ParaNorman is widely celebrated by critics and often cited as a standout in modern animated cinema, especially within the stop-motion genre. Upon its release, it earned widespread acclaim for its breathtaking animation, distinctive visual flair, sharp writing, and masterful blend of humor, horror, and heartfelt emotion.
Now, the 2012 film is set to return to theaters this Halloween for a limited release and to celebrate, Laika is also releasing a short that will serve as a sequel to the original film.
Unlike the original stop-motion film, the short, titled ParaNorman: The Thrifting, will be CG.
Anna Kendrick, who voiced Norman's older sister, Courtney Babcock in the original, is set to return, while Finn Wolfhard has an undisclosed role. If we had to guess, Wolfhard is likely replacing Kodi Smit-McPhee as the voice of Norman.
"Fathom is very pleased to extend our distribution partnership with LAIKA and bring the critically acclaimed ‘ParaNorman’ back to US audiences this Halloween in both 2D and RealD 3D and with the exclusive consumer added value feature, ‘ParaNorman: The Thrifting,’” said Ray Nutt, Fathom Entertainment’s Chief Executive Officer via press release.
“Coraline consumers voted with their wallets last year, resulting in approximately 70% of the record-breaking $34M+ U.S. theatrical box office coming in 3D. ParaNorman is the ideal, spooky follow-up for audiences to enjoy on the big screen later this year.”
What truly sets the original ParaNorman film apart is its willingness to explore mature and complex themes rarely tackled in children's animation. With thoughtful commentary on bullying, intolerance, mob mentality, grief, and the power of acceptance, the film resonates on a deeper level. Its emotional twist involving the misunderstood "witch" is frequently highlighted as a poignant and haunting moment.
As Laika’s second feature film, following Coraline, ParaNorman helped establish the studio as a pioneer in crafting bold, unconventional, and visually stunning stop-motion stories, offering an inventive alternative to mainstream CGI fare and securing its place as a potential modern classic.
Though it may not enjoy the same instant name recognition as major Disney or Pixar titles, ParaNorman has steadily earned its place as a modern classic. Its artistic ambition, groundbreaking stop-motion craftsmanship, and timeless themes have cemented its status among the greats, standing shoulder to shoulder with genre-defining films like Coraline and The Nightmare Before Christmas within the stop-motion animation pantheon.