CBS will air the spooky special, Michael Jackson’s Halloween, showcasing an animated version of the late King of Pop.
Michael Jackson, the late, great King of Pop, is a name that’s associated with Halloween, thanks to his iconic, zombie-filled horror movie love letter 1983 music video for “Thriller,” which was a complete multimedia game-changer on many levels. However, Jackson, who passed away in 2009, will posthumously boost that association with plans by CBS to air an animated outing that not only features Jackson’s music, but will see him moonwalking into the fray in animated form.
Michael Jackson’s Halloween arrives for All Hallows’ Eve as a 1-hour animated adventure special that’s in the same thematic, fun-loving, spooky vein as Scooby-Doo. Moreover, the Tiffany Network will use the special as an opportunity to showcase its cavalcade of stars, in voice form, anyway.
Michael Jackson’s Halloween Trailer
The Michael Jackson’s Halloween trailer showcases the kind of zany haunted hijinks it’s been hyped to contain. The sounds of Jackson’s classic hits contrast with the light-hearted Halloween horror imagery of haunted pumpkin patches and a scary hotel setting, along with some familiar Michael Jackson imagery, notably a stained glass centerpiece inspired by the cover of his 1991 “Dangerous” album.
The story centers on a duo, described as “millennials,” in Vincent (voiced by MacGyver star Lucas Till,) and Victoria (voiced by Kiersey Clemons of upcoming film reboots The Flash and Flatliners). Having met accidentally on Halloween night, the duo – joined by Ichabod the Dog – find themselves at a creepy old establishment called This Place Hotel, which bares the address 777 Jackson Street. Within its walls, Vincent and Victoria embark on what is being called “a magical adventure of personal discovery.” Of course, the pièce de résistance of said adventure is a finale in which an animated Michael Jackson arrives to dance.
The cast of Michael Jackson’s Halloween also includes CBS series personnel such as Christine Baranski (The Good Fight), Alan Cumming (The Good Wife), George Eads (MacGyver), Brad Garrett (Everybody Loves Raymond), Lucy Liu (Elementary) and Jim Parsons (Big Bang Theory).
Mark A.Z. Dippé serves as director for Michael Jackson’s Halloween. Dippé has helmed animated features such as 2014’s The Boxcar Children, 2012’s The Reef 2: Hight Tide and heads the upcoming sequel The Boxcar Children: Surprise Island. He also sports a notable live-action entry on his CV in the 1997 film adaptation of Todd McFarlane’s Spawn.
The special was created and produced by Optimum Productions, with animation production by Hammerhead. Representing the Michael Jackson Estate are co-executors John Branca and John McClain, who serve as executive producers. Daniel Chuba is also onboard as a producer.
Michael Jackson’s Halloween Release Date
Michael Jackson’s Halloween will air on CBS on Friday, October 27 at 8 p.m./7 p.m. central.
