ParaNorman, the critically acclaimed 2012 stop-motion masterpiece, is set to make a triumphant return to theaters this Halloween for a limited engagement.
Widely celebrated for its breathtaking animation, distinctive visual flair, sharp writing, and masterful blend of humor, horror, and heartfelt emotion, the film continues to be a standout in modern animated cinema.
To celebrate its return, Laika, the animation studio behind ParaNorman, is also releasing a brand-new short film that will serve as a direct sequel to the original story, offering fans a fresh continuation of Norman's adventures.
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.
ParaNorman was Laika’s second movie, coming after Coraline, and it played a big role in showing what the studio could do. With its unique style and eye-catching stop-motion animation, it stood out from the typical CGI films, helping Laika earn a reputation for making bold and creative stories.
Even though ParaNorman isn’t as widely known as Disney or Pixar hits, it has slowly become a modern favorite. Its mix of stunning animation, heartfelt storytelling, and strong themes has earned it a lasting spot alongside stop-motion classics like Coraline and The Nightmare Before Christmas.