Swift to voice a character in 'Lorax'

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., March 17 (UPI) -- U.S. country music star Taylor Swift has joined the voice cast of the upcoming animated film, "Dr. Seuss' The Lorax," Universal Pictures said Thursday.

Co-starring Danny DeVito, Ed Helms, Zac Efron, Rob Riggle and Betty White, the big-screen adaptation of the classic children's book is slated for release next March 2.

The 3D CGI adventure follows the journey of a boy as he searches for the one thing that will enable him to win the affection of the girl of his dreams. Standing between him and his prize is the Lorax, the grumpy yet charming creature who fights to protect his world, the filmmakers said in a synopsis.

"In 1970, during his trip to the Serengeti, (author) Ted Geisel scribbled notes on the back of a napkin. These ideas became the foundation for his favorite book, 'The Lorax,'" Illumination Entertainment founder Chris Meledandri said in a statement. "Beyond the story's indelible themes is an ensemble of unforgettable Seussian characters, and the title creature is both acerbic and adorable. Bringing his sharp humor, enormous heart and deep conscience to the project, Danny DeVito epitomizes the Lorax, and we have an absolutely stellar supporting cast led by Ed, Taylor, Zac, Rob and Betty."