It's a stunning fact but a fact nonetheless that it's already been almost ten years since Michael Jackson passed away. That's not going to stop the pop star who gifted us with "Thriller" from being included in this year's Halloween festivities, though – and not just through the inevitable addition of "Thriller" to Halloween playlists and viewings of its epic music video directed by John Landis. CBS has announced that they will airing an all-new, one-hour animated special called Michael Jackson's Halloween.
The special was created and produced by Jackson's company Optimum Productions, which is now run by his estate. Co-executors John Branca and John McClain are executive producers on the special, with Daniel Chuba producing. The animation was produced by Hammerhead, with Mark A.Z. Dippé directing.
Dippé's previous credits include the 1997 SPAWN film, HALLOWEENTOWN HIGH, and the awesome FRANKENFISH. Seriously, go watch FRANKENFISH.
The special's soundtrack will, of course, feature Jackson's music. You couldn't put Michael Jackson's name in the title and not have his music on the soundtrack. The voices of the characters will be provided by Lucas Till, Kiersey Clemons, Christine Baranski, Alan Cumming, George Eads, Brad Garrett, Lucy Liu, and Jim Parsons.
The story centers on
millennials Vincent (Till) and Victoria (Clemons), who meet “accidentally” on Halloween night and find themselves, along with Ichabod the dog, at a mysterious hotel located at 777 Jackson Street called This Place Hotel. Once inside, Vincent and Victoria are sent on an adventure culminating in a spectacular dance finale featuring an animated Michael Jackson.
You get your first look at Vincent, Victoria, Ichabod, and This Place Hotel in the image below.
This is one strange and unexpected project, but I know that when it airs this Halloween season (the exact date hasn't been revealed yet), I will be tuning in to CBS to watch it.
Clemons co-stars in the upcoming FLATLINERS remake