The Addams Family Return – in Animated Form

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]hey were the darkly gothic family that captured our attention in the early 90s. After nearly two decades away, the Addams Family are set to return.

Hum the theme tune and anyone will instantly recognise it. Some remember it from the 1960s television series starring John Astin, others from the two motion pictures in the 1990s. Now, it looks like a new generation of fans will be able enjoy the macabre family, albeit in animated form.

In 1991 The Addams Family was released, with Anjelica Huston and Raul Julia taking the lead roles of Morticia and Gomez Addams, and a young Christina Ricci as Wednesday. The plot was a centred on Christopher Lloyd’s Uncle Fester making a return after years of being apart from the family. It was an immaculate mix of dark humour and family fun. The film was a hit and spawned a sequel in 1993, Addams Family Values. Joan Cusack joined the cast, as the too good to be true Debbie, who woos Uncle Fester with dangerous consequences.The Thanksgiving scene alone is worth giving it a watch, as Ricci plays the dark Wednesday to perfection, tormenting the camp leaders Peter MacNicol and Christine Baranski.

It’s taken two decades, but finally the Charles Addams creations are making their way back to the big screen. No news on a director yet, but the screenplay will be written by Pamela Pettler, whose previous work includes the Tim Burton animation Corpse Bride. Burton had been attached to a stop-motion incarnation of the famous family, but the project had stalled. No news on whether his interest will continue with the planned animated version, but it could be a match made in movie heaven. More news as we get it.