The Spooktacular New Adventures of Casper
Encyclopedia
The Spooktacular New Adventures of Casper (also known as simply Casper) was an animated television spin-off
of the feature film
Casper
, which, in turn, was based on the Harvey Comics
character of Casper the Friendly Ghost
.
The series was NBC Universal's last animated television series produced by Amblin Entertainment
until 2007's The Land Before Time
, based on The Land Before Time
films.
and a treatment was written. But a combination of less-than-stellar box office gross (although the film grossed $100 million in the US, the budget was more than half of that total and analysts predicted much higher earnings for the film) and the fact that both Christina Ricci
and Bill Pullman
were attached to other projects after Casper and would not be available until more than a year later caused the idea to be scrapped. The producers then decided to abandon the live action sequel ideas and instead developed this cartoon series to continue the story.
The show aired on FOX Kids
television from 1996-1998 for 3 seasons. 52 episodes were produced, but only the first 46 appeared on FOX, with the remaining debuting on FOX Family Channel. Many of the same people who worked on this show also worked on Animaniacs
and Pinky and the Brain
(the latter of which was a spin off from the former, coincidentally, the former had also debuted on FOX).
The new Casper broke from earlier versions, following a sitcom-style pattern of one-liners and pop culture gags in a manner similar to the Casper feature. Apparently the update worked, as Casper hit the top of the ratings chart for children's animation in its first of two seasons on the air. The show would also frequently break the fourth wall. The show used old Casper supporting characters such as Casper's cousin Spooky
, Spooky's "ghoulfriend" Pearl
(or "Poil" as rendered by Spooky's Brooklyn
accent), and Nightmare the Ghost Horse
who, unlike in the original cartoons and comics, does not actually talk (though voiced by Frank Welker
). The show also introduced new characters, including Casper's super-loud teacher Ms. Banshee.
(according to a newspaper seen during the scene in the attic from the feature film) after he played out in the cold for too long when he was twelve years old. Now in the care of his three wicked uncles, Stretch, Stinkie and Fatso, Casper's afterlife is not exactly pleasant. He has had to put up with his uncles' outrageous antics and his wish to gain a friend is always ruined. Casper is very friendly and outgoing, but he sometimes appears rather shy. As in the film, he is voiced
by Malachi Pearson.
and Brad Garrett
, although in the third and fourth seasons Fatso would be voiced by Jess Harnell
, who also voiced Fatso in the unrelated Casper: A Spirited Beginning
and Casper Meets Wendy
(Notably, Harnell also voiced Wakko Warner, who like Fatso, also has a voracious appetite).
and is shown to be an alumnus of Johns Hopkins University
. After his wife Amelia's death, he has gone on to become a "ghost therapist," only to find and make contact with his wife, because he believes she is a ghost. However, after learning that she instead became an angel, he and his teenage daughter Kat stay at their new home of Whipstaff, where he continues to work as a ghost therapist, trying (unsuccessfully) to rehabilitate the mischief-making Ghostly Trio.
Dr. Harvey has to put up with the Ghostly Trio, who have learned to like him, but nevertheless he has as well. Dr. Harvey is an easy-going guy with a big heart. He obviously loves Kat, although he sometimes appears rather neglectful of his now motherless daughter's emotional needs. As demonstrated in the scene from the film where he speaks with his angelic wife, he is worried that he's not taking good care of her, but Amelia assured him that he was doing a good job, although she gave him some "motherly" advice ("Don't pick up the extension every time she gets a phone call, french fries are not a breakfast food..." etc.)
The role was originated by Bill Pullman
in the Casper film, but he is voiced by Dan Castellaneta
on the show.
.
She is about thirteen years old (about the age Christina Ricci
, who originated the role in the Casper film, was when the movie was filmed) and is a good companion to Casper. Kat hates having to put up with the Ghostly Trio, because none of them get along with her as would be expected. Kat is voiced by Kath Soucie
on the show.
.
.
, Ms. Banshee can yell loud enough to be heard several towns away, even to wake the dead. Ms. Banshee enjoys being a teacher but dreams of being a professional opera singer. The Ghostly Trio (all three of them) have a crush on Ms. Banshee and constantly compete for her affections. Ms. Banshee is okay with the Trio but remains unimpressed with their efforts. She is voiced by Tress MacNeille
.
and Sherry Lynn
.
In 2007/2008, Universal Studios Home Entertainment
released two volume collections entitled The Spooktacular New Adventures of Casper, Volume 1 & The Spooktacular New Adventures of Casper, Volume 2 on DVD in Region 1. Volume 1 consists of the first 5 episodes of the animated series, while volume 2 contains the last 4 episodes of season 1.
No further plans have been made by Universal
to release any further DVDs of the show.
Spin-off (media)
In media, a spin-off is a radio program, television program, video game, or any narrative work, derived from one or more already existing works, that focuses, in particular, in more detail on one aspect of that original work...
of the feature film
Feature film
In the film industry, a feature film is a film production made for initial distribution in theaters and being the main attraction of the screening, rather than a short film screened before it; a full length movie...
Casper
Casper (film)
Casper is a 1995 American comedy fantasy film starring Bill Pullman and Christina Ricci, based on the Casper the Friendly Ghost animated cartoons and comic books. The ghosts featured in the film were created through computer-generated imagery...
, which, in turn, was based on the Harvey Comics
Harvey Comics
Harvey Comics was an American comic book publisher, founded in New York City by Alfred Harvey in 1941, after buying out the small publisher Brookwood Publications. His brothers Robert B...
character of Casper the Friendly Ghost
Casper the Friendly Ghost
Casper the Friendly Ghost is the protagonist of the Famous Studios theatrical animated cartoon series of the same name. As his name indicates, he is a ghost, but is quite personable...
.
The series was NBC Universal's last animated television series produced by Amblin Entertainment
Amblin Entertainment
Amblin Entertainment is an American film and television production company founded by director and producer Steven Spielberg and film producers Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall in 1981. Amblin is only a production company, and has never distributed its own movies, nor has it fully financed its...
until 2007's The Land Before Time
The Land Before Time (TV series)
The Land Before Time is an animated television series, based on characters from The Land Before Time film series created by Judy Freudberg and Tony Geiss. It was developed for television by Ford Riley for Universal Animation Studios and Amblin Entertainment , and first premiered on YTV in Canada...
, based on The Land Before Time
The Land Before Time
The Land Before Time is a 1988 American animated adventure film directed and co-produced by Don Bluth , and executive-produced by Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Kathleen Kennedy, and Frank Marshall....
films.
Production
This series was proposed be a live-action sequel, at the time that principal filming wrapped on CasperCasper (film)
Casper is a 1995 American comedy fantasy film starring Bill Pullman and Christina Ricci, based on the Casper the Friendly Ghost animated cartoons and comic books. The ghosts featured in the film were created through computer-generated imagery...
and a treatment was written. But a combination of less-than-stellar box office gross (although the film grossed $100 million in the US, the budget was more than half of that total and analysts predicted much higher earnings for the film) and the fact that both Christina Ricci
Christina Ricci
Christina Ricci is an American actress. Ricci received initial recognition and praise as a child star for her performance as Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family and Addams Family Values , and her role as Kat Harvey in Casper...
and Bill Pullman
Bill Pullman
William James "Bill" Pullman is an American film, television, and stage actor. Pullman made his film debut in the supporting role of Earl Mott in the 1986 film Ruthless People. He has since gone on to star in other films, including Spaceballs, Independence Day, Lost Highway, Casper and Scary Movie 4...
were attached to other projects after Casper and would not be available until more than a year later caused the idea to be scrapped. The producers then decided to abandon the live action sequel ideas and instead developed this cartoon series to continue the story.
The show aired on FOX Kids
Fox Kids
Fox Kids was the Fox Broadcasting Company's American children's programming division and brand name from September 8, 1990 until September 7, 2002. It was owned by Fox Television Entertainment airing programming on Monday–Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings.Depending on the show, the...
television from 1996-1998 for 3 seasons. 52 episodes were produced, but only the first 46 appeared on FOX, with the remaining debuting on FOX Family Channel. Many of the same people who worked on this show also worked on Animaniacs
Animaniacs
Steven Spielberg Presents Animaniacs, usually referred to as simply Animaniacs, is an American animated series, distributed by Warner Bros. Television and produced by Amblin Entertainment and Warner Bros. Animation. The cartoon was the second animated series produced by the collaboration of Steven...
and Pinky and the Brain
Pinky and the Brain
Pinky and the Brain is an American animated television series.The characters Pinky and the Brain first appeared in 1993 as a recurring segment on the show Animaniacs...
(the latter of which was a spin off from the former, coincidentally, the former had also debuted on FOX).
The new Casper broke from earlier versions, following a sitcom-style pattern of one-liners and pop culture gags in a manner similar to the Casper feature. Apparently the update worked, as Casper hit the top of the ratings chart for children's animation in its first of two seasons on the air. The show would also frequently break the fourth wall. The show used old Casper supporting characters such as Casper's cousin Spooky
Spooky the Tuff Little Ghost
Spooky the Tuff Little Ghost is a fictional character that appeared in titles published by Harvey Comics. Spooky first appeared in Casper the Friendly Ghost #10 . He is, according to canon, the cousin of Casper, though how they are exactly related is never really clear...
, Spooky's "ghoulfriend" Pearl
Spooky the Tuff Little Ghost
Spooky the Tuff Little Ghost is a fictional character that appeared in titles published by Harvey Comics. Spooky first appeared in Casper the Friendly Ghost #10 . He is, according to canon, the cousin of Casper, though how they are exactly related is never really clear...
(or "Poil" as rendered by Spooky's Brooklyn
Brooklyn
Brooklyn is the most populous of New York City's five boroughs, with nearly 2.6 million residents, and the second-largest in area. Since 1896, Brooklyn has had the same boundaries as Kings County, which is now the most populous county in New York State and the second-most densely populated...
accent), and Nightmare the Ghost Horse
Harvey Comics
Harvey Comics was an American comic book publisher, founded in New York City by Alfred Harvey in 1941, after buying out the small publisher Brookwood Publications. His brothers Robert B...
who, unlike in the original cartoons and comics, does not actually talk (though voiced by Frank Welker
Frank Welker
Franklin Wendell "Frank" Welker is an American actor who specializes in voice acting and has contributed character voices and other vocal effects to American television and motion pictures.-Acting career:...
). The show also introduced new characters, including Casper's super-loud teacher Ms. Banshee.
Casper
Casper McFadden has been haunting his family home of Whipstaff Manor for some time, having died from pneumoniaPneumonia
Pneumonia is an inflammatory condition of the lung—especially affecting the microscopic air sacs —associated with fever, chest symptoms, and a lack of air space on a chest X-ray. Pneumonia is typically caused by an infection but there are a number of other causes...
(according to a newspaper seen during the scene in the attic from the feature film) after he played out in the cold for too long when he was twelve years old. Now in the care of his three wicked uncles, Stretch, Stinkie and Fatso, Casper's afterlife is not exactly pleasant. He has had to put up with his uncles' outrageous antics and his wish to gain a friend is always ruined. Casper is very friendly and outgoing, but he sometimes appears rather shy. As in the film, he is voiced
Voice acting
Voice acting is the art of providing voices for animated characters and radio and audio dramas and comedy, as well as doing voice-overs in radio and television commercials, audio dramas, dubbed foreign language films, video games, puppet shows, and amusement rides.Performers are called...
by Malachi Pearson.
The Ghostly Trio
The Ghostly Trio are Casper's uncles, and they hate mortals, or as they call them, "fleshies", "skinsacks" and "bone-bags." They include Stretch, the hot-headed leader, Stinkie who almost always smells and uses his bad breath on others, and Fatso, who loves to eat. The three are chaotic in every sense and can't resist scaring no matter what the cost. However, there is a turning point to their horrid ways when they keep their promise to Dr. Harvey, and get his wife Amelia for him in the film. As in the feature film, they are voiced by Joe Nipote, Joe AlaskeyJoe Alaskey
Joseph "Joe" Alaskey is an American actor, comedian, and voice artist, credited as one of the successors of Mel Blanc in impersonating the voices of Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and other characters from Warner Bros. cartoons. He was born in Watervliet, New York.-Other work:Alaskey has also done voices...
and Brad Garrett
Brad Garrett
Bradley "Brad" Garrett is an American actor, voice actor, stand-up comedian, and professional poker player. Throughout he has appeared in numerous television and film roles....
, although in the third and fourth seasons Fatso would be voiced by Jess Harnell
Jess Harnell
Jess Q. Harnell is an American voice actor and singer, best known for voicing Wakko Warner on Animaniacs. Harnell has been the announcer for America's Funniest Home Videos since 1998.-Life and acting career:...
, who also voiced Fatso in the unrelated Casper: A Spirited Beginning
Casper: A Spirited Beginning
Casper: A Spirited Beginning is a direct-to-video spin-off prequel to the 1995 film Casper, produced by Harvey Comics and Saban Entertainment and released by 20th Century Fox on September 9, 1997...
and Casper Meets Wendy
Casper Meets Wendy
Casper Meets Wendy is a direct-to-video and second spin-off to the 1995 film Casper. It was released by 20th Century Fox in 1998. The film is a sequel to Casper: A Spirited Beginning...
(Notably, Harnell also voiced Wakko Warner, who like Fatso, also has a voracious appetite).
Dr. Harvey
Dr. James Harvey (or "Doc" as he is called by the Ghostly Trio) is a psychiatristPsychiatrist
A psychiatrist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. All psychiatrists are trained in diagnostic evaluation and in psychotherapy...
and is shown to be an alumnus of Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University
The Johns Hopkins University, commonly referred to as Johns Hopkins, JHU, or simply Hopkins, is a private research university based in Baltimore, Maryland, United States...
. After his wife Amelia's death, he has gone on to become a "ghost therapist," only to find and make contact with his wife, because he believes she is a ghost. However, after learning that she instead became an angel, he and his teenage daughter Kat stay at their new home of Whipstaff, where he continues to work as a ghost therapist, trying (unsuccessfully) to rehabilitate the mischief-making Ghostly Trio.
Dr. Harvey has to put up with the Ghostly Trio, who have learned to like him, but nevertheless he has as well. Dr. Harvey is an easy-going guy with a big heart. He obviously loves Kat, although he sometimes appears rather neglectful of his now motherless daughter's emotional needs. As demonstrated in the scene from the film where he speaks with his angelic wife, he is worried that he's not taking good care of her, but Amelia assured him that he was doing a good job, although she gave him some "motherly" advice ("Don't pick up the extension every time she gets a phone call, french fries are not a breakfast food..." etc.)
The role was originated by Bill Pullman
Bill Pullman
William James "Bill" Pullman is an American film, television, and stage actor. Pullman made his film debut in the supporting role of Earl Mott in the 1986 film Ruthless People. He has since gone on to star in other films, including Spaceballs, Independence Day, Lost Highway, Casper and Scary Movie 4...
in the Casper film, but he is voiced by Dan Castellaneta
Dan Castellaneta
Daniel Louis "Dan" Castellaneta is an American actor, voice actor, comedian, singer and screenwriter. Noted for his long-running role as Homer Simpson on the animated television series The Simpsons, he voices many other characters on The Simpsons, including Abraham "Grampa" Simpson, Barney Gumble,...
on the show.
Kat Harvey
Kathleen "Kat" Harvey is the daughter of Dr. Harvey and is portrayed as the stereotypical teenager who has a sense of humourHumour
Humour or humor is the tendency of particular cognitive experiences to provoke laughter and provide amusement...
.
She is about thirteen years old (about the age Christina Ricci
Christina Ricci
Christina Ricci is an American actress. Ricci received initial recognition and praise as a child star for her performance as Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family and Addams Family Values , and her role as Kat Harvey in Casper...
, who originated the role in the Casper film, was when the movie was filmed) and is a good companion to Casper. Kat hates having to put up with the Ghostly Trio, because none of them get along with her as would be expected. Kat is voiced by Kath Soucie
Kath Soucie
Katherine Elaine Soucie is an American voice actress. She is sometimes credited as Kath Soucie, Katherine Soucie, Kath Souci, Kath E...
on the show.
Spooky
Spooky is Casper's mischief-minded cousin. He looks up to the Ghostly Trio as his heroes and despises his cousin's lack of interest in scaring humans. As such, Spooky is always trying to out-scare Casper and become the best in class. However, underneath the gruff, ghostly exterior, Spooky may also have a slight soft spot for his cousin. Spooky is visually very similar to Casper, but he has a black nose and freckles, wears a brown "doiby" hat, and speaks in a Brooklyn accent. He is voiced by Rob PaulsenRob Paulsen
Robert Fredrick "Rob" Paulsen III , sometimes credited as Rob Paulson, is an American voice actor, best known as the voice behind Raphael from the 1987 cartoon of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Yakko Warner and Dr...
.
Pearl
Pearl or "Poil" (as pronounced by Spooky) is Spooky's "ghoulfriend". Often absent-minded, Pearl is almost always oblivious to current situations and takes things way too literally. She adores Spooky and everything about him, right down to the freckles on his face, is good friends with Casper and doesn't care as much for the Ghostly Trio as Spooky does. She is voiced by Miriam FlynnMiriam Flynn
Miriam Flynn is an American voice actress and character actress. She is best known as Cousin Catherine in the National Lampoon's Vacation franchise. As a voice artist, she has been featured in The Land Before Time series, Taz-Mania as the title character's mother, Jean, Poil in The Spooktacular...
.
Ms. Banshee
Ms. Banshee is the teacher at Casper, Spooky and Pearl's ghost school. Befitting her nameBanshee
The banshee , from the Irish bean sí is a feminine spirit in Irish mythology, usually seen as an omen of death and a messenger from the Otherworld....
, Ms. Banshee can yell loud enough to be heard several towns away, even to wake the dead. Ms. Banshee enjoys being a teacher but dreams of being a professional opera singer. The Ghostly Trio (all three of them) have a crush on Ms. Banshee and constantly compete for her affections. Ms. Banshee is okay with the Trio but remains unimpressed with their efforts. She is voiced by Tress MacNeille
Tress MacNeille
Tress MacNeille is an American voice actress best known for providing various voices on the animated series The Simpsons, Futurama, Tiny Toon Adventures, Animaniacs, Disney's House of Mouse, Courage the Cowardly Dog, Rugrats, All Grown Up!, Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers, and Dave the...
.
Amber and the Jennifers
Amber and the Jennifers are students at Kat's school. Amber and the Jennifers are portrayed as rich, spoiled Valley Girl-types. Kat hates Amber and the Jennifers with a passion. Jennifer #1 has brown hair and wears glasses, Jennifer #2 has red hair, and Jennifer #3 has blonde hair. They are voiced by Debi DerryberryDebi Derryberry
Debi Derryberry is an American voice actress, singer, composer and kids' entertainer who won an American Anime Award.-History:...
and Sherry Lynn
Sherry Lynn
Sherry Lynn is a veteran American voice actress, known for young girl roles in animation and video games. She is represented by Arlene Thornton & Associates...
.
List of episodes
- Spooking Bee / Fugedaboudit / The Flew (2/24/1996)
- Paws / The Alphabet Song / Is So Too (3/2/1996)
- Legend of Duh Bigfoot / The Ghostly Day / Invasion of the UGFO's (3/9/1996)
- Rocket Booster / A Really Scary Casper Moment / Day of the Living Casper (3/16/1996)
- Three Boos and a Babe / The Whipstaff Inmates / Elusive Exclusive (3/30/1996)
- Paranormal Press / Another Spooky and Poil Moment / Deadstock (4/20/1996)
- Poil Jammed / The Who That I Am / A Picture Says 1000 Words (4/27/1996)
- Spooks, Lies & Videotape / Ghostfather (5/4/1996)
- Rebel Without a Date / Don't Bank on It (5/11/1996)
- Casper vs. the Ultimate Fan Boy / Field of Screams (5/18/1996)
- Grim and Bear It; Fatso of the Opera (9/7/1996)
- Dead of the Class / A Spooky and Poil Moment / Y-Files (9/14/1996)
- Losing Face / Galloping Ghost (9/21/1996)
- Aunt Misbehavin'; Split Personalities (9/28/1996)
- Something to Stink About / Pulp Friction (10/5/1996)
- Ectospasms / Stink of the Road / Doc's Depression (10/12/1996)
- Boo to the Future; All That Falderal (10/19/1996)
- Spooky and Poil Meet the Monsters / You Know You're Alive When... / 13 Ways To Scare a Fleshie / The Trick's a Treat (10/26/1996)
- Frightening Storm; The Ghostly Trio; The Legend of Whitebeard (11/2/1996)
- Three Ghosts and a Baby / I Wanna Be Rude / Leave It to Casper (11/9/1996)
- Luck of the Spookish / Day Care Nightmare (11/16/1996)
- Scream Card / You Know When Your Alive When / Lady Screams the Boos (11/23/1996)
- A Christmas Peril / Ms. Banshee's Holiday Hits / Good Morning Dr. Harvey / Fright Before Christmas (12/21/1996)
- A Midsummer's Night Scream / Auntie Maimed (2/1/1997)
- Gargoils / Ms. Banshee's Public Domain Hits / Boosom Buddies (2/15/1997)
- What Goes Around / Scavenger Haunt (2/22/1997)
- Columboo / All About "C" (9/6/1997)
- Hat Sick / Cancion De Olor / The Boo-Muda Triangle (9/13/1997)
- Intensive Scare / F-A-T-S-O / Stench! (9/20/1997)
- The Phantom of the Oprah / Stretch's Information Tidbit / The Crying Game (9/27/1997)
- Free Goldie / I'd Pick Your Nose / Birthday Boos (10/4/1997)
- Rats! / Stinkie Time Theater / Great Ghouly Governess (10/20/1997)
- Aboove the Law / Ten Little Fatsos / Haunt-A-Thon (10/31/1997)
- This Old Manor / Scareobicize (11/3/1997)
- Gingersnap out of it / Send a Good Stink Up Their Noses / Ghostly Locks and the Three Scares (11/10/1997)
- Booparty / Do You Like Me? / MacDeath! (11/17/1997)
- The Scummies / Three-Ring Whipstaff / It's Best to be the Most (11/27/1997)
- The Son Also Rises / Stretching is Good for You / Ghostfinger (12/12/1997)
- Mom Always likes Ghouls Best / Bury Maguire / Dare to Scare (12/19/1997)
- Four Funerals and a Wedding / I Can Be Anything / Family Reunion (2/6/1998)
- Horrid Copy / I'm Nothing Without My Hat / Caspeer Pressure (2/13/1998)
- That Thing You Boo! / A Good Walk Poiled (2/13/1998)
- Jasper / It's Great To Be a Ghost / The Boo-Bloods of Whipstaff (2/20/1998)
- Ghost Jam / Do the Spooky / Dr. Harvey and Mr. Gruesome (2/20/1998)
- Politically Co-Wrecked Casper / Three Little Letters / Pen and Tell Her (2/27/1998)
- Jack and the Scream Stalk / Boo Bash a Bone Bag / Artistic? That's a Stretch! (2/27/1998)
- Scaredy Boo Where Have You Got To? / Casper's New Theme Song / The Daunting Game (9/12/1998)
- At The BOO-vies / Sing Yourself Happy / Snowball's Chance (9/19/1998)
- NYPD BOO / Three Cool Ghouls / Working Ghouls (9/26/1998)
- Scream Test / Ms. Banshee's Kid Songs / The Doctor Is Out (10/3/1998)
- Miami Nice / If You're Unhappy And You Know It / That Advice Stinks (10/10/1998)
- BOO-Kini Beach / Garlic Bread Man (10/17/1998)
Home media
From 1996 through 1998, Universal Studios Home Video released episodes from seasons 1, 2, and 3 onto VHS.In 2007/2008, Universal Studios Home Entertainment
Universal Studios Home Entertainment
Universal Studios Home Entertainment is the home video division of Universal Pictures...
released two volume collections entitled The Spooktacular New Adventures of Casper, Volume 1 & The Spooktacular New Adventures of Casper, Volume 2 on DVD in Region 1. Volume 1 consists of the first 5 episodes of the animated series, while volume 2 contains the last 4 episodes of season 1.
No further plans have been made by Universal
Universal Studios
Universal Pictures , a subsidiary of NBCUniversal, is one of the six major movie studios....
to release any further DVDs of the show.