SDCC 2017: First Look At Rocko’s Modern Life: Static Cling
What better way to have fun at Comic-Con than by revisiting some old favorites. Thursday at SDCC featured a panel focused entirely on the 90s Nicktoon Rocko’s Modern Life. The show creator Joe Murray, along with the original voice cast, took the stage to discuss the show’s legacy. Additionally, the audience was treated to a first look at the upcoming TV special, Rocko’s Modern Life: Static Cling. It was a real treat, as I was always a big fan of Rocko and was happy to not only relive some memories but also get a look at what’s to come for my favorite wallaby.
For those unaware, Rocko’s Modern Life was an animated cartoon series that focused on the surreal life of Rocko, his loyal dog Spunky and his friends Heffer and Filburt. It was set in the fictional city of O-Town and featured a mix of broad comedy, social satire and some risque humor that put it out there, but not quite as much as Ren & Stimpy. Rocko lasted for four seasons, and while the show had fun digging into the 90s at the time, the upcoming TV special has a whole new generation to dig into. Here’s the first look:
As you can see from the footage, the show has maintained its classic hand-drawn look, which goes along well with the original actors who have come back to reprise their roles. Watching this panel, you could see everyone having a good time celebrating a TV show that did have a level of meaning to all involved. Voice actors Carlos Alazraqui, Tom Kenny, Mr. Lawrence and Charlie Adler all had fun doing their voices, making each other and the audience laugh and provide some nice memories when called on to share about the series’ original run.
Keeping memories in mind, this panel was a bit of a trip to see. As mentioned, I was a big fan of the series when it was originally on and currently own the complete series collection made available by Shout Factory. Having said that, as the panel went on, the overhead display would show random background and character designs that brought back so many memories from the show. That, along with the hilarious preview reel, has made me very excited to see what’s coming for Rocko and his pals.
There is no official release date for Rocko’s Modern Life: Static Cling as of yet, beyond sometime in 2018, but it looks like a lot of fun for anyone who’s been a fan of the old Nicktoon.
Here’s the official press release:
Nickelodeon treated fans to an exclusive sneak peek of the upcoming TV special Rocko’s Modern Life: Static Cling, based on the classic ‘90s hit series Rocko’s Modern Life, during a panel at San Diego Comic-Con 2017 on Thursday, July 20. Moderated by Marc Snetiker (Entertainment Weekly), the panel reunited the original series’ voice actors Carlos Alazraqui (Rocko), Tom Kenny (Heffer), Doug Lawrence (Filbert) and Charlie Adler (Mr. Big Head and Mrs. Big Head), and featured series creator Joe Murray and Rocko’s Modern Life: Static Cling director Cosmo Segurson.aThe panelists discussed the beloved classic series, what to expect from the upcoming TV special and revealed exclusive new art and a behind-the-scenes look at the special.aRocko’s Modern Life: Static Cling brings the characters back to Earth after being lost in outer space since 1996. Rocko has trouble accepting this 21stcentury modern life, while Heffer and Filburt embrace every aspect of new technology, social media and the endless diversity of food trucks. Rocko whole-heartedly believes that his nostalgia for the past can save him from the tortures of the modern world. The TV special is slated to premiere on Nickelodeon in 2018.aAs previously announced, additional voice actors reprising their roles include: Linda Wallem (Nurse Jackie, executive producer) as Aunt Gretchen and Dr. Hutchinson; Jill Talley (SpongeBob SquarePants) as Nosey and Joe Murray as Ralph. New cast members include Steve Little (Adventure Time) as Cowboy and Segurson as Pillow Salesman.aOriginally airing from 1993-1996, the animated series Rocko’s Modern Life follows the adventures of an Australian wallaby named Rocko and his two companions, Heffer and Filburt, through their adventures in their home of O-Town.a
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