Over the Garden Wall, the beloved animated television miniseries crafted by Patrick McHale for Cartoon Network, continues to enchant audiences of all ages even ten years after its initial airing. The series was broadcast from November 3 to November 7, 2014, featuring a total of 10 captivating episodes.
This enchanting series draws inspiration from McHale’s animated short film Tome of the Unknown, following the journey of two half-brothers, Wirt and Greg, as they traverse a mysterious forest known as the Unknown, seeking their way back home. Along the way, they encounter a myriad of fantastical creatures, confront grave dangers, and discover the wonders of the hidden world.
Elijah Wood lends his voice to Wirt, one of the central characters in Over the Garden Wall. When he voiced Wirt in the miniseries, the acclaimed American actor and producer was in his mid-thirties.
Elijah Wood as Wirt in Over the Garden Wall
The dynamic relationship between Wirt and Greg offers a study in contrast. Greg, the younger sibling, embodies a carefree, lively spirit, while Wirt is characterized as shy and reticent. Although still a child, Wirt’s serious nature leaves little room for frivolity, which often leads to conflicts between the two brothers.
At the time he voiced Wirt, Elijah Wood was already well-known for his roles in blockbuster films such as The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001–2003), Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004), and Paris, je t’aime (2006). Wood was 33 years old during the production of the miniseries.
In an interview with The Standard on April 2, 2015, Wood shared his thoughts about the series:
“It felt like an exploration of the fairytales that we kind of grew up on and that is less represented in animation certainly on television nowadays, so it was cool to kind of jump into fantastical world that provided the conduit for all these interesting stories that are very evocative of old dusty fairytales.”
Additionally, in a December 9, 2014 interview published by News.com.au, Wood described Wirt’s character, stating:
“Wirt is a very idiosyncratic character. He is the older brother to Greg but because of Greg’s naiveties he actually has a very brave approach to everything.”
Wood further explained his creative approach to Wirt, saying:
“Pat described Wirt’s cadence as being like Woody Allen. Wirt is not necessarily neurotic in the way Woody Allen is but he is socially awkward. I ran with that (McHale’s Woody Allen suggestion) which was really exciting.”
The Plot of Over the Garden Wall
The synopsis of the series on Hulu reads:
“Over the Garden Wall is Cartoon Network’s 1st animated mini-series event that tells the story of two brothers, Wirt and Greg, who find themselves lost in a strange forest. With the help of a bluebird named Beatrice, they must travel across this strange land in hope of finding their way home.”
Throughout their journey in the Unknown, Wirt and Greg encounter various supernatural phenomena. They find themselves pursued by the sinister Beast, who harbors plans to transform them into Edelwood trees.
The latter half of the miniseries introduces a critical twist: Wirt and Greg are revealed to be inhabitants of the real world who have fallen into a dream following an unfortunate incident. The entirety of their experiences in the Unknown occurs within a limbo-like dream state. Nevertheless, the series suggests that these surreal experiences leave lasting impressions on the brothers.
Over the Garden Wall: Cast and Crew
Apart from Elijah Wood, the voice cast for Over the Garden Wall features:
- Collin Dean as Greg
- Melanie Lynskey from Beatrice
- Christopher Lloyd as the Woodsman
- Jack Jones as Greg’s Frog
- Samuel Ramey as the Beast
- Emily Brundige as Sara
- Mark Bodnar as the North Wind
- John Cleese as Quincy Endicott and Adelaide
- Tim Curry as Auntie Whispers
- Noureen DeWulf as Pumpkin Gal
- Frank Fairfield as the Toy Maker
The series is a creation of Patrick McHale, with a story written by Amalia Levari, Tom Herpich, McHale, Cole Sanchez, and Bert Youn. Executive producers include Jennifer Pelphrey, Curtis Lelash, Brian A. Miller, Rob Sorcher, and McHale.
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