Adam Sandler will give voice to Dracula in 'Hotel Transylvania'

Voice cast will also include Kevin James, Andy Samberg, Cee Lo Green

By Dave Lewis Tuesday, Jul 5, 2011 3:25 PM

Adam Sandler

Credit: AP Photo

Adam Sandler is gathering some scary pals for the 3D family comedy "Hotel Transylvania" for Sony Pictures Animation. Sandler will voice the lead role of Dracula in a new take on classic movie monsters.

Other famous voices include Kevin James (as Frankenstein), Fran Drescher (the Bride), David Spade (Quasimodo), Cee Lo Green (the Mummy), and Andy Samberg as Jonathan, a 21-year-old regular guy, who checks in for one unforgettable night at the Hotel. Steve Buscemi and Molly Shannon will also voice roles.

Inside Analysis

Genndy Tartakovsky has long been considered one of the most promising voices in animation, so why is he shackled with this cast on his first big feature film? Sandler may be one of the most consistent live-action movie stars working today, but he hasn't proven that translates to animation. If Tartakovsky has to tailor his film to Sandler and his usual supporting cast of best friends who need easy paychecks, is he really the main creative force on the film? It seems like totally different sensibilities at work, and one of the biggest problems in animated films is when studios hire movie stars instead of voice actors, regardless of whether they are right for the part or not. I can't imagine Tartakovsky was praying for Sandler and James and Spade for his cast, but he's a talented artist, and the best case scenario here is that he gets something fresh and unexpected out of the cast. Worst case scenario? Did you actually see "Eight Crazy Nights"?

- Drew McWeeny

The film will be directed by animation vet Genndy Tartakovsky ("Samurai Jack," "Star Wars: Clone Wars").

Over-protective dad Dracula (Sandler) creates the five-star resort Hotel Transylvania as a secluded getaway for famous monsters and their families, including his teenage daughter, Mavis. But things start to go awry when a normal young man (Samberg) stumbles upon the hotel and falls for Mavis.

Sounds pretty bland, but the presence of Tartakovsky is promising.

Sandler was recently seen in "Just Go With it," co-starring Jennifer Aniston. He'll soon star for Sony in both title roles of "Jack and Jill," set for release November 11, 2011, and is currently shooting "I Hate You, Dad," with Andy Samberg and Leighton Meester.

Sandler's last foray into feature animation was the 2D flop "8 Crazy Nights" in 2002.

"We're thrilled to be working with Adam to create a comedic Dracula for a new generation," said Sony's Raimo-Kouyate. "We have a unique story about that iconic character, starring a phenomenal cast directed by Genndy Tartakovsky, that re-imagines Transylvania and its legendary monsters in the way that only animation can."

"Hotel Transylvania" is set to be released September 21, 2012, by Columbia Pictures.

Dave Lewis
Producer

Dave Lewis has been a Los Angeles-based entertainment writer and editor for nearly ten years. Originally hailing from Minneapolis, he moved to L.A. in 1996 to attend USC, before working for various periodicals and web sites including a lengthy stint at Variety.com. He joined the HitFix staff in 2011.