LOS ANGELES, California (Hollywood Reporter) -- Have no fear, the voice of Underdog is here.

"My Name Is Earl" star Jason Lee is lending his voice to the title character of "Underdog," a live-action Disney adaptation of the classic 1960s cartoon.

"Underdog" followed the adventures of a humble dog named Shoeshine Boy who became the superheroic Underdog, who spoke in rhyme. In the movie, he is adopted by a 12-year-old boy and uses his superpower to protect his love, Polly Purebred, and the citizens of Capitol City from the evil Simon Barsinister. Peter Dinklage has been cast as Barsinister.

Frederik Du Chau ("Racing Stripes") is directing. Spyglass Entertainment is producing for Walt Disney Pictures.

During his "Earl" hiatus, Lee will direct a short film that he wrote. The silent love story stars Giovanni Ribisi and Beth Riesgraf. Lee is also working on photography projects for such publications as Anthem and Flaunt.

Lee voiced the character of Syndrome in "The Incredibles." In the summer, he will appear in Sony's motion-capture feature "Monster House," and he has a cameo in Kevin Smith's "Clerks 2."