Christina Ricci joins 'Hero' voice cast

Exodus announces line of merchandise based on the film

By Gregg Goldstein

June 24, 2008, 12:00 AM ET
NEW YORK -- Christina Ricci will voice the lead role of the timid crayon Yellow in Exodus Film Group's animated CG feature "The Hero of Color City."

Ricci, who voiced the role of Gwendy Doll in the 1998 fantasy "Small Soldiers," plays one of several crayons whose colorful world is threatened by an evil tyrant. She is the first member of the cast to be announced for the film, which is now in preproduction.

Exodus also announced upcoming lines of merchandise, art supplies and educational products based on the film. Upper Deck will manufacture trading cards and Kidthing will create interactive games, digital books and activities available on its free downloadable player at Kidthing.com.

Magnolia Pictures will handle North American theatrical and home video distribution for the film, produced by John D. Eraklis and executive produced by Max Howard. - Story from hollywoodreporter.com