To support surprise game launch, Studio MDHR and Stop Motion Department collaborate on creepy-cool trailer, inspired by the 1933 experimental animated short, ‘The Peanut Vendor.’
It’s a great day for a swell battle because the Cup wants to play! Everyone’s favorite 2D toon-style run and gun action game, Cuphead has been released for PS4. Previously an Xbox One exclusive that hit the market back in 2017, the video game has captured audiences with its simplistic charm that translates into unexpectedly difficult gameplay. The surprise announcement came in the form of a decidedly creepy stop-motion trailer by Studio MDHR in collaboration with Toronto-based studio Stop Motion Department. The short also cuts in gameplay, which incorporates a hand-drawn art style reminiscent of classic, 1930s cartoon animation.
Inspired by the experimental 1933 short, The Peanut Vendor, Stop Motion Department utilized many of that era’s techniques to ensure authenticity, including foregoing the assistance of computer programs and using actual vintage “C Mount” lenses of the time period.
Last year, Netflix announced they joining with King Features on The Cuphead Show!, a new kids series based on the Studio MDHR video game, that will expand upon the characters and world of Cuphead, with an animation style inspired by the classic Fleischer cartoons from the 1930s. The show is executive produced by Emmy and Annie Award-winning producer, Dave Wasson (Mickey Mouse Shorts), with Cosmo Segurson (Rocko’s Modern Life: Static Cling) serving as co-executive producer. For King Features, CJ Kettler will serve as the executive producer. Creators Chad and Jared Moldenhauer will serve as executive producers for Studio MDHR.
Come help Cuphead and Mughead fend off The Devil in Cuphead, now available on Xbox, Playstation, PC, and Switch.
Journalist, antique shop owner, aspiring gemologist—Laurén brings a diverse perspective to animation, where every frame reflects her varied passions.
