Willis' racoon research

Film

13:30 23 June 2006

Bruce Willis trained for his latest movie by 'living' with a family of racoons.

The actor - who is London promoting new animated comedy 'Over The Hedge' - joked about how he got into character as RJ, the film's furry lead character.

He told Bang Showbiz: "I went out and lived with a family of them for about three months.

"Sadly it didn't really work out because I couldn't understand what they were trying to tell me. They kept giving me bits of pine bark and little pieces of tin foil."

He added: "I tell you what I did like, and that was their little racoon paws.

"When we'd fall asleep at night they'd come over and put their racoon paws all over my face - that felt good."

Willis warming to his theme, also wisecracked: "There is one that still calls me - all hours of the night. I still can't understand what he's saying though!"

Meanwhile, the 51-year-old actor revealed he knew the film - which has already taken over $140 million in the US - was going be a hit when his children liked it.

He explained: "They gave it six thumbs up. And trust me they let me know when they don't like my movies. They make it very clear."

(C) BANG Media International