Jason Lee has signed onto the cast of FOX Animation's upcoming "Alvin and the Chipmunks" feature film, reports Reuters. Lee will play beleaguered yet adoring adoptive dad Dave Seville to the CGI Alvin, Simon and Theodore (voices not yet cast). Tim Hill directs the pic, set for a December 14th release. Ross Bagdasarian Jr. and his wife Janice Karman will produce.

Lee is best known for his work on the hit comedy "My Name is Earl," but his early career included a succession of roles in Kevin Smith's movies, from comic geek Brodie to closeted Banky to a demon named Azrael. Lee's performances have always enhanced the work of the other actors on-screen without overpowering them, but also showing the range of his own talents. Lee will also appear in Disney's upcoming "Underdog" remake.