USA Today has a first look at images from the Guillermo del Toro produced animated feature The Book of Life, which hits theaters October 17. The 3D animated feature will land just in time for Halloween and Dia de los Muertos, the Mexican holiday that provided a lot of inspiration for director Jorge Gutierrez. Gutierrez told the newspaper, “I have been pitching the story and people have been saying, ‘This is cool, but you’re never going to get it made.’ To other cultures it might seem dark, but the Day of the Dead is actually a very positive thing. It’s about joyfully remembering the people no longer with us.”

The film features the voice talent of Channing Tatum, Zoë Saldana, Diego Luna, Ice Cube, Ron Perlman, Christina Applegate, Danny Trejo, Cheech Marin, Kate del Castillo and Eugenio Derbez. Tatum speaking to USA Today revealed that he wasn’t too familiar with the Day of the Dead, saying, “When this was pitched to me, it was like, ‘How does this work? I don’t know much about the holiday.’ But this movie is a mirror of the director. It’s hilarious and crazy.”

According to the trailer description on iTunes, “The Book of Life is the journey of Manolo, a young man who is torn between fulfilling the expectations of his family and following his heart. Before choosing which path to follow, he embarks on an incredible adventure that spans three fantastical worlds where he must face his greatest fears. Rich with a fresh take on pop music favorites, The Book of Life encourages us to celebrate the past while looking forward to the future.”

Have a look at the first trailer and stills from the film below! The Book of Life his theaters on October 17.