Two leading actors from the NBC hit comedy series,My Name Is Earl, can be expected to create a stir on the big screen once again. Jason Lee, who portrays reformed lottery winner Earl Hickey, will star in the film adaptation of Alvin and the Chipmunks, while his co-star, Jamie Pressly, who plays Earl’s devious ex-wife Joy Turner, will be heard in the upcoming feature animation, Horton Hears A Who! Both films will be released this December.

Lee’s involvement with the Alvin and the Chipmunks movie was made known to the public early March of this year, although the idea for the film first surfaced in 2004. Twentieth Century Fox Animation and Fox 2000 have been spearheading the production, while Lee has been cast in the role of David “Dave” Seville. In the animated series, Lee’s character, Dave, acts as the manager and single parent of the adorable but mischievous musical group, The Chipmunks. Of the three Chipmunk brothers, the red-shirted Alvin is the one who often pushes Dave over the edge.

The movie, which is under the direction of Tim Hill, will be a combination of live-action footage and computer-generated images. Other cast members include model turned actress Cameron Richardson.

As for the other My Name is Earl star, Pressly has signed on to voice one of the characters in the animated film, Horton Hears A Who! The film, which is based on a Dr. Seuss children’s book of the same name, is being produced by Blue Sky Studios, a computer animation studio that is a subsidiary of Twentieth Century Fox. Among the other voice actors are Jim Carrey (Horton), Steve Carell (mayor of Who-ville), Will Arnett, Amy Poehler, Dane Cook, Carol Burnett and Seth Rogen.

Meanwhile, catch the super-sized 40 minute season finale of My Name is Earl this Thursday May 10th at 8/7c on NBC.

-Lisa Claustro, BuddyTV Staff Columnist

Source: Variety

(Photo Courtesy of NBC)