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Video:Dan Aykroyd Interview - Yogi Bear and Ghostbusters 3

with Rebecca Murray

Dan Aykroyd provides the voice of Yogi in the Warner Bros Pictures family-friendly film, 'Yogi Bear.' Aykroyd is a Yogi fan and understood it was important to other Yogi fans to make sure he captured the picnic-loving animated bear's personality.See Transcript

Transcript:Dan Aykroyd Interview - Yogi Bear and Ghostbusters 3

Rebecca Murray from About.com Hollywood Movies at the LA Premiere of Warner Bros Pictures' Yogi Bear.

Dan Aykroyd - The Voice of 'Yogi' in Yogi Bear

The importance of making sure we get a Yogi Bear movie right, because so many people love Yogi Bear, how much did that weigh on your shoulders?

Dan Aykroyd: "It was a big responsibility and it was an honor to be able to do that. A big responsibility and we all felt that. We came through, I think. We've got the essence of the original characters and then we have the substance and skills of the acting performances from everybody. And a first class technological delivery for the audience...Warners is going to have a big hit here."

What is it about Yogi that makes him such an endearing character to us and crosses all generations?

Dan Aykroyd: "Well he has a little bit of larceny in him; we like that. And he's a rebel and he defies authority in a gentle way. He's an absurdist and a hysteric, with an anchor in Boo Boo. You know, it's Dr Watson and Sherlock Holmes. But he's also loyal and he appreciates his friends, and would never do anything to hurt anybody."

You and Justin Timberlake actually got to record together.

Dan Aykroyd: "We did."

Did that make it a lot easier?

Dan Aykroyd: "Oh yes. Three-quarters of the sessions were done in the same room so it really helps to perfect the performance because you don't have to worry about editing. You can riff back and forth, laugh, it's all the same time."

Did Eric Brevig let you play with the script a lot?

Dan Aykroyd: "Oh yeah sure, there's no rigidity there."

But this movie also has a good environmental message. How important was that for you to be a part of?

Dan Aykroyd: "Well I grew up on the edge of a national park and I love going out into nature. And I think we should all at least once every couple of months put up the laptops and the blackberries and the electronica, and go out and get out under the stars with the dipper and a frying pan. Just take advantage of this beautiful system of parks we have in America and treat it right."

Please tell me that Ghostbusters 3 is closer to becoming real.

Dan Aykroyd: "Well, we have a script. There was no script before so now we have actual tangible property. It needs a few bolts put into it but it's standing tall."

Are you happy with the script they came up with?

Dan Aykroyd: "Oh yeah. I'm excited to work with Harold [Ramis], as I say, to begin to bolt together parts and add some I-beams here and there."

That's got to be another project where you have to really watch out about the fans, because they love that franchise.

Dan Aykroyd: "No problem with this third story. It's amazing."

More on Yogi Bear:

  • Yogi Bear Trailer, Clips, Poster, Photos, Interviews and Cast List

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