Stop-motion artist Lawrence Becker shares a new video for The Addams Family 2 featuring a pumpkin sculpture of Lurch scaring off Thing. Based on the characters originally created by Charles Addams, the first animated film proved to be a surprise box office hit in 2019, though saw mixed reviews from critics. The film's financial success would see United Artists Releasing elect to move forward with a sequel with original directors Greg Tiernan and Conrad Vernon returning to the helm.
The Addams Family 2 sees the titular family going on a road trip in an effort from Morticia and Gomez to bond with their children a little more before they grow up and leave their parents. The film saw the returns of voice stars Oscar Isaac, Charlize Theron, Chloë Grace Moretz, Nick Kroll, Bette Midler and Snoop Dogg as well as franchise newcomers Javon Walton, Wallace Shawn and Bill Hader. Following numerous delays due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the film hit theaters and digital platforms on October 1.
On the heels of the film's release, Becker partnered with The Addams Family 2's studio to create a special stop-motion video for the animated sequel. The video sees Thing ringing a doorbell sculpted into a small pumpkin, which summons Lurch on a larger pumpkin nearby who subsequently scares off the disembodied hand. Check out the artistic video below:
The stop-motion video for The Addams Family 2 is certainly a cute extension of the hijinks in the film, though it actually has an interesting connection to the franchise's past. Before development began on the MGM animated films, Tim Burton was developing a stop-motion adaptation of The Addams Family for Illumination Entertainment on which he would co-write, co-produce and possibly direct, though it would be quietly cancelled during development. The gothic director will get a second chance at the material, however, as he is set to helm the Netflix series Wednesday starring Jenna Ortega as the Addams daughter.
Becker's stop-motion video for The Addams Family 2 may also come as a better treat for critics than the film itself. Sitting at a low 23 percent approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, the animated sequel has seen generally worse reviews than its predecessor with criticism aimed primarily at its brighter humor and story, a further deviation from the source material. The film is not without its fans, however, as it currently sits at a 69 percent approval from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes, who generally agree the film will satisfy younger viewers. Audiences can decide who to side with themselves as The Addams Family 2 is now available on PVOD and in theaters.
Source: Lawrence Becker/Instagram