Frankenweenie 3D (Burton)

[GreenScar]

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.

[JonD7]

I loved watching Frankenweenie when I was a kid, even wanted a dog like that, lol.

[GreenScar]

Click the image to head over to see the original short.

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.

[detective392]

Can't wait for this movie as I am a huge Tim Burton fan. Hopefully we get some Dark Shadows and Adam's Family news soon also.

[Batman1980]

I'll see this if there's a 2D release, not paying $10 to go see it in 3D, sorry Timmy. Solid cast and nice premise, for sure.

[Chloenator]

Originally Posted by Gandalf Stormcrow

I'll see this if there's a 2D release, not paying $10 to go see it in 3D, sorry Timmy. Solid cast and nice premise, for sure.

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.

[Marcus Wright]

Am checking the short movie now.
Never heard of it before.

[Walts Ghost]

Originally Posted by Marcus Wright

Am checking the short movie now.
Never heard of it before.

One of my favorite shorts. Hopefully its on the blu when it comes out.

[detective392]

Originally Posted by Walts Ghost

One of my favorite shorts. Hopefully its on the blu when it comes out.

That's what I'm hoping for as I have it on DVD but would love it on Blu and it would make a cool feature.

[Lnds500]

[Show spoiler]

the movie logo
it's huge, open on new tab to view it

[Lnds500]

I don't know why this movie isn't discussed more

Official Poster

[Walts Ghost]

Burton's best film in years. Just really weird, whimsical, strange, and full of heart like the best of his movies. This is the Burton I grew up on, and I'm glad to see him come back like this. Just really well done across the board. I can't wait to get it on blu-ray. It's going to look amazing.

[Nommag]

Pretty forgettable from Burton, definitely not on the standard of his old films. Animation was good and there were one or two laughs 3/5 for me.