‘Madagascar 2’ lion is one of Mac’s last roles

‘He brought so much heart and soul,’ says DreamWorks’ Jeffrey Katzenberg

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updated 6:44 p.m. ET Aug. 14, 2008

GLENDALE, Calif. - In one of his final roles, Bernie Mac roars.

In the upcoming “Madagascar” sequel, the comedian and actor voices the lion Zuba, father of Ben Stiller’s fey, city-loving lion Alex.

“He brought so much heart and soul,” Jeffrey Katzenberg, head of DreamWorks Animation SKG, told The Associated Press on Wednesday after previewing footage from the film for reporters.

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“It’s just so hard, because we’re still living with it every day, we’re working with his creative contribution,” Katzenberg told AP. “As we stand here today, there are animators who are animating.”

Katzenberg said animation would continue for another month and additional production would take two months. The movie, titled “Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa,” is set for release Nov. 7.

“It’s been a real loss for us,” Katzenberg said. “We were so proud of the work that he has done and the contribution that he’s made. And one of the things is that he’s never actually going to ever see what an amazing gift he gave to us.”

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Mac died Saturday in the Chicago area from complications due to pneumonia.

Others featured in the DreamWorks film include Chris Rock, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Sacha Baron Cohen and David Schwimmer. will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas collaborated with composer Hans Zimmer on original music.