Paramount & Walter Hamada to Adapt 'The Littles' Stop-Motion Horror Short by Andrew Duplessie for Feature Film

Paramount Pictures, in collaboration with Walter Hamadas 18hz, has acquired The Littles, a new stop-motion horror short created by Andrew Duplessie, known for his work on American Horror Stories and bestselling novels. Duplessie will expand the short into a full-length feature as writer and director.

Debuting to a sold-out crowd at New York Comic Con, the short stars Violet McGraw and tells the story of 11-year-old Juliet. After stubbing her toe on a loose floorboard, Juliet unwittingly triggers a chain of strange events, leading her into a terrifying, supernatural encounter that threatens to reveal hidden secrets within her home and transform her reality.

The short uniquely blends live-action with stop-motion animation, crafted by The Nightmare Before Christmas alum Anthony Scott. The cast also includes Janel Parrish (Pretty Little Liars) and Dominic Sherwood (Shadowhunters).

Duplessie expressed his excitement, stating, Working with 18hz to develop The Littles into a feature is a dream come true. Walter and Nick immediately understood the vision, and the enthusiastic response to the short has been incredible. Stop-motion paired with horror has always fascinated me, and I look forward to revealing more of this universe to audiences.

In addition to his film work, Duplessie is an accomplished author and tech entrepreneur. His debut novel, Too Scared to Sleep, was acquired by HarperCollins and Warner Bros., reaching bestseller lists on Barnes & Noble and Amazon. He first gained attention by posting stories on Instagram and created the viral narrative Mystery Dog, which has exceeded 100 million views on YouTube.

Hamadas 18hz recently renewed its production agreement with Paramount and is preparing for the release of Johannes Roberts horror film Primate on January 9. Hamada, formerly a DC Films chief and New Line Production EVP, has also produced New Lines It films and Matt Reeves The Batman. Upcoming projects include an untitled horror film by Andr vredal, as well as Familiar and Suffer Little Children from directors Caye Casas and Rodrigue Huart, respectively.

Analysis: The Rising Trend of Stop-Motion Horror in Mainstream Cinema

The recent acquisition of *The Littles* by Paramount Pictures, in partnership with Walter Hamada's 18hz, highlights the growing interest in stop-motion animation within the horror genre. Andrew Duplessie, known for his work on *American Horror Stories* and his bestselling novels, will expand his acclaimed stop-motion short into a full-length feature, making this a significant step for both the filmmaker and the genre as a whole.

What stands out about *The Littles* is its unique blend of live-action and stop-motion animation, a combination not often explored in the horror space. With Duplessie at the helm, the feature promises to delve deeper into the chilling atmosphere established in the short film, which already received significant attention during its premiere at New York Comic Con. The short’s eerie storyline, revolving around a young girl named Juliet who inadvertently unleashes a series of supernatural events, sets a solid foundation for the feature-length adaptation.

Duplessie’s passion for the fusion of horror and stop-motion animation is evident, as he shares his excitement about expanding this universe. His background, both as a filmmaker and an author, positions him to bring a fresh, innovative perspective to the genre. With an established fanbase and a successful track record in both narrative storytelling and tech entrepreneurship, Duplessie’s move into the feature film space is poised to attract a wide audience.

Additionally, the involvement of key talents like Violet McGraw, Janel Parrish, and Dominic Sherwood strengthens the project’s appeal. This star power, combined with the technical expertise of Anthony Scott (known for *The Nightmare Before Christmas*), further solidifies *The Littles* as a potential standout in the horror genre.

As for Hamada's 18hz, the continued partnership with Paramount promises more exciting projects in the future, especially with upcoming films like Johannes Roberts’ *Primate* and Andrè Øvredal’s untitled horror film. The success of *The Littles* could very well mark a turning point in how stop-motion is integrated into mainstream horror films.

Sources:

• Paramount & Walter Hamada’s 18hz Preempt Stop-Motion Horror Short ‘The Littles’ From Writer-Director Andrew Duplessie For Feature Adaptation

Author: Ava Mitchell
Ava Mitchell is a journalist covering culture, art, and literature. She is known for her creative approach and ability to produce in-depth features and interviews.