Ice Age: Collision Course is in theaters July 22 and the fabulous John Leguizamo returns as Sid the sloth and Wanda Sykes once again takes on Granny. Sid seems to be evolving, growing up some and isn’t causing as much havoc as in past films. He seems to want a special lady in his life but Isn’t having any luck until he meets Brooke (voiced by singer Jessie J). Will she be the one? Granny is still sassy and speaking her mind. In Ice Age: Collision Course, moviegoers get a special treat- we see a younger Granny who is sporting a 70s styled-Afro and has a spring to her step!
The pair round out the Ice Age cast with impeccable comedic delivery as well as their perfect voice talent. I participated in a round table and chatted with the pair where they shared some fun tidbits with That’s It LA:
How did John come up with the voice for Sid?
John Leguizamo: Well, because I gave them a lot of different voices for Sid the sloth because sloths are slow. So, I thought it was going to be Southern–like I started talking like this, a little bit like Bill Clinton. They didn’t like it, so I tried a Southeastern kind of–maybe something will a little more flavor like that.
Perhaps it would be wonderful for Sid the sloth. And they didn’t like that either. So, I looked up a Discovery Channel footage, and I went to the zoo. And I found out that sloths stored food in their cheek pouches, and so I walked around with a sandwich. And I was like, “How am I going to come up with this voice? Oh, my God, this is the voice.” I called the director, “Guess who this is?” He is like, “Who is that?” “This is Sid the sloth. I found myself.” And that’s how we came up with that voice.
How does Wanda see Granny?
Wanda Sykes: Granny is Groucho Marx, basically. She just comes in the room, just tells jokes and rips on everyone, and then she’s out. That’s it. That’s a joy to play. You know, who wouldn’t want to be able just to speak their mind and not care, you know, with no repercussions at all?
What was John’s kids experience growing up with the characters?
John Leguizamo: My kids were like two or three when the first one came out. They were weirded out because I would say, “Guys, that’s me.” They said, “Uh, Dad, but the voice is not like you, but it kind of is,” so they didn’t like it because it was too confusing for them. But now, they’re cool with it. Now, they love it. When we’re out in public and a dad recognizes me and asks, “Hey, can you do Sid the sloth for my son?” I’m like, “Dude, it doesn’t go well for me. Kids don’t relate this face to that animal.” And he goes, “Oh, come on. It’s his birthday.” And I’ll say, “Happy birthday, kid.” And the kid is like freaking out.
What comedic stand-up skills does Wanda take to the film? Does she ad lib?
Wanda Sykes: I guess it’s just the delivery and timing. Like Granny, they write to my strength, which is jokes, so I just have to deliver those jokes. I’m just being a comic. Here’s the thing. You know, I came in on the fourth movie snd the first three were very successful, so I’m just going to say the words that they give me. I’m not going to come in here, “I wrote some jokes.” I’m saying these people know what they’re doing, and I was very happy with the material. And I just stay with the script, yes.
What are some of the important messages that John hopes people will take away from the film?
John Leguizamo: I mean, what I’ve always loved about the series, especially being a Latin man and person of color, was the different species coming together, accepting each other and working together. We saved a planet. I love that message always and I always found it very strong, and it was something I loved my children to hear and see.
