Last week there was some confusion when a Deadline report suggested that Tim Burton would shortly begin work on a stop-motion animated film based on The Addams Family. That report was quickly denied by Burton’s publicist (in a way that still leaves us wondering if it is a film that will happen) but there’s another animated movie that Burton has been gearing up to make: an update of his early short Frankenweenie. Now, word from SXSW is that Burton is ready to go with that update.
AICN caught Waking Sleeping Beauty director Don Hahn at a SXSW Q&A session, where he said that “the puppets are ready, the script is done and now that Tim Burton is clear of Alice in Wonderland… he’s set to helm Frankenweenie in 3D.” (Quote is from Harry at AICN, who was paraphrasing Hahn.) Hahn is executive producer of Frankenweenie 3D, so is in a position to know where that film stands. Besides, there was word about voice casting last December, so we knew that things were happening on the movie.
That’s pretty telling info, and in any world other than one where Alice in Wonderland was a monster hit I’d figure it means that, yes, Burton is going right into Frankenweenie. But he may be in a position now that is stronger than any post-opening he’s seen in his career. When you’re riding the wave of something like Alice, even with grosses inflated by 3D, is the logical next move to update a short film made when you were just starting out? Then again, if Burton is really the ‘true to his dreams’ counterculture guy fans would like to think he is, this is exactly the logical move to make.
(Besides which, from a studio perspective, how much of the success of Alice is really seen as belonging to Burton? I could see execs figuring it’s the post-Avatar surge of 3D combined with the enduring appeal of the source material, and that Burton was incidental. I don’t think they’d be wrong.)
The original Frankenweenie was a black and white short made in 1984. Disney shelved the film at the time, thinking it wasn’t quite right for children, but finally released it years later. The deal to make a feature-length version of Frankenweenie came up at the same time Burton made a deal with Disney to do Alice in Wonderland, and always seemed a bit like the director playing with the studio. Essentially, “OK, I’ll make this one for you, but I want some cash to re-do the movie you screwed me on 25 years ago.”
But perhaps this is just going to be a quick bit of fun for Burton — at least, quick as far as stop-motion goes. He’s said before that this one would be really low budget, and despite being bumped up to feature length, it could be something he directs while prepping another live-action feature.
Winona Ryder, Martin Landau, Catherine O’Hara, and Martin Short Join up
Click the image to head over to see the original short.
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Even though the film is still a couple years away, Tim Burton has already lined up a voice cast for his upcoming 3D stop-motion animated film, Frankenweenie. The film is an adaptation of his 1984 short, and tells the story of “a man who reanimates his dog after it gets hit by a car.” Deadline reports that Winona Ryder will voice the role of Elsa, and Martin Landau will provide the voice for Mr. Rzykruski. Martin Short and Catherine O’Hara have also been cast and will provide five voices each. Short will voice Bob, Nassor, Toshiaki, Victor’s Dad, and Mr. Bergermeister. Meanwhile, O’Hara will voice Edgar, Weird Girl, Victor’s Mom, and Gym Teacher.
The role of each character in the film is still unknown. Frankenweenie marks the fourth collaboration between Burton and screenwriter John August (Big Fish, Corpse Bride, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), and will be released by Disney on March 9, 2012.
I can see it in 3D for $8. My local theater offers $5 Mondays for any movie that isn't in 3D. If it's a movie in 3D, it's an extra $3.
Ha, I guess I'm pretty much alone in my hatred of 3D, I think it'll be worse with a Burton film since they're already really dark, 3D will make it even harder to see in dark scenes.
I really like Burton's style, but his movies are really hit or miss with me. I wasn't a fan of the original. I hope this ends up being good. Definitely a good voice cast.
Walt Disney Pictures have released the official plot synopsis for Tim Burton‘s big screen adaptation of his earlier short film Frankenweenie.
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In Tim Burton’s “Frankenweenie” young Victor conducts a science experiment to bring his beloved dog Sparky back to life, only to face unintended, sometimes monstrous, consequences. A stop-motion animated film, “Frankenweenie” will be filmed in black and white and rendered in 3D, which will elevate the classic style to a whole new experience. From creative genius Tim Burton (“Alice in Wonderland,” The Nightmare Before Christmas”) comes “Frankenweenie,” a heartwarming tale about a boy and his dog. After unexpectedly losing his beloved dog Sparky, young Victor harnesses the power of science to bring his best friend back to life—with just a few minor adjustments. He tries to hide his home-sewn creation, but when Sparky gets out, Victor’s fellow students, teachers and the entire town all learn that getting a new “leash on life” can be monstrous.
Quote:
FRANKENWEENIE
WALT DISNEY PICTURES
Genre: Comedy adventure
Rating: TBD
U.S. Release date: October 5, 2012
Voice Cast: Winona Ryder, Martin Short, Catherine O’Hara, Martin Landau, Charlie Tahan, Atticus Shaffer
Director: Tim Burton
Producers: Tim Burton, Allison Abbate
Executive Producer: Don Hahn
Screenplay by: John August
Based on an original idea by: Tim Burton
From creative genius Tim Burton (“Alice in Wonderland,” The Nightmare Before Christmas”) comes “Frankenweenie,” a heartwarming tale about a boy and his dog. After unexpectedly losing his beloved dog Sparky, young Victor harnesses the power of science to bring his best friend back to life—with just a few minor adjustments. He tries to hide his home-sewn creation, but when Sparky gets out, Victor’s fellow students, teachers and the entire town all learn that getting a new “leash on life” can be monstrous.
A stop-motion animated film, “Frankenweenie” will be filmed in black and white and rendered in 3D, which will elevate the classic style to a whole new experience.
In Tim Burton’s “Frankenweenie” young Victor conducts a science experiment to bring his beloved dog Sparky back to life, only to face unintended, sometimes monstrous, consequences.
NOTES:
When Tim Burton originally conceived the idea for “Frankenweenie,” he envisioned it as a full-length, stop-motion animated film. Due to budget constraints, he instead directed it as a live-action short, released in 1984.
“Frankenweenie” follows in the footsteps of Tim Burton’s other stop-motion animated films “Corpse Bride” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas”—both of which were nominated for Academy Awards®.
Over 200 puppets and sets were created for the film.
The voice cast includes four actors who worked with Burton on previous films: Winona Ryder (“Beetlejuice,” “Edward Scissorhands”), Catherine O’Hara (“Beetlejuice,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas”), Martin Short (“Mars Attacks!”) and Martin Landau (“Ed Wood,” Sleepy Hollow”).
Several of the character names—Victor, Elsa Van Helsing, Edgar “E” Gore and Mr. Burgermeister— were inspired by classic horror films.
I can't believe it's still over a year and a half away.
Yeah that really sucks but time will fly by with all the movies coming out in 2011 which will hopefully keep my mind off it until we get closer. At least it's not 2013 like HTTYD 2
Yeah that really sucks but time will fly by with all the movies coming out in 2011 which will hopefully keep my mind off it until we get closer. At least it's not 2013 like HTTYD 2
Yea, that's super far away too. Man I can't wait for either of these. It's weird to think in 2012 we get this, as well as The Avengers, The Dark Knight Rises, and a new Superman movie all in one year!
Yea, that's super far away too. Man I can't wait for either of these. It's weird to think in 2012 we get this, as well as The Avengers, The Dark Knight Rises, and a new Superman movie all in one year!
Yeah don't forget Men In Black 3 which I think I am anticipating the most and the supposedly Ghostbusters 3 which I don't think will make it in time for 2012 or ever if they can't figure out what's going on. Not sure when but I believe we also have Dark Shadows from Burton to in 2012.
Yeah don't forget Men In Black 3 which I think I am anticipating the most and the supposedly Ghostbusters 3 which I don't think will make it in time for 2012 or ever if they can't figure out what's going on. Not sure when but I believe we also have Dark Shadows from Burton to in 2012.
I forgot about Men in Black 3 and Dark Shadows! Man so much to look forward to in 2012, I can't wait!
Yeah has a ton of movies and this is the year the Avengers really starts rolling until the actual Avengers movie and Pirates 4 which is a huge plus IMO and I can't forget all the other Summer movies as well as one of my sure favorites Super 8 from.
Yeah has a ton of movies and this is the year the Avengers really starts rolling until the actual Avengers movie and Pirates 4 which is a huge plus IMO and I can't forget all the other Summer movies as well as one of my sure favorites Super 8 from.
Captain America, Thor, Pirates 4, Rango, Super 8, Fast Five, Transformers 3, and Harry Potter 8!
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Frankenweenie 3D (Burton)
My local theater offers $5 Mondays for any movie that isn't in 3D. If it's a movie in 3D, it's an extra $3.
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