Queen Cool
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Queen Latifah, the voice behind the woolly mammoth Ellie in Ice Age 3, talks about her experiences
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One of animation’s all-time favourite characters are here again, embarking on a dangerous adventure. Ice Age: Dawn Of The Dinosaurs gets ready to take you through Manny, Ellie, Sid, Diego, Crash and Eddie’s journey from cool climes to hot regions, as 3-D animation. And, Queen Latifah is back to recreate her magic infusing Ellie, the woolly mammoth, with warmth, humour and wisdom.
The singer-actor on her experiences on recording for the animation, her life, and oncoming projects.
What’s new with Ellie?
Ellie is pregnant, and all the characters are entering a new world. There are so many crazy things going on.
So, how are Ellie and Manny handling it?
Manny and Ellie are opposites in the way they’re handling the imminent parenthood. Manny is nervous and neurotic, trying to make sure everything is perfect and safe for the baby. Ellie is more nurturing and begins to assume the mantle of the matriarch of this family of friends.
Was it challenging, considering you’re playing Ellie the second time?
It was! These things are so hard because you do the scenes and voices so many times, and you’re not sure if you’re giving them what they want. I kept saying to Carlos (director): ‘Do you need it this way? You want me to do it that way?’ But when you see it come together, you see the magic of the animation, and it all makes sense.
Do you think your character is the heart of this film?
Yes. Ellie is warm and delightful. But, Sid too has that warmth.
What about starting your own family?
I’m working on it. I am a late bloomer, but I’d love to have children. I’ve helped raise many kids in the family all these years. I guess it’s time for me to do the real thing.
How do you choose your projects?
I never feel secure about a film until it’s written. I like to do fun, interesting projects. I didn’t want to become a ‘serious person’ after that Oscar nomination for Chicago.
Does anyone in Hollywood persuade you to lose weight? Most Hollywood stars are very thin…
Yes. Some have. I just haven’t listened. I’m too hard-headed for that. I feel there are people out there who look like me. They need somebody to look like them, to represent them. And, being healthy is a whole different story. I’ve been exercising a lot lately just because I feel like it. But I’m not going to do it because anybody thinks I should look a certain way. I am not changing. Women who look like me should feel great.
Your future projects?
I’m excited about my next album ‘Persona’ (which comes out at the same time as Ice Age). It is a mixture of dance, hip-hop and reggae.
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