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"The Simpsons" writers may have predicted some pretty improbably future events, but even they couldn't have anticipated some guest appearances that didn't just age poorly, but festered within the cracks of one of the most essential and influential television shows ever made. Throughout its 36 seasons, 781 episodes, and one feature-length film, there have been notable guest star appearances that may have been hilarious at the time, but became anything but.  

In addition to the various "Simpsons" jokes that have aged poorly, some cameos have become truly uncomfortable, and now land with all the comedic impact of a fingernail extraction. After reviewing the series, here are the worst cameos in the show's history. These appearances remind us that convicted felons, despised public figures, and unsuccessful sports icons alike have made a stop in Springfield, hoping for a memorable visit that ultimately became forever tainted due to real-life events. In some cases, where a "D'oh!

A stage production of Neil Gaiman's 2002 children's novel Coraline has been canceled, Variety reports. A statement from the production partners behind the scrapped musical cited the recent allegations of sexual misconduct brought against the author. Coraline — A Musical was originally scheduled to run at the Leeds Playhouse in England from April to May of this year before embarking on a tour through Edinburgh, Birmingham, and Manchester. In the joint statement from Leeds Playhouse, Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh, Birmingham Rep, and Home Manchester, the organizations stated, "We have decided our production of Coraline – A Musical will not proceed."

From the co-production partners: Leeds Playhouse, Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh, Birmingham Rep, and Home, Manchester. We have decided our production of Coraline – A Musical will not proceed. After careful consideration, we feel it would be impossible to continue in the context of the allegations against its original author. Ticket holders have been contacted directly via email.

A UK stage version of Neil Gaiman’s Coraline has been canceled following allegations of sexual misconduct against the Good Omens author.

The musical production was preparing to embark on a UK tour that would take in the Leeds Playhouse, Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh, Birmingham Rep, and Home in Manchester.

In a statement, organizers said they would not continue with the adaptation, citing the claims against Gaiman from a total of nine women. Gaiman has denied sexual misconduct.

“We have decided our production of Coraline – A Musical will not proceed. After careful consideration, we feel it would be impossible to continue in the context of the allegations against its original author. Ticket holders have been contacted directly via email,” the statement said.

The allegations against Gaiman include nonconsensual Bdsm. The claims were first published in a Tortoise podcast, titled Master: The Allegations Against Neil Gaiman. New York magazine carried further allegations earlier this month.

Dark Horse Comics has dropped Neil Gaiman, cancelling his Anansi Boys comic series, in the wake of sexual assault allegations brought against the author.

The publisher posted to X Friday night writing, “Dark Horse takes seriously the allegations against Neil Gaiman and we are no longer publishing his works. Confirming that the ‘Anansi Boys’ comic series and collected volume have been canceled.”

U.K.-based Tortoise Media spotlighted accounts from four women — two who came forward in early July 2024 and two more who told their stories at the end of the month — about their encounters with the Coraline and Sandman creator.

The comic books are the latest projects in Gaiman’s creative catalogue that have paused or been canceled in light of the news, which Gaiman addressed on his personal blog, denying the allegations.

“As I read through this latest collection of accounts, there are moments I half-recognise and moments I don’t,...

Neil Gaiman has been dropped by Dark Horse Comics following a bombshell New York Magazine cover story in which several woman accused the “Sandman” and “Coraline” author of sexual assault.

In a post on X Friday night, the publisher wrote: “Dark Horse takes seriously the allegations against Neil Gaiman and we are no longer publishing his works. Confirming that the ‘Anansi Boys’ comic series and collected volume have been canceled.”

Gaiman denied the allegations brought forth in the Jan. 13 story, writing on his blog the next day: “I have never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone. Ever.” Representatives for Gaiman did not immediately respond to Variety‘s request for comment regarding Dark Horse Comics’ statement.

Amazon’s TV adaptation of “Anansi Boys,” which is expected to release this year, had not been affected by the allegations at the time of the NY Mag story. Variety has reached out to Amazon for further comment.

“She wants something to love, I think. Something that isn’t her. Or, maybe she’d just love something to eat.”

Mothers come in many shapes and sizes. Some are fantastic cooks. Others are wonderful gardeners. Many may not keep a tidy house, but they’re great listeners and skilled at helping their children work through complex problems. But there’s one thing all mothers have in common. At some point, they will all do something to disappoint or upset their children. Because mothers are human beings too. They may be tasked with caring for the younger generation but they’re still fallible creatures figuring it out as they go. Henry Selick explores the concept of good and bad parents in his stunning stop motion masterpiece Coraline. This 2009 film follows two mothers battling for the love of a young girl who must decide whether she can live a life that’s less than perfect.

Neil Gaiman has responded to a New York Magazine cover story in which several women accused the “Sandman” and “Coraline” author of sexual assault, writing on his personal blog, “I have never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone. Ever.”

In the full statement, posted Tuesday morning, the author expressed regret for how he has handled personal relationships, writing that “I was emotionally unavailable while being sexually available, self-focused and not as thoughtful as I could or should have been.” However, he underlined that he denies any allegation of sexual assault: “I’m not willing to turn my back on the truth, and I can’t accept being described as someone I am not, and cannot and will not admit to doing things I didn’t do.”

Back in July, Tortoise Media broke the news that Gaiman had been accused of sexual assault by two women and released a six-part podcast,...

You know the phrase, “never meet your heroes”? Well, for some fans of Neil Gaiman, that lesson is hitting a lot harder than they ever imagined. The celebrated author behind The Sandman and Coraline has found himself in a storm of serious allegations. Once a shining beacon in the world of fantasy, his name is now tangled with claims of s*xual assault from multiple women.

But while the accusations were initially discussed in smaller circles, mainstream outlets had yet to fully pick up the story. That is, until New York Magazine published its own investigation, adding much-needed weight to the claims.

Neil Gaiman | Credit: @neilhimself | Instagram

The emotional toll of these allegations is not just about the truth or the rumors; it’s the shockwave that’s coursing through fans and readers who never expected someone they admired to face such serious charges. As the details unfold, people are...

This story contains discussion about sexual assault.

Neil Gaiman has been accused of sexual assault by multiple women in a detailed report, following earlier allegations by five different women in 2024. Gaiman is a fantasy author best known for his novels and comics, in particular many that have been adapted into TV shows. This includes Starz's American Gods, Netflix's The Sandman, and Prime Video's Good Omens. His work has also netted him various awards in writing, and, in 2023, placed him on Time Magazine's 100 most influential people in the world list.

However, in 2024, Gaiman was accused of sexual assault and abuse by five women, who alleged he engaged in unwanted sex with them across various instances. While these allegations have been denied by the author, they've still resulted in fallout in his career. This includes Disney cancelling an adaptation of The Graveyard Book, and him stepping away from Good Omens...

Animation has always been a medium for pushing creative boundaries. Often, it brings vibrant worlds and imaginative stories to life in ways live-action simply cannot. Breathtaking landscapes and intricate character designs are just some of the ways these illustrative productions captivate audiences, with a timeless appeal cementing many titles as contenders among the best animated movies of all time. Showcasing the incredible potential of animation as a visual and narrative art form, these films have often transcended their format, leaving audiences awestruck and inspired.

This focus on visual artistry has sparked countless bountiful subgenres, for example, animated fantasy movies. Heartfelt adventures and awe-inspiring fantasies have proved time after time that the medium's storytelling power is a bottomless pit of impactful entertainment. Some indie examples even rival the best Disney animated shows ever made, with their draw shown specifically through vivid visuals. The ability of animation to transport viewers to entirely...

Give the gift of unforgettable animation to the film lover or collector in your life with the acclaimed works of Laika, a studio that has redefined the art of stop-motion. This includes the unforgetable ParaNorman.

In collaboration with Laika, Anime Limited is thrilled to announce the release of brand-new 4K Uhd & Blu-ray Limited Edition Steelbooks for these iconic films, now available to order from leading retailers and to celebrate we have one to give away.

Win a 4K + Bd Steelbook copy of ParaNorman

Directed by Henry Selick (The Nightmare Before Christmas), the dark fantasy Coraline — widely hailed as one of the greatest animated films ever made — leads the pack, celebrating its 15th anniversary. Joining it are The Boxtrolls as well as ParaNorman and Kubo and the Two Strings. All four films earned Academy Award nominations for Best Animated Feature in their respective years, with Kubo and the Two Strings also...

Dakota Fanning's horror movie The Watchers, currently trending on Netflix, serves as the perfect reminder to watch an animated horror classic from 2009. Directed by Ishana Night Shyamalan in her directorial debut, The Watchers stars Dakota Fanning as a young woman named Mina, who is visiting Ireland only to become stranded in a forest inhabited by mysterious creatures that appear at night. Seeking shelter, Mina finds herself trapped in a bunker with three strangers who have been imprisoned for several years and must do whatever she can to survive.

The movie was produced by M. Night Shyamalan, who has gained notoriety and criticism in the movie industry for his trademark of using twist endings in many of his works. His daughter, Ishana, continues the trademark in her first movie as a director. While it received a mixed reception upon release, The Watchers has seen streaming success on Netflix, ranking in the top 10 most-watched films.

When it comes to movies, achieving perfection is no easy feat. To be classified as perfect, a movie must execute what it sets out to do without flaw. For example, in terms of providing family entertainment with artful presentation and resonant themes, 2009's stop-motion triumph Coraline does so flawlessly. Movies can be perfect for different reasons—not everything should be held to the same criteria.

For those who enjoy a good seasonal classic, an underrated Tim Burton movie on Disney+ is the perfect follow-up to The Nightmare Before Christmas. As December draws on, audiences indulging in their favorite holiday films might be compelled to return to the stop-motion classic. Though even creators debate whether The Nightmare Before Christmas is a Halloween movie or a Christmas one, streaming numbers show it’s a must-watch during both festivities. Fans watching it this month might be craving similar spooky vibes amidst the Christmas season, and this movie with a 91% rotten tomatoes score is just the thing.

While The Nightmare Before Christmas reviews often praise Burton’s story and characters, they usually forget it was Henry Selick’s directorial debut before he became a hit with Coraline. Just as the 2009 Neil Gaiman adaptation is confused as a Burton movie, many glide past the two directors’ other collaboration, despite it...

In 2009, stop motion animation films were forever changed with Coraline. It introduced audiences to a stunning and eerie stop-motion world unlike anything they had seen before. Directed by Henry Selick and based on Neil Gaiman’s novel, the film pushed the boundaries of animation, blending whimsical fantasy with unsettling horror in a way that resonated with both children and adults. Now, over a decade later, Coraline remains a landmark in animation, a haunting yet captivating tale of courage, identity, and the importance of family that continues to enchant new generations of viewers. So on today’s episode of not-so-Horror Revisited, let’s dive into why this is such a huge technical achievement but also why this film is an emotional masterpiece.

Back in 2002 is where our journey began. Henry Selick, known for his work on The Nightmare Before Christmas and James and the Giant Peach, approached author Neil Gaiman and...

Laika Studios' Coraline from 2009 was a big success among children and adults. Some adults were hesitant to see the movie at first. It has an eerie feel that leaves viewers wanting to warn Coraline of the danger she's in despite her inability to hear them. Thankfully, Laika Studios put an incredible amount of work into the movie, proving to audiences otherworldly films can be great. Most people find something new they hadn't noticed before on each re-watch of Coraline.

The movie is entirely stop-motion and filled with Easter eggs and foreshadowing details, such as each of Coraline's outfits being hand-knitted (down to the underwear that isn't even visible). The amount of detail and care that went into making this film shows in the final product. Coraline is a well-crafted movie with many secrets and fun facts to share with audiences.

Updated on December 11, 2024, by Andrea Sandoval: Coraline is a...

Anime Limited, in association with Laika, are excited to reveal the brand-new 4K Uhd & Blu-ray Standard and Limited Edition Steelbook of Coraline – now available, to celebrate we are giving away a 4K Uhd & Blu-ray Limited Edition Steelbook!

Directed by Henry Selick (The Nightmare Before Christmas) and widely considered one of the best animated films of all time, the dark fantasy Coraline celebrates its 15th anniversary by leading the line-up alongside the fantasy comedy The Boxtrolls on 2nd December 2024, with the family horror ParaNorman and action fantasy Kubo and the Two Strings following on 16th December.

he films all received Academy Award nominations for Best Animated Film in their respective release years, with Kubo and the Two Strings also winning the BAFTA Award for Best Animated Films. Returning these celebrated films to the wider market just in time for the holidays marks Anime Limited’s continued commitment to celebrated animated film and physical media,...

Every single movie under the sun might be getting a sequel/prequel/reboot, but Tim Burton says he's never returning to his most beloved Christmas movie. Burton was back in theaters earlier this year with the long-awaited Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, which saw Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O'Hara return, along with newcomer Jenna Ortega. The film was a box office hit, but divided fans and critics. But the Tim Burton fandom is still strong, and audiences have been desperate for more Jack Skellington and Sally since A Nightmare Before Christmas was released in 1993.

Appearing at the Marrakech International Film Festival (via IndieWire), Tim Burton definitively ruled out any chances of A Nightmare Before Christmas getting a sequel in the future. "There are certain films I don’t want to make a sequel to," the director said. The topic of sequels was undoubtedly on everyone's minds following Beetlejuice Beetlejuice's success.

As 2024 starts to close out, Amazon Prime Video is bringing even more cinematic goodies to its slate for November.

TheWrap is here to give a list of the best of the best of what’s to come on the streamer and what’s already added that you can enjoy. From heart-warming dramas to fresh, animated flicks that will take you on an adventure and more, we’ve got it all here for you.

Check out the best new movies streaming on Prime Video this month below.

“Gladiator” (Universal Pictures) “Gladiator” (2000)

We had to add “Gladiator” to the list with its sequel being in theaters and all. So if you need to watch it before heading to the movies, check it out on Prime Video. In Ridley Scott’s action-adventure “Gladiator,” Maximus (Russell Crowe) is a former general who’s been enslaved and forced to fight for his life as a common gladiator.

With its stunning animated and creepy quality, many fans look for similar movies like Coraline that capture that dark fantasy-horror vibe. Based on a novella of the same name by Neil Gaiman, Caroline follows the titular young girl who moves into a new home and finds a portal to an alternate universe. There, she finds a new version of her family only for it to reveal a more dark and sinister truth. Coraline became the third highest-grossing stop-motion movie and was nominated for Best Animated Feature at the Oscars.

Coraline balances between the wondrous and the disturbing in a way that is suitable for family audiences. However, despite its uniqueness, it is not the only film to be successful for that balance of creepiness and whimsy. There are plenty of others, and many are also known for their stop-motion animation style. These movies don't veer so far into horror that...

Due to its style, lasting appeal, and even some of the behind-the-scenes aspects of the movie, Coraline remains an iconic movie to rewatch, over a decade after its release. Coraline is based on Neil Gaiman's novella of the same name and was the debut feature film for Laika Studios, the studio responsible for other stop-motion animation films. A children's fantasy with darker elements for older audiences, Coraline follows the titular girl who discovers an idealized version of her humdrum life at the apartment complex her family moves to, only to learn the new life comes at a cost.

Coraline is one of the best stop-motion horror movies ever, and its 91% on Rotten Tomatoes and $131 million at the box office (via Box Office Mojo) are testaments to its popularity. It's the success of this movie that put Laika on the Hollywood map, even if the studio's films since have not...

The Other Mother, or Beldam, from the acclaimed stop-motion film Coraline, has been brought to life in a chillingly realistic fashion. Directed by Henry Selick and adapted from Neil Gaimans novella, Coraline follows a young girl who discovers a hidden world that seems like a perfect alternate realityuntil its sinister underpinnings come to light. The film features Dakota Fanning as Coraline and Teri Hatcher as the Other Mother, whose transformation from a nurturing mother to a monstrous creature has become a hallmark of modern animated horror.

For Halloween, the Beldam lives to see another day with a look from @byhazelj. The haunting cosplay perfectly captures the aura of the iconic villain and showcases the Other Mother's signature button eyes, spider-like appendages, and cracked bone structure with incredible attention to detail. Check it out below:

View this post on InstagramA post shared by Hazel Jane (@byhazelj) What Jane's Cosplay Means For...

Laika Studios' animation debut wraps up its year-long 15th-anniversary celebration in style. Converse will release apparel heavily inspired by scenes and characters from Coraline.

Laika Studios and Converse will launch collaborative apparel to mark the 15th anniversary of Coraline, the 2009 stop-motion film based on Neil Gaiman's novella. Five new pairs of Chuck Taylor All Stars will feature designs inspired by Coraline's characters and the "Other World", where button-eyed doppelgangers and the Beldam reside. The limited-edition sneakers will be available at the Converse online store starting Nov. 21; fans can also order a Coraline t-shirt and hoodie to complete their collection.

Related Coraline Fan Theories Are Much Scarier Than the Movie

Director Henry Selick's stop-motion-animated Coraline is creepy, but it's nowhere near as dark as the theories it's inspired.

Converse's kicks capture the best moments of Coraline starting with the "Other World" Chucks, canvas sneakers with a graphic of the grotesque,...

Everyone's favorite button-eyed family is coming to streaming platforms after a modern resurgence of popularity fueled by pop culture. A mix of childhood fantasy and adult-worthy horror, the 2009 stop-motion animated film Coraline has come back into focus as it's heading to Prime Video on November 24, right in time for the holidays. Fans old and new are invited to experience the horrifying world that 11-year-old girl named Coraline, voiced by Dakota Fanning, finds herself caught up in.

Adults and children alike flock to the stop-motion film for its unique visuals and truly horrifying concept of a seemingly ideal alternate world family demanding intense and violent sacrifice to stay with them. With a 91% on Rotten Tomatoes, the film still holds up to this day and even enjoyed a recent re-release in theaters that surprisingly beat the numbers of new, bigger films. While a sequel to the hit animated kid's film is in...

Just in time for Halloween, “Coraline” is back (once again!) in theaters, but now remastered with some sound and color adjustments and 3D effects.

After a great summer in the box office following its 15-year anniversary re-release, the adventurous little girl returned to theaters on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. Earning $53 million globally, the stop-motion film proved that it’s still a hit a generation later.

“To turn up and watch it with my kids in a theater, that’s a really special opportunity that we have,” said Ollie Jones, one of the original film’s riggers who’s now head of practical effects at Laika. “It’s extraordinary to be able to really engage again with an audience.”

He said that “Coraline’s” continuous success meant the movie had entered a status of “cultural consciousness,” any filmmaker’s dream. “When we were making it, Caroline was a success, but did we...

Looking for a Halloween movie for kids, adults, and everyone in between? There’s a whole roster of animated seasonal favorites that hit the sweet spot and most of the greats are available to watch on streaming this year.

Where can you find them? We’ve got the guide you need so you can watch your favorites without wasting time, because sometimes, nothing hits quite like an animated Halloween movie when you’re trying to tap into that sense of child-like holiday spirit.

“The Nightmare Before Christmas” (Disney)

Streaming On: Disney+

The Goat and the one that paved the way for a lot of the subsequent movies on this list, “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is the perfect film to carry you through the holiday season, from Halloween to Christmas. Is it a Halloween movie? Is it a Christmas movie? Folks like to debate that one, but it’s there in stunning stop motion,...

Fall is upon us, and that brings the changing of the leaves, apple cider, and of course, scary movies. Seeing scary movies when you’re a little kid is the best. Really wanting to see what all the bigger kids are seeing but also being scared of what you just saw. It’s a magical time to be alive… and now is a great time to run down the best kid’s films for Halloween. These are guaranteed to frighten your little ones but not leave you unable to sleep after they crawl into your bed at night.

H​onorable Mention: The Monster Squad (1987)

W​hile this film was a mainstay of my childhood, if you look at it today, some of the language hasn’t aged very well. I still love this film, as I can look past its flaws and remember the absolute glee I would get watching it over and over again.

When you think of The Nightmare Before Christmas, which holiday comes to mind? Whether the animated classic should be watched during the Halloween or Christmas season remains one of cinema's most contested questions. Released on October 29, 1993 (which is perhaps a rather compelling argument for the Halloween side of the debate), The Nightmare Before Christmas was a commercial and critical success. It gained an Oscar nomination and eventually inspired one of the most pronounced cult followings of all time. Considered a marvel of animation and stop-motion technology, it will go down in history as one of Tim Burton's greatest creative achievements. Yet, it seems to break a convention of holiday cinema in that it cannot be defined by any one holiday.

Thus, with the popularity of the film and its nebulous status as simultaneously a Halloween and Christmas movie, it remains a hot topic (see what I did there?) of discussion.

On paper, everything about Laika Studios’ initial theatrical release of Coraline feels a bit like a fever dream: a stop-motion animated horror film geared towards children based on Neil Gaiman’s even darker namesake novella, released in early February during the tail-end of The Great Recession, whose lead talent included Dakota Fanning and Teri Hatcher. By the time it was released in 2009, films like The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) and The Corpse Bride (2005) had helped pave the way for stop-motion in the mainstream. But for a little-known studio like Laika (Coraline was one of Laika’s first projects), banking on the success of such a niche concept felt quite ambitious. Sure, Laika had Nightmare alumni Henry Selick take the helm on the film, but it seemed like there was a lot stacked against it: the Recession had folks frugal about spending, social media was still way in its infancy to be effectively leveraged for marketing,...

With Halloween right around the corner in just a few days, we have reached the final new release roundup for one of the craziest Octobers of all time. And the spooky fun isn’t over yet…

Here’s all the new horror releasing from October 28 – November 3, 2024!

For daily reminders about new horror releases, be sure to follow @HorrorCalendar.

Lionsgate heads back to Amityville with Amityville: Where the Echo Lives, a brand new indie horror movie that will debut On Demand and Digital beginning on Tuesday, October 29.

Carlos Ayala directed Amityville: Where the Echo Lives, which doesn’t look to actually be set at the infamous Amityville Horror house. Instead, it looks to be another in-name only installment in the saga, which has become one of the strangest “franchises” of all time.

In the film, “When Heather West, a paranormal investigator, receives a call from a terrified woman who claims her...

This Halloween season, Uckfield’s cherished Picture House Cinema is hosting its annual Horrorthon, an event featuring some of the most iconic horror films across multiple days leading up to October 31. Horror fans can expect everything from timeless classics like The Exorcist and A Nightmare on Elm Street to cult favourites such as Beetlejuice and Shaun of the Dead, all shown in the atmospheric surroundings of this historic cinema. The Horrorthon begins Saturday, 26 October and continues through to Saturday, 2 November, offering an ideal way for fans to celebrate Halloween in style.

This year’s Horrorthon line-up is packed with films for every kind of horror fan. Each showing will take place in one of the Picture House’s vintage-inspired screens, including the intimate VIP Lounge, opened in 2020, where audiences can enjoy a more exclusive setting.

Adding a unique experience to the Horrorthon, Longlegs will be shown on Sunday, 27 October, complete...

Exclusive: A story that lauded director John Boorman created for his children is being worked up as an animated feature. The Honey Wars was a tale that veteran helmer Boorman told his kids and now Dublin-based animation house Kavaleer Productions is developing it as a 90-minute-long film. Boorman has opened the Rolodex and helped reach out to some starry voice talent. The producers are in talks with Jamie Lee Curtis, Vanessa Kirby, Patrick Stewart, Brendan Gleeson, Richard E. Grant and Jon Voight.

Billed as a dark comedic fantasy, the story follows Hope, a young girl with a secret ability to see the invisible threads that connect the magical world to our own. Recently uprooted by the loss of her mother, she stumbles upon a bitter conflict rooted in two warring tribes: the Fairies and the Elves. She encounters Alfred, a mischievous and exiled Elf, and Fiona, an outcast fairy. The...

As “Reasonable Doubt’s” Jax Stewart becomes the newest Black woman lawyer to grace our television screens, TheWrap wanted to take a trip down memory lane by listing the most iconic Black woman TV lawyers our time.

For fans, these roles may just be the characters we show up to watch in our favorite shows weekly, but for the actresses that play them and the writers that write them, their existence has impacted on-screen representation for Black women as well as the careers of Black Hollywood actresses.

That rings true for Kerry Washington’s role in “Scandal.” While we primarily recognize Olivia Pope as a crisis manager in the series, she was a former lawyer who often exhibited those tactics from her legal career. Until Washington signed on for the role — which ABC originally suggested a non-Black actress take — there hadn’t been a drama series with a leading Black woman on TV for 37 years.

Fantasy connotes big world-building which could serve sequels well, but some amazing fantasy movies that deserved sequels never got them. It seems like sequels people wish for are scrapped, while too many unwanted movie remakes and sequels are coming sooner rather than later. Famed fantasy movies in a variety of mediums work as excellent standalones but leave open the potential for an equally great sequel.

Complicating matters is that some of the best standalone fantasy movies might deserve a sequel, but they don't necessarily need one. If the story has come to a natural conclusion and forcing it to carry on would malign it, it is best that the movie is left alone. However, several fantasy movies that are effectively standalones imply some interesting possibilities for sequels, which would cleverly segue into an organic new story.

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) Tim Burton Isn't Interested In The Potential Of A Jack...

After a summertime return to theaters that grossed over $53 million at the global box office, Laika’s acclaimed 2009 stop-motion animated film Coraline returns to theaters for a special Halloween engagement starting on October 31st.

In partnership with Fathom in the US and Trafalgar Releasing internationally, the film is offered in stunning, newly remastered 3D as well as 2D formats.

In addition to the U.S., the Halloween engagement of Coraline includes the UK, Ireland, Australia, Canada, Austria, and Ecuador, with more territories to follow. France and Italy will also begin their Coraline 15th Anniversary engagements this November.

Fans attending Coraline will be treated to an early glimpse of Laika’s upcoming film, Wildwood.

The 15th Anniversary theatrical re-release of Coraline this past August was an astonishing success, surpassing all estimates. Since its re-release on August 15th, Coraline has brought in over $53 million at the global box office.

It marks the...

For fans who missed Coraline‘s summertime return, fear not: Animation company Laika Studios will be re-releasing the beloved stop-motion pic beginning on Halloween.

The news comes following a huge global box office return for Laika, who is now partnering with Fathom in the U.S. and Trafalgar Releasing internationally, with more than $53 million grossed during the dark fantasy movie’s re-release in August for its 15th anniversary. The 2009 film will be offered in newly remastered 3D as well as 2D formats.

During the screening, viewers will also get a glimpse at Laika’s upcoming Wildwood. Beginning Oct. 31, the film will be available in the U.K., Ireland, Australia, Canada, Austria and Ecuador, with more territories to come. France and Italy will also see a re-release for the film’s anniversary in November.

“Everyone at Laika is elated by the global success of the Coraline re-release and we’re delighted...

Coraline's 15th-anniversary celebration continues with a theatrical encore this year. This is the animated film's second run following a successful summer rerelease.

Fathom Events is hosting limited-time screenings of Coraline this Halloween. Fans can experience the film in newly remastered 2D and 3D formats in theaters across the U.S.; Trafalgar Releasing is also relaunching the feature in select international territories including France and Italy, which will have their own special engagements for Coraline's anniversary. The screenings will include an insider look into the film's production, where "fans will also go behind-the-scenes with Laika's award-winning puppet fabrication teams as they construct the all-new versions of the Coraline puppet, from the ground-up. The team many of whom helped build the original Coraline." Audiences will also get a sneak peek of Wildwood, Laika Studios' upcoming animated film.

Related Coraline Cashes in at Box Office With 15th Anniversary Re-Release

Coraline, beloved...

Fifteen years after the film’s initial release, Henry Selick’s 2009 stop motion film Coraline is once again headed back to theaters for the Halloween season, we’ve learned today.

In the wake of Coraline scaring up $53 million at the global box office this past summer, the film returns for another limited-time engagement in newly remastered 3D and 2D formats.

From Fathom Events, Coraline comes back to theaters on October 31 & November 1.

Tickets for the spooky season re-release are up for grabs now.

Variety details, “Henry Selick’s film now stands at a lifetime haul of $185.7 million worldwide and is the highest-grossing stop-motion film in the U.S. It’s also the highest-grossing rerelease in the U.S. in the past 10 years and the highest-grossing of Fathom’s 20-year history. Attendees on Halloween will also get a sneak peek of Laika’s upcoming film Wildwood.”

“Everyone at Laika is elated by...

Cbr stands in support of those who've accused author Neil Gaiman of sexual assault, as well as all victims of such horrific acts. Coraline is the product of countless dedicated creators and filmmakers, and while Gaiman's name appears in this article as contextually necessary, the purpose of the article is to celebrate the hard work of the industry professionals who bring the properties fans know and love to life. You can find Cbr's continuing coverage on Neil Gaiman here.

Books and movies often help audiences escape from the real world, with every genre offering a different world to explore. With that said, though, creative minds usually draw inspiration from reality, which is why based-on-a-true-story movies exist. Audiences constantly seek out the real-life stories that inspired their favorite pieces, and even horrifying animated flicks like Coraline have connections to reality.

Coraline is undoubtedly one of the most memorable and unique movies,...

Production of Good Omens' final season has reportedly been halted following the recent accusations regarding writer Neil Gaiman. Good Omens premiered on Prime Video on May 31, 2019, and was adapted from the 1990 novel Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch which was written as a collaboration between authors Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman. Season 2 premiered on July 28, 2023, and in December of that year, it was confirmed the series would return to Prime Video for a third and final season. Yet in July 2023, multiple sexual assault allegations were leveled against Neil Gaiman, and the fallout has been present across various platforms.

According to Deadline, production on Good Omens final season, which is currently filming in Scottland, has paused. While no reason was given for the production pause, Deadline reports that there are discussions about possible production changes. These changes could be centered on the involvement of Gaiman, who served as the showrunner,...

Coraline is gothic in tone, stop-motion in style, and definitely weird, but did Tim Burton make Coraline? Since Coralines release, the movie has been mistakenly associated with The Nightmare Before Christmas creator and Corpse Bride director Tim Burton. Its true that Coraline shares a lot of things in common with many Tim Burton movies like Frankenweenie its a kid-friendly, stop-motion horror film with the gothic vibe Tim Burton has become synonymous with over his decades-long career. Despite those similarities, Tim Burton actually had nothing whatsoever to do with Coraline's production. Coraline wasn't directed by Tim Burton, but Henry Selick.

The filmmaker behind Coraline is Wendell & Wild director Henry Selick, but this hasn't stopped the beloved adaptation of the Neil Gaiman comic from being falsely attributed to Burton by far too many people. Despite the fact Selick is clearly credited as the Coraline director, the misconception that Tim Burton directed it still persists.

The supernatural horror film The Watchers spends a ton of screentime with a small group of individuals trapped in a mysterious and dangerous forest, so the talented cast is understandably small. The Watchers is the feature film directorial debut of Ishana Night Shyamalan, daughter of the iconic director M. Night Shyamalan. The movie follows a young American immigrant in Ireland, Mina, who becomes trapped with others in a forest that is home to nocturnal creatures known as Watchers, whose appearance remains a mystery to anyone who hasn't encountered them.

Mina and her fellow survivors remain trapped in a concrete bunker at night, which keeps them safe from the creatures, but also allows the creatures to observe their activities and behavior. The Watchers is heavy on dread and atmosphere-building, and as is expected, includes a trademark "Shyamalan twist", although it is based on the novel of the same name by A.M. Shine.

Coraline remains a Laika movie that keeps on giving, with another re-release in 2024 so more fans can discover the various Coraline Easter eggs. Coraline stole hearts everywhere when it hit the big screen in 2009 as Laikas first major motion picture. Based on the bestselling book by Neil Gaiman, Coraline was done in stop-motion animation. Those who worked on it put a lot of detail into the tiny worlds that the titular character ventures to. Some of these details were obvious on the first watch, but others werent as easy to spot.

There are so many details that helped create Coralines world. The story of the girl who ventures into a parallel universe, only to get trapped in it by a woman with buttons for eyes, took a long time to create. The entire film took a total of 20 months to shoot, not including the time it took to conceptualize and create everything needed for shooting.

Development on the adaptation of Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book has been put on pause. The Graveyard is a young adult novel written by Gaiman that was published in 2008. It tells the story of a misfit named Nobody Owens who, after surviving the brutal murder of his family, is taken in by supernatural beings in a graveyard. The Graveyard Book remains one of Gaiman's most celebrated novels, but it has not yet gotten a film adaptation unlike other popular Gaiman works such as Coraline and The Sandman.

As per IndieWire, The Graveyard Book movie is now on hold.

More to come...

Source: IndieWire...

Black Myth Wukong‘s journey from a most-wishlisted game on Steam to the most-played single game on Steam is a fascinating example of how literary works should be adapted into video games, to be precise RPGs.

While this Chinese marvel based on the epic novel Journey to the West doesn’t belong in the open-world games section, its branching is a blessing in disguise since it is a rather rewarding experience.

Importantly, Wukong isn’t a retelling of the original story, as the novel serves as a foundation, from which a fresh and familiar world was born. There is a huge potential behind many literary works with rich and detailed universes that can be translated into open world games if done correctly.

The Unmeasurable Power of Black Myth Wukong

The triumph of Black Myth Wukong is a blueprint for how to adapt a rich, narrative-driven story into a game that...

15 years after its release, Coraline continues to draw viewers to the theater with its theatrical re-release in the United States, holding its own among new titles like Alien: Romulus and Deadpool & Wolverine. Based on Neil Gaiman's 2002 novella of the same name, Coraline is widely considered one of the best-animated films of all time and has become a cult classic since it first hit theaters in 2009. It's also one of the scariest children's movies, traumatizing an entire generation of kids (myself included) thanks to the Beldam, aka Coraline's (Dakota Fanning) Other Mother (Terri Hatcher). Her smile and black button eyes are creepy enough, but it's Other Mother's obsession with Coraline and her transformation into a horrifying, spider-like creature that has cemented her as one of the scariest mothers in horror movie history. Coraline's Other Mother combines characteristics of the traditional American housewife with those of a spider into...

The 15th anniversary re-release of Coraline has passed a major milestone at the domestic box office. The 2009 stop-motion animated movie, which was directed by Henry Selick and is based on the Neil Gaiman novella of the same name, was the first feature film produced by Laika, which has since put out releases including ParaNorman and Kubo and the Two Strings. When the Coraline movie came back to theaters for its latest re-release, it turned out a dazzling performance, outdoing the typical re-release performance with an $8.37 million debut on the Top 5 chart, competing well against major new releases.

Per Deadline, as of Sunday morning, the Coraline re-release is projected to take in a 3-day total of $3.15 million during its third weekend at the domestic box office and a 4-day total of $4.3 million over the Labor Day holiday weekend. This will bring the cumulative domestic total of the re-release to $30.6 million, making...

Ishana Night Shyamalan's directorial debut, The Watchers, is a supernatural horror film based on A.M. Shine's novel, now available to stream. While the film garnered mixed reviews in theaters, The Watchers offers a unique spin on the folk horror genre worth checking out from home. With a solid cast including Dakota Fanning and Olwen Four, The Watchers combines supernatural mysteries with horror elements for an intriguing watch.

The Watchers, 2024's first of two Shyamalan horror movies that divided viewers, is now available to stream. Written and directed by Ishana Night Shyamalan in her directorial debut, The Watchers is produced by Ishana's prolific filmmaker father, M. Night Shyamalan, and based on the novel of the same name by A. M. Shine. The film centers on 28-year-old Mina (Dakota Fanning), an artist who becomes trapped in a forest in Ireland alongside three strangers and some mysterious nocturnal creatures. After premiering...

As anniversary screenings brought Coraline back to theaters, the dark fantasy stop-motion animated feature achieved a new record with its global box office takings. The Nightmare Before Christmas director Henry Selick helmed the adaptation of Neil Gaiman's 2002 novella, which tells the story of a young girl who discovers a doorway to a fantastical parallel reality. Despite being charmed by the idealistic world, Coraline (Dakota Fanning) soon learns that something sinister has lured her into this realm, and that she is in grave danger.

Collider reports that Coraline was able to hit an impressive milestone with its international box office takings. While it had already become one of the top ten most successful stop-motion features at the United States box office, Coraline managed to raise its international earnings to surpass $50 million, making it one of the highest-performing stop-motion movies released internationally. Altogether, as of its 2024 rerelease, Coraline has a total gross of $228 million,...

Serial killer thriller Strange Darling and poignant comedy Between The Temples had nice debuts as Coraline’s re-release continued to kick this weekend along with a handful of holdovers from Didi to Sing Sing.

Magenta Light Studios’ Strange Darling — where nothing is what it seems when a twisted one-night stand spirals into a serial killer’s vicious murder spree — debuted to $1.14 million at 1,135 theaters, according to Comscore. Jt Mollner’s slasher stars Willa Fitzgerald, Kyle Gallner, Ed Begley Jr., and Barbara Hershey. Giovanni Ribisi makes his big screen debut a as cinematographer.

Veteran producer Bob Yari (Crash) formed production and distribution outfit Magenta Light Studios earlier this year.

Sony Pictures Classics’ Between The Temples saw a nice $677.9k opening on 576 screens for the film by Nathan Silver. Jason Schwartzman stars as a cantor losing...