Frankenweenie, which sounds a bit like Lassie with a twist, tells the story of a man who brings his dog back to life after it is struck by a car.
To voice his characters, Burton has recruited favourites like Wynona Ryder, who he directed in Beetlejuice and Edward Scissorhands, Canadians Catherine O’Hara of Beetlejuice and Nightmare Before Christmas, and Martin Short of Mars Attacks!, plus Oscar-winner Martin Landau (Ed Wood, Sleepy Hollow).
Ryder plays the part of Elsa, Mr. Landau will Rzykruski, and Short and O’Hara will play multiple characters, including the parents of Victor, the young hero of the film.
Unfortunately, Johnny Depp will not be lending his voice to the film, however the filmmaker’s favourite actor has another joint project planned, a film adaptation of TV show Dark Shadows.
The 3D Frankenweenie is set to be released in theatres in 2012.