‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ Actor Mr. Lawrence Directing Animated Comedy-Horror Pilot Billed As ‘The Office’ Meets Frankenstein
EXCLUSIVE: SpongeBob SquarePants voice actor Mr. Lawrence is writing and directing a comedy-horror toon billed as “The Office meets Frankenstein.”
Mr. Lawrence (real name Douglas Osowski) is working with Canadian Copernicus Studios on Death Castle, which is currently being developed as a six-minute short that will act as the pilot for a full adult animation series. The actor is best known for his work on Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob, having written scripts, animated scenes and voiced several characters including Plankton, Potty the Parrot and Larry the Lobster.
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He will be writer and director on Death Castle, which is being positioned as “a satire of scary monster movies paired with a screwball relationship comedy.” Further plot details are under wraps for now.
The plan is for a “high-end traditional 2D animation style with distinctive visual appeal,” with several international animation industry experts attached. Emmy winner Craig Kellman, whose credits include Penguins of Madagascar and Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2, is Art Director and is co-producing the film with Copernicus President Paul Rigg and Head of Production Matthew Huerto. Copernicus’ credits include Curious George, Solar Opposites and Teen Titans GO!.
Also on the team is character animator Uli Meyer (Mary Poppins Returns, Aladdin, Space Jam), Dean Roberts (Frankenweenie, Ron’s Gone Wrong) and Gabriele Zucchelli (The Jungle Book, Guardians of the Galaxy) are lead animators on the project. Mr. Lawrence is executive producing alongside MaryAnn Lawrence.
“Audiences will be both shocked and delighted at this gem of a screwball comedy, and with a team like Craig, Uli, Dean, Gabriele and Copernicus on board, you can’t go wrong,” said Mr. Lawrence.
Copernicus’ Rigg added: “It’s been a blast to bring together some of the finest minds in the animation industry to create something completely out-of-the-ordinary. Bringing Mr. Lawrence’s vision to life with such a unique animation style will be an incredible proof-point to create an amazing animated series in future.”
SpongeBob remains a stalwart of the Nick schedule, and was renewed for a 15th season in September last year. It is nearing 350 episodes overall. Most seasons are available on Paramount+.
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