Steven Tyler's role in 'Epic' reminds him of younger years

MANILA, Philippines - Well-loved music icon Steven Tyler gives voice to a very affable (caterpillar) character named Nim Galuu in the upcoming family adventure 3D movie "Epic."      

"Epic" is a 3D CG adventure comedy that reveals a fantastical world unlike any other. From the creators of" Ice Age" and "Rio," "EPIC" tells the story of an ongoing battle between the forces of good, who keep the natural world alive, and the forces of evil, who wish to destroy it. When a teenage girl MK (Amanda Seyfried)  finds herself magically transported into this secret universe, she teams up with an elite band of warriors and a crew of comical, larger-than-life figures, to save their world…and ours.

Having brought to life one of the most beloved and successful animated motion picture franchises, Ice Age, director Chris Wedge and his teams at Blue Sky Studios (of which Wedge is a co-founder) achieve new heights of realism, action, adventure and detail, with "Epic".              

Very much on the side of the Leafmen – is NimGaluu (voiced by Tyler).  Nim is the consummate party animal, but don’t let this larger than life caterpillar fool you – his wisdom and practical know-how make him a key behind-the-scenes player in the epic battle to save the forest.

Nim possesses a broad frame, six arms, four legs – and signature smoking jacket, whose pattern was inspired by butterfly wings.  Portraying Nim is Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler.  At first glance, the choice of a rock and roll icon to essay the avuncular (though fun-loving) forest sage is unexpected, but Wedge notes that the idea to cast Tyler “just came to us and we ran with it.  Listen to Steven’s voice; it has all the necessary texture for Nim, who like Steven is a fun character with lots of energy.”

For Tyler, the role reminded him of some his experiences as a youngster.  “I grew up in the wilds of New Hampshire and I always thought there was something to be said for the quiet of the woods,” he explains.  “At the same time, I was afraid of the woods, but I grew to love it.  So I think 'Epic' is the perfect story to tell.”

"Epic" (3D) opens May 24 in cinemas nationwide from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

Watch the TV spot here featuring Steven Tyler himself: