James Marsden was in a dark place!

James Marsden has revealed why he decided to star in a kids’ movie!

The actor admits he took on a role in comedy Hop in order to recover from his role in the remake of controversial rape drama Straw Dogs.

The 37-year-old actor says he saw his role opposite an animated bunny voiced by Russell Brand as light relief following his time reprising Dustin Hoffman’s role in the 1971 cult classicStraw Dogs.

“That movie is a really dark, controversial, intense psychological thriller/horror movie so after that I had to get myself out of that place,” says James.

“Then, all of a sudden, Hop came along and it was like, ‘Colors, eggs, chicks, rabbits. This is fun! I’ll go do that!’ This was definitely about doing one for the Kids, including my two.”