Drew Barrymore yaps for Disney animal comedy

By Borys Kit

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Drew Barrymore will voice a pampered Chihuahua in "South of the Border," a talking-animal Disney comedy whose lineup includes a who's who of Latino actors.

Among them are Andy Garcia, Salma Hayek, George Lopez, Cheech Marin, Paul Rodriguez, Placido Domingo, Edward James Olmos and Eddie "Piolin" Sotelo. The live-action film will be directed by Raja Gosnell, who previously worked with Barrymore in the 1999 comedy "Never Been Kissed."

"South" chronicles the adventures of a Beverly Hills Chihuahua named Chloe (Barrymore) accustomed to riding in a purse. While on vacation in Mexico, she gets lost and must rely on her friends to help her get back home.

Garcia is playing a German shepherd who was kicked off the police force because he lost his sense of smell and has now given up on life. Hayek is Chloe's spirit guide who helps her find her true heritage.

Lopez is Papi, a macho romantic Chihuahua who will do anything for the love of Chloe. Piper Perabo was previously cast as Chloe's human owner searching for her lost pet.

Barrymore, whose recent credits include "Lucky You" and "Music and Lyrics," has done voice work in the past, having been heard in last year's "Curious George" as well as on TV's "Family Guy."

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter