Tr3s Exclusive: 'Hop' Stars Bring Funny to the Bunny

By Michael Lopez

Tim Hill's upcoming Easter film Hop blends live action and animation with a sharp sense of humor. The film's stars — Enchanted’s James Marsden, The Big Bang Theory's Kaley Cuoco and the wildly funny Russell Brand — talked with Tr3s about the film, the characters and the on-set laughter.

“It was very funny,” Cuoco said. “James is absolutely hilarious, we had a great time!”

As director Tim Hill had previously noted, Hop required some technical magic to blend animated bunny E.B. (voiced by Brand) into the real world. That meant long takes between shots and plenty of time for goofing around. And even though Russell recorded his lines in a studio, James was present for the sessions and found them to be quite inspiring.

“It was really great for Russell and I to be in the same room together," Marsden said. "We would constantly be riffing off of each other.”

Of course, the three principle actors hardly encapsulate all of the LOL elements of Hop. The film also includes comic cameo performances from Office Space’s Gary Cole, comedienne Chelsea Handler, David Hasselhoff and Hank Azaria as the voice of one bad chicky.

It’s no surprise that the majority of the movie’s laughs come from Brand’s E.B.

“With E.B., I succumbed to the fantasy of being a rock and roll star," Brand said. "Rabbits always represent the trickster. They’re playful little devils.”

That, and the film's sense of wonder, are some of Hop's most appealing attributes.

“In the world of children, there are very different rules," he added. "There’s a kind of naivety and innocence that has been beautifully captured by this film.”

But the film's lessons are what drew Marsden to the script.

“[My kids] are the reason I did this movie," he said. "Hop is ultimately about following your dreams and finding your passion in life.”

Though sweetness plays a strong role in Hop, Cuoco added another great reason to catch it in theaters this weekend.

“In Hop, E.B. wants to be the ultimate rock star and not do what his dad says,” she said.

Certainly that’s a point kids of all ages can identify with.

What’s your favorite Easter film? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Exclusive Entrevistas, Hop, Hot Stuff, James Marsden, Kaley Cuoco, Movies & CineMás, Russell Brand