Zac Efron handpicked by Seuss' widow for The Lorax

Actor Zac Efron jumped at the chance to star in the animated movie adaptation of Dr. Seuss' popular children's book The Lorax after receiving a personal note from the author's widow.

The former High School Musical star was tipped as the perfect actor to voice the lead character of Ted by Audrey Geisel herself and Efron admits it was more than enough to convince him to take the job.

He tells Ellen DeGeneres, "I got a letter from Audrey, Dr. Seuss' actual wife. She sent me a nice letter that said she thought I would be great for the part and instantly I said yes. I couldn't (say no), you don't."

Singer Taylor Swift and veteran actors Danny DeVito and Betty White also lend their vocals to the highly-anticipated film, which is due for release next month (Mar12).