mxdwn was recently given an opportunity to see an advanced screening of Adult Swim’s The Elephant. The Elephant is a mysterious special that brings together four renowned filmmakers in animation. Pendleton Ward (Adventure Time, Bravest Warriors) is most well-known as the creator of the Cartoon Network series Adventure Time. Rebecca Sugar (Steven Universe, Adventure Time) and Ian McQuartley (O.K. K.O.!, Steven Universe) were tapped as a team. Sugar is known for creating the series Steven Universe. McQuartley is the writer of O.K. K.O.!, in addition to working with Sugar on Steven Universe. Patrick McHale (Adventure Time, Guiermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio, Adventure Time) worked with Ward to create the story of Adventure Time and wrote the series Over The Garden Wall. 

All of these filmmakers had worked together in some capacity throughout their careers, but The Elephant would task them with something completely new. Each of them was to write and animate a story act independently with zero communication with the other creators. The special was overseen by Jack Pendarvis (Adventure Time, Mystery Cuddlers) and Kent Osborne (Summer Camp Island, Kiff). Pendarvis and Osborne were the only link between the filmmakers, attempting to undertake the difficult task of guiding The Elephant in the right direction without undermining the experiment. Known as the game masters, they stated the special was intended as a “storytelling experiment that unfolds as a collaborative surprise, ultimately merging into a single, unexpected narrative,” via Variety.

The Elephant utilized the exquisite corpse game for character design in the true spirit of collaboration and individuality. A piece of paper is folded into three parts, and an individual or team draws either the head, torso, or legs. When the paper is unfolded, you have a delightfully wacky new character. 

Avant-garde by its very nature, The Elephant is a truly original viewing experience. The story begins mysteriously, continuing to twist and turn until the audience reaches a gradual understanding. The visuals are out of this world, blending different art styles in unexpected ways. It is a must-watch for any animation lover. The Elephant will be premiere on Adult Swim December 19th, with streaming available the following day.