Here's more proof that Tim Burton has transitioned from creating original films to grafting his signature freaky style onto well-established franchises: Burton is directing a 3D stop-motion movie based on 'The Addams Family.'

We've seen countless iterations of Charles Addams' all together ooky clan since the classic 1960s TV series left the air. My favorites are Barry Sonnefeld's clever '90s Addams flicks starring Raul Julia and Anjelcia Huston as Gomez and Morticia (let's not talk about the straight-to-DVD sequels). There were also two animated shows, a second live-action TV series in the late '90s, and a Broadway musical starring Nathan Lane and 'Frasier's Bebe Neuwirth (previewed by our very own Brad Trechak).

Burton's take is based solely on Addam's original cartoon drawings that appeared in The New Yorker, known for their sharp one-panel gags and satirical wit. This could signal some big changes for fans of the original show and its spinoffs. For one, Addams described the character of Thing as a rolling disembodied head, which is far creepier than the hand from the original show.

The new project comes from Illumination Entertainment, Universal's family film unit. The combination of Burton's knack for eccentric horror and Addam's macabre jokes could make for one twisted 3D family flick. Let's just hope that, for once, Burton decides to use someone other than Helena Bonham Carter and Johnny Depp to voice the leads. I hear John Astin, the original Gomez, is available!

(via: Deadline)