It looks like well-respected actors John Malkovich and Benedict Cumberbatch will be using their distinguishable voices for something a little different than their usual foray – the family friendly animated film, The Penguins of Madagascar.

We all know that John Malkovich can play both sides of the fence, that being the fence between comedy and drama, and he does so aptly well in movies ranging from his wicked seducer role in Dangerous Liaisons to his most recent humorous gung-ho ex-CIA agent role in Red 2.  As for Benedict Cumberbatch, we’ve really only seen in grim and/or serious roles with a slight bit of dry humor.

But that’ll change with his latest gig, in The Penguins of Madagascar. Cumberbatch has just signed on for a key role in the animated family film, along with fellow acclaimed person John Malkovich. Hit the jump to find out whom they’ll play.

TheWrap reports that both actors will voice new characters in the film, a spinoff of the studio’s popular Madagascar franchise. No synopsis has been revealed yet, but the trade has learned that Malkovich will play the charismatic baddie, while Cumberbatch will voice an important (non-human) CIA agent who’s chasing after him. I think I speak for the Internet when I say that I hope the character turns out to be an otter.

Albeit, we won’t actually get to “see” Benedict, much like we won’t get to see him in The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug, but still, I’m definitely looking forward to seeing his animal character with his voice.

The Penguins of Madagascar also star the voices of Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, Jada Pinkett-Smith, David Schwimmer, Cedric the Entertainer, and Andy Richter.  The movie is scheduled to be released in early 2015.

via /Film.