About Over the Garden Wall

Over the Garden Wall is a critically acclaimed animated television miniseries created by Patrick McHale for the Cartoon Network. The show first aired in 2014, consisting of 10 episodes. The story follows two half-brothers, Wirt and Greg, who find themselves lost in an enchanted wood known as The Unknown. Here, they come across eccentric characters and haunting creatures as they try to make their way back home, all the while uncovering the mystery behind Wirt's iconic red cone hat.

Making / Production

Patrick McHale, known for his work with Adventure Time, wrote the series as the first original miniseries for Cartoon Network. Its creation, spanning over five years, injected the show with unique aesthetics. Its design feels inspired by folklore and early 20th-century Americana and its animation, handled by South Korean studio Digital eMation, manages to enhance these aspects phenomenally.

Actors

• Elijah Wood as Wirt: The elder of the two brothers and the show’s reluctant lead. His cautiousness forms a stark contrast to his younger brother Greg's carefree outlook.
• Collin Dean as Greg: Portrayed with an infectious optimism, the younger brother who always finds joy in their mystical misadventures.
• Melanie Lynskey as Beatrice: A talking bluebird who becomes the boys' guide, voiced with a snarky yet caring demeanor.
• Christopher Lloyd as The Woodsman: A complex character, shadowing the boys on their journey, his ominous presence wonderfully captured by Lloyd's iconic voice.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Over the Garden Wall was based on a short film, "Tome of the Unknown," created by Patrick McHale, serving as a pilot to the series.
• The title "Over the Garden Wall" is a reference to a chapter in the classic novel "Chapter Two: Over The Garden Wall."
• Many of the locations in The Unknown are based on real-life places in New Jersey.

Awards

In 2015, Over the Garden Wall won an Emmy award for Outstanding Animated Program, marking an important recognition for the unique story and aesthetics of the show.

Quotes

• "The loveliest lies of all." - Wirt
• "Ain't that just the way." - Greg
• "You have more to fear from yourself than the Unknown." - The Beast

Music, Soundtrack

• "Into the Unknown" - A haunting theme encapsulating the uncertainty of the boys' journey.
• "Potatoes and Molasses" - An energetic and cheerful tune sung by Greg.
• "The Fight is Over" - A melancholic piece for Wirt's self-reflection moment.