I love being as silly as possible...

Stars Dave Franco, Piper Curda and Bobby Moynihan chat to LYNN RUSK about their new animated comedy-adventure film Hoppers

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Eager beavers: King George voiced by Bobby, and Mabel voiced by Piper

SINCE the release of Toy Story 30 years ago, Pixar Animation Studios has revolutionised animated film making by pioneering computer-generated imagery (CGI) and telling emotionally complex stories.

Since its founding, the studio, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, has produced a string of hit films, including Up, Inside Out, and Coco, captivating both children and adults alike.

Its latest film, Hoppers, directed by Daniel Chong, explores environmental themes, uncovering the beautiful and untamed world that exists in our own backyards.

The comedy-adventure follows Mabel, a fiery and passionate animal-lover, voiced by Piper Curda, who uses secret technology to transform herself into a lifelike robotic beaver and communicate directly with animals.

As she uncovers mysteries in the animal world beyond anything she could have imagined, Mabel befriends the charismatic beaver King George, voiced by Bobby Moynihan, and must rally the entire animal kingdom to face an imminent human threat: smooth-talking local mayor Jerry Generazzo, voiced by Jon Hamm.

The ensemble voice cast also includes Dave Franco as the vengeful Insect King Titus and Meryl Streep as his mother, the Insect Queen.

Dave, 40, says he had to use his body extensively when voicing such a character.

"I can’t stand still, especially when I’m playing an unhinged character like this," says the American actor.