The spiritual sequel to Coraline, under the vision of Henry Selick and Neil Gaiman, promises to take horror and fantasy to new heights.
In the mystical world of animated cinema, there are collaborations that seem destined to leave an indelible mark on the hearts of fans. Henry Selick, the visionary behind A Nightmare Before Christmas, and Neil Gaiman, the acclaimed author of Coraline, reunite. This time, they promise to take us on a cinematic journey with The Ocean at the End of the Lane, presented as a companion piece to Coraline.
A new journey on the horizon
Unlike the young Coraline Jones who discovers a parallel world behind a secret door, Ocean at the End of the Lane presents us with a twist: the monstrous world that has invaded our reality. This narrative focuses on a terrifying mother who enters our world to wreak havoc on a child’s life. The plot promises to be “almost a sequel” to Coraline, maintaining its dark and captivating story.
Known for his dedication to stop-motion animation, Selick also produced a 35-page story treatment for this project, in addition to assembling an impressive collection of concept art and designs. He is currently pitching the project in Hollywood, looking for the best home for this new adventure.
The work has attracted interest from studios such as ShadowMachine, home of Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, but Selick believes Leica Studios, who collaborated on Coraline, has “the best talent and the best resources.” At the Annecy Animation Festival, Leica CEO Travis Knight didn’t hesitate to call him a “genius.”
Coraline’s education
Remember Coraline, a dark fantasy that follows Coraline Jones discovering a parallel universe. In this alternate world, she meets her “other mother,” a sinful man with eyes that gives her a seemingly better life. But, as she digs deeper, Coraline discovers the true and malevolent intentions of the other mother, who wants to trap her forever in that virtual world.
Through bravery and ingenuity, Coraline learns about the importance of courage and self-worth as she rescues her real parents and returns to her world. This new film promises to explore similar themes, sure to resonate with old and new fans of this amazing creative duo.
The Ocean at the End of the Lane could be a work that not only expands Coraline’s universe, but also delves into complex themes of the invasion and defense of our personal space. With Selick and Gaiman at the helm, we’re sure this film will be a visual and narrative odyssey that will capture the imagination of a generation.
The work of Henry Selick
Henry Selick, the master of stop-motion animation, was a key figure in creating this revolution in cinematic art. He directed the famous movie “The Nightmare Before Christmas” which has remained a benchmark in the world of cinema and animation for its unique beauty and interesting narrative. Selick also captured the imagination of audiences around the world by combining live-action with stop-motion animation, another popular adaptation of James and the Giant Peach.
Additionally, the film Coraline was notable for its thematic and visual depth, paving the way for animated films that explore dark and complex themes. Each of these projects reflects his ability to combine stop motion with rich, immersive stories, ensuring that each work not only entertains, but also lingers in the collective memory.