The Mystery Science Theater 3000 Kickstarter has passed its stretch goal of $3.3 million to guarantee a six-episode season. And that’s not even the big MST3K news today!
MST3K creator Joel Hodgson has announced that Patton Oswalt is joining the cast of the new series as TV’s Son of TV’s Frank. As his intentionally awkward character name implies, Oswalt will play the son of TV’s Frank, the iconic henchman portrayed by Frank Conniff in the original Mystery Science Theater 3000. Oswalt is a longtime fan of MST3K who moderated the 20th Anniversary Mystery Science Theater 3000 reunion panel at San Diego Comic-Con. And apparently he’s been on Hodgson’s casting wishlist for some time now.
“Patton really is one of the best ever,†wrote Hodgson on the MST3K Kickstarter page.. “And just as important, he’s a very fun, articulate and witty soul–just the kind of person who we’ve always tried to bring onboard for MST3K.â€
Hodgson added that he didn’t approach Oswalt before the Kickstarter campaign began, but Oswalt was very enthusiastic about joining the cast and serving as a guest-writer for at least one of the episodes. Hodgson also shared the following message exchange where Oswalt reacted to the offer.
Oswalt is best known for his roles in The King of Queens, Ratatouille, and The Goldbergs. He’s also had recurring roles on Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Justified.
Given Oswalt’s new role, he’ll likely be sharing the screen with Felicia Day as the new mad scientist, Kinga Forrester. The Nerdist Podcast co-host Jonah Ray has already been named as the new host of MST3K, which means that his character will be on the receiving end of Kinga and TV’s Son of TV’s Frank’s insults, experiments, and horrible movies.
The next major stretch goal for the MST3K Kickstarter is $5.5 million, which will ensure a 12-episode season. The Kickstarter campaign will run until Friday, December 11.
MST3K fans, are you excited about the latest addition to the cast? Let us know in the comment section below!
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Image Credit: ABC/Marvel TV
