Dan Aykroyd, Anna Faris, Justin Timberlake and Yogi Bear, Oh My!

Posted by Neil Miller (neil@filmschoolrejects.com) on November 6, 2009

Entertainment Weekly has uncovered the supposed casting for the upcoming live-action/hybrid adventure that will bring the lovable picnic basket thief Yogi Bear to the big screen. The Hanna-Barbera cartoon will be adapted into a 3D film by director Eric Brevig (Journey to the Center of the Earth), with a screenplay from Wild Hogs scribe Brad Copeland.

We now know who will voice Yogi, his trusty little friend Boo Boo and who will play a documentary filmmaker trying to get a glimpse of these two hungry bears. Dan Aykroyd will voice Yogi, with pop star turned actor Justin Timberlake taking his side as the voice of Boo-Boo. The lovely Anna Faris, seen most recently in the twisted Observe and Report, will play the film’s documentarian, a girl named Rachel.

The story will revolve around two animated bears — one of whom wears a collar and tie, but no shirt — who are the antagonists to one Park Ranger Smith. No word yet on who might play Park Ranger Smith, but don’t be surprised if it is cast soon. I’ve seen some predicting that Will Ferrell will take the role, but that’s too obvious. I’m thinking someone more menacing. How about Robert Patrick or the great Robert De Niro? “We gadda get dat fuggin’ bear…” No? Okay.

Filming will begin in New Zealand next month, with Warner Bros. targeting a December 17, 2010 release date. Now, please express your feelings about this in the comment area below. Also, what’s in that pic-a-nic basket?

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