In a thrilling move, Paramount Pictures and Walter Hamada's 18hz have snapped up the rights to 'The Littles,' a captivating stop-motion horror short, with plans for a feature-length adaptation. But here's the twist: the film's writer-director, Andrew Duplessie, is set to take the lead in expanding his own chilling creation!
The short film, which recently debuted to a packed house at New York Comic Con, stars Violet McGraw as 11-year-old Juliet. Juliet's innocent stumble over a loose floorboard triggers a chain of eerie events that draw her into a spine-tingling, supernatural mystery. As she delves deeper, Juliet's world is turned upside down, revealing long-hidden secrets and a reality-bending experience.
What sets 'The Littles' apart is its unique blend of live-action and stop-motion animation, masterfully crafted by Anthony Scott, an alum of the beloved classic 'The Nightmare Before Christmas.' The film also boasts a talented cast, including Janel Parrish from 'Pretty Little Liars' and Dominic Sherwood of 'Shadowhunters.'
Duplessie, a multi-talented filmmaker, author, and tech entrepreneur, expressed his excitement about the feature adaptation, praising 18hz's Walter and Nick for their passion and vision. He believes that stop-motion animation and horror are a match made in cinematic heaven, and the audience's reaction to the short film has been nothing short of electrifying. And this is where it gets intriguing: Duplessie's journey began with writing stories on Instagram, amassing a dedicated following, and eventually creating the viral sensation 'Mystery Dog,' which captivated over 100 million YouTube viewers. His debut novel, 'Too Scared to Sleep,' was a bestseller, further solidifying his storytelling prowess.
But wait, there's more! 18hz, recently renewing its production deal with Paramount, is no stranger to horror hits. With Hamada's expertise, having served as DC Films chief and New Line Production EVP, they've produced blockbusters like the 'It' films and 'The Batman.' The upcoming slate includes a horror film by André Øvredal, and films 'Familiar' and 'Suffer Little Children' by Caye Casas and Rodrigue Huart, respectively.
And this is the part most people miss: Duplessie's ability to captivate audiences through various mediums is a testament to his creative genius. But will this unique blend of live-action and stop-motion animation in 'The Littles' resonate with mainstream audiences? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
