MastersFX Launches Original TV Division With Revival Of ’80s Toy Line

Fans of 1980s toys have another reason to rejoice come next Halloween. Following the announcement last month that the VFX outfit has lined up a packed slate of television projects, MastersFX said it is launching a division dedicated to original TV content as well as consumer products. Called MFX Entertainment, the division’s first project will be a revival of the ’80s Halloween-themed toy line The Oh Lantern Family and developing an animated Halloween TV project based on the toys.

“The Oh Lantern Family,” made up of eight funny-faced, orange foam rubber pumpkins, was a hit when it launched in 1986, and was originally developed by MFX founder Todd Masters as a promotional piece for the then-new company. To kick off the reboot, MFX Entertainment has launched a crowdfunding effort with perks for backers. The new line of toys will be made in part from the original molds, which have been restored by MastersFX over several years.

The Halloween TV special has already brought several notable voice talents onboard, including Charles Fleischer (Who Framed Roger Rabbit), Seth Green (Robot Chicken), Clare Grant (CSI), Tristan Risk (American Mary), Laurence Harvey (Human Centipede), John Kassir (voice of The Cryptkeeper from HBO’s Tales From The Crypt) and Deep Roy (Charlie And The Chocolate Factory). Other talent brought on for the special include Scott Rockenfield of the band Queensryche, who, presumably silently and lucidly, is writing the score, and author Martin Olson (Encyclopedia Of Hell), who will write the theme song.

As part of the campaign, several new custom pumpkin heads are being created, including one of Rockenfield — and, revealed here, Donald Trump — albeit in form that feels understated compared to the Donald’s Fall, 2015. (We kid.)

The special is planned to air Halloween 2016, and will be a combination of practical puppetry and CGI animation utilizing MastersFX expertise. MFX Entertainment will create private website for fans on which will be posted making-of videos for the special.