Inside Universal's Mockingbird Lane: 5 Surprising Facts
Fans of the classic TV show "The Munsters" have been eagerly awaiting the reboot of the series, and in 2012, NBC delivered with a TV movie titled "Mockingbird Lane." The film, directed by Bryan Singer, served as a re-imagining of the original series and featured a star-studded cast, including Jerry O'Connell as Herman Munster, Portia de Rossi as Lily Munster, and Eddie Izzard as Grandpa Munster.
The TV movie followed the Munster family as they navigated their strange and unusual lifestyle in the suburban town of Mockingbird Heights. Despite receiving positive reviews from critics, the TV movie did not lead to a full series, but it has still become a beloved cult classic among fans of the original series. Here are five surprising facts about Universal's Mockingbird Lane:
The Original Pilot Was Much Darker
The original pilot for Mockingbird Lane was much darker than the final product. The pilot featured a more sinister and eerie tone, with a greater emphasis on the supernatural elements of the show. However, after receiving feedback from test audiences, the producers decided to tone down the darkness and make the show more family-friendly.
The Munster Family's House Was a Character in Itself
The Munster family's house, which was a central part of the show, was a character in itself. The house was designed to be a living, breathing entity, with its own personality and quirks. The production team spent months designing and building the house, which was a key part of the show's atmosphere and charm.
The Cast Was Not Allowed to Watch the Original Series
In an effort to create a fresh and new take on the original series, the cast of Mockingbird Lane was not allowed to watch the original "Munsters" series. The producers wanted the cast to bring their own unique interpretation to their characters, rather than simply imitating the original actors.
Grandpa Munster Was Originally a Much Larger Role
Eddie Izzard's character, Grandpa Munster, was originally intended to be a much larger role in the show. However, due to creative differences between Izzard and the producers, the role was scaled back. Despite this, Izzard still managed to bring a unique and memorable performance to the role.
The Show's Creatures Were Inspired by Classic Universal Monsters
The creatures that appeared in Mockingbird Lane were inspired by classic Universal monsters, such as Dracula and Frankenstein's monster. The production team wanted to pay homage to the classic monsters while also creating something new and original.
The Show's Visual Effects Were State-of-the-Art
The visual effects in Mockingbird Lane were state-of-the-art for the time. The production team used a combination of practical and CGI effects to bring the show's creatures and supernatural elements to life.
We hope you enjoyed these five surprising facts about Universal's Mockingbird Lane. Whether you're a fan of the original "Munsters" series or just a fan of spooky and supernatural TV shows, Mockingbird Lane is definitely worth checking out.
What do you think about Mockingbird Lane? Let us know in the comments!
What is Mockingbird Lane?
+Mockingbird Lane is a TV movie that serves as a re-imagining of the classic TV show "The Munsters." The film follows the Munster family as they navigate their strange and unusual lifestyle in the suburban town of Mockingbird Heights.
Who directed Mockingbird Lane?
+Mockingbird Lane was directed by Bryan Singer.
Did Mockingbird Lane lead to a full series?
+No, Mockingbird Lane did not lead to a full series. Despite receiving positive reviews from critics, the TV movie did not generate enough interest to warrant a full series.