when you were really young?
Zac Efron: Yeah, I sort of did (laughs). It was my first babysitter, her name was Brooke – she might read this, “Hi Brooke!” I had a huge crush on her but she was a lot older than me. I done all kinds of crazy stuff to try to impress her. I’ve totally been there (laughs), I could relate to Ted on that one.

The visuals are stunning and so detailed. What was it like for you seeing the final product for the first time?
Zac Efron: That was amazing. Dr. Seuss’ world is so whimsical, I was amazed how well the movie captured that. Everything from the trees, the forest, the animals, all the different technology you see – it was all so Dr Seuss, there’s no other way to put it. It’s a beautiful film to look at. The message as well, The Lorax was a book that when I read it at a young age, it planted that first seed of the environmentalist in me. The Lorax’s message about the environment, it’s one of the reasons I feel the way I do today. Another thing to take away from this movie is that it can take one person to change the world, even as a kid you can feel powerless, but all it takes is a little bit of hard work and you’d be amazed at what you can accomplish – I really liked that. That’s what Dr. Seuss was trying to teach us all as kids and now we’re spreading the word.

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