Disney has released a series of high-detail, non-production images from its upcoming monster movie parody, Frankenweenie.
Frankly, the plot is not overly complex. Boy loses dog, boy wants dog back, boy uses mad science to resurrect dog, hilarity ensues. This new version of the film, however, is much longer than the original Frankenweenie short that Tim Burton did for Disney years ago, and includes all of the plot points originally intended for the first one, which was actually supposed to be a feature-length presentation.
We’re showcasing some of these images, accompanied each by a short synopsis of the character’s role. There are some spoilers here, if you’re sensitive to that sort of thing.
The first two are both characters voiced by Martin Short
Mr. Burgemeister is the Frankenstein’s next-door neighbor and Mayor of New Holland. A crotchety fuss-bucket, he is fanatical about his garden and can’t stand Sparky or anything else that threatens the perfection of his tulips. Mr. Burgemeister also asserts his authority over his niece Elsa Van Helsing by making her the reluctant star of his New Holland Dutch Day celebration.
Nassor is highly intelligent, serious and intense. He takes a darker, more doomsday view on life than the other kids in New Holland. Nassor is instantly skeptical of the rumours surrounding Victor’s experiments with electricity, but once convinced, is zealous in his attempts to obtain Victor’s secrets.
Martin Landau voices Mr. Rzykruski
Mr. Rzykruski is the new science teacher at New Holland Elementary School. He has a thick, Eastern European accent and a unique way of explaining things. He connects with his students, but parents misunderstand his passionate teaching style. Mr. Rzykruski serves as a mentor and inspiration to Victor, teaching him that science can do both good and bad things and that if a scientist does not put his heart into his experiment, there could be disastrous consequences.
Catherine O’Hara voices Weird Girl
Weird Girl doesn’t fit in well with the other kids. She delivers ominous pronouncements in a monotone voice with an unnerving stare. Her constant companion is her fluffy white cat Mr. Whiskers, whose unblinking gaze matches her own. The other kids give them a wide berth—especially when Weird Girl rambles about Mr. Whiskers’ dreams.
Atticus Shaffer voices Edgar “E” Gore
Edgar “E” Gore is a needy misfit who doesn’t have friends but is desperate to be Victor’s partner for the science fair. In his attempts to be accepted ‘E’ tends to mess things up and often fails to think before he speaks. Even though ‘E’ promises not to tell Victor’s secret, he accidentally spills the beans.
From the kookiness in the trailers, this seems like just a portion of the goofy supporting characters in this film. It’s Tim Burton, so we can expect lots of corny, tropey goodness.
Frankenweenie hits theaters on October 5th, 2012.
