Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa features the same actors in the lead voice roles as the original 2005 box office smash, Madagascar. Jada Pinkett-Smith returns as Gloria, David Schwimmer's back as the hypochondriac zebra, Chris Rock is Marty, and Ben Stiller provides the voice once again of the king of the jungle/Central Park Zoo, Alex. Even the supporting roles are voiced by the same talented group which includes Borat's Sacha Baron Cohen, Cedric the Entertainer, and Andy Richter. Bernie Mac (who passed away suddenly in August), Alec Baldwin, will.i.am, and Sherri Shepherd are new additions to the franchise which hopes to hunt up the same box office success as its predecessor.
Schwimmer and Pinkett-Smith were teamed up for a press conference at the film's Los Angeles press junket. And although the questions mostly concerned their work on Madagascar: Escape to Africa, Schwimmer was also asked about those Friends movie rumors circulating around the internet. Addressing the rumors head on, Schwimmer said, "In regard to these rumors that I think are only perpetuated by the press, there's never been any talk of a Friends film."
So, would he be willing to revisit the Friends world if they opportunity arose? "I don't think it's a good idea. I probably would not do it," answered Schwimmer.
Jada Pinkett-Smith and David Schwimmer Press Conference
Jada, does it get easier playing the same character the second time around?Jada Pinkett-Smith: "It was actually pretty nice because it's a lot easier the second go round, because you know who the character is so you're basically putting this character, whatever, new circumstances being presented with the material. So for me, in the first Madagascar, I had a really difficult time trying to figure out this whole animation world and what I was supposed to do. And it's difficult for me; it's really challenging. This time I was like, 'Okay,' you know? I knew about the process. I knew what it took. And Gloria's a lot of fun and it was easy for me."
You went on a safari in Africa and I was wondering if the vistas in this film compare to that at all? Did it look as good?
Jada Pinkett-Smith: "They actually did a fabulous job on the aesthetics of recreating the aesthetics of Africa. Africa's a huge continent, but they definitely captured the beauty of it."
During the course of this movie and production, we actually lost a great legend in Bernie Mac. Could you give your feelings on Bernie Mac? When you worked with him, what was it like working with such a comic genius?
Jada Pinkett-Smith: "I didn't get the opportunity to work with Bernie at all. I knew Bernie, he was a great guy, and I was actually surprised when I saw the movie. I don't know how it got past me that Bernie was actually in the film and I was actually really pleasantly surprised, and I was happy that I was able to be a part of one of his last works. You know, what can you say? You know, loss is never easy, but I must say that Bernie did a lot of things, great work while he was here, and he's going to be missed."
David Schwimmer: "I didn't have the pleasure meeting or working with Bernie. I'm a huge fan of his work and I think you'll see in the movie, he lends a lot of his talent and his warmth and his spirit to the film. I'm proud to be in the same film as him, but I never had the pleasure of working with him."
David, what kind of affinity do you have with your character in this movie?
David Schwimmer: "Well, I love this character, Melman. I think he's a sweetheart. My heart goes out to how awkward he feels. I mean it must be awkward being in that body, you know? [Laughing] And I certainly, I think I related to that when I was a certain age. And his neuroses…I'm not a hypochondriac but I can, I don't know, I just really feel for him, and this unrequited kind of love he has for Gloria where he finally summons the courage to do something about it. So it's a big story for him, I think a big thing."
Jada, you talked about enjoying playing Gloria. We live in a culture right now where thinner is better no matter what and she's a big old girl...
Jada Pinkett-Smith: [Laughing] "Yep."
What kind of mindset do you have to have to play that? Do you play it a little different when your character weighs six times as much as you do?
Jada Pinkett-Smith: "Well, I've been saying this all day, I've been that girl that's always wanted more body, so this was a great opportunity for me. I got a character [that's] my dream came true. I got a lady that's got a lot of body, and she's very proud of it. I think that's a really wonderful message for adults as well as children. That, you know, your body is what you have, and you got to be happy within your own skin. And happiness comes from within. Self love comes from within. And if you can truly, authentically love yourself, that will exude and permeate through the physical universe, and you will attract people that will love you. And so, you know, that's who Gloria is. She's a lovable, hefty mamma."
Page 2: The Pros and Cons of Animated Movies
