Everything We Know about the New Animated Addams Family Movie So Far

Oscar Isaac, Charlize Theron, Chloë Grace Moretz, Finn Wolfhard, Nick Kroll, Bette Midler and Allison Janney will voice The Addams Family, due in theaters Oct. 11, 2019, from MGM and Cinesite

By Clare Martin  |  March 15, 2019 | 11:00am
Image via Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures/Cinesite
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Everything We Know about the New Animated Addams Family Movie So Far

“Everything We Know about … ” is Paste’s series of deep dives into the forthcoming projects we’re most excited about. Explore them all here.

They’re creepy and they’re kooky, and they’re back!

The Addams Family, originally a New Yorker cartoon by Charles Addams appearing in the publication from 1938-1988, has been adapted into a number of mediums. From the beloved TV series to the ‘90s live-action films to a Broadway musical, American audiences have fallen in love with this eccentric clan. Now, MGM’s forthcoming animated Addams Family movie is the stuff of every aspiring goth kid’s dreams. The film already boasts a wickedly good cast and experienced directors of animated features at the helm. Here’s a look at everything we know about the film so far.

Who’s In The Family?

Prepare thyselves, mortals; this is one hell of a cast.

Morticia Addams is undeniably the black, twisted heart of Addams Family, but filling Anjelica Huston’s pointy boots proves a daunting task. Charlize Theron, though, is definitely up for the challenge, as MGM announced in June 2018. If she can put Mad Max in his place and kick serious ass in Atomic Blonde, Theron can become the macabre matriarch.

Oscar Isaac (Star Wars, Annihilation) has been tapped as Gomez, which is honestly just inspired casting. Isaac can rock anything, even that ever-so-thin mustache. Bette Midler will reconnect with her Hocus Pocus past as Grandmama and Nick Kroll (already an experienced voice actor, thanks to The Life & Times of Tim and Big Mouth) is playing Uncle Fester.

Chloë Grace Moretz, recently seen in Greta and The Miseducation of Cameron Post, will voice the surly Wednesday Addams, launching a whole new generation of lazy Halloween costumes. Pugsley’s going to be played by Finn Wolfhard of Stranger Things fame, continuing his presence in remakes of beloved pop culture. If this movie is anywhere as successful as IT, we’ll consider him a good luck talisman in any reboot.

And what about the enemy? Who will our horrifying heroes square up against? Morticia’s arch-nemesis Margaux Needler will be played by none other than Academy Award winner Allison Janney. Needler is a reality TV makeover queen obsessed with living the suburban dream. Eighth Grade’s Elsie Fisher is set to appear as Janney’s daughter, Parker Needler, as per THR. She’s lent her voice in the past as Agnes in Despicable Me 1 and 2.

Who’s Behind the Scenes?

Co-director Conrad Vernon has credits including the family-friendly (Monsters vs. Aliens) and the, erm, frat boy-friendly (Sausage Party). He’s directing alongside his Sausage Party collaborator Greg Tiernan.

The script was written by Matt Lieberman, whose short list of writing gigs includes the surprisingly delightful The Christmas Chronicles. Vernon is producing, as is Gail Berman (past work includes the Buffy the Vampire Slayer and recently, Tidying Up with Marie Kondo) via her entity The Jackal Group and Alex Schwartz. Executive producers are Andrew Mittman, Kevin Miserocchi and Joe Earley. MGM’s Executive Director, Tabitha Shick, is set to oversee the film on the studio’s behalf.

What Will It Look Like

The animation promises to appear something like the original New Yorker Addams Family cartoons, as Vernon explained in a June statement:

Greg and I have always been a fan of the Addams Family in past versions, so when we set out to make this movie, we were excited to do something new. With that in mind, I drew from the brilliantly original Charles Addams New Yorker cartoons for the look of the film and decided to tell the story of how Gomez and Morticia meet, find their house and start their family. This unique approach is what drew me in to direct the film.

Of course, this is 2019, so they’re still going to be computer-generated. Cinesite Studios are handling the CG Animation and digital visual effects production. Frankly, their past animation credits aren’t too impressive; they only include The Star, Charming and Gnome Alone, all of which evoke early DreamWorks Animation vibes. We’re a bit heartened, though, by this first look at the updated Addams Family:

While an old-fashioned animated version closer to Addams’ black-and-white cartoons would have been wonderfully witchy, it’s sadly not much of a big studio move.

When’s the Release Date?

Oct. 11, 2019—perfect for Halloween season.

What’s the Latest?

A new poster for the film hit the web on March 29, with a trailer to follow on April 10.

That trailer arrived a day early on April 9, offering audiences a first look at the new animated Addams clan in action.

Check back for further updates on the Addams Family’s new outing.

 
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