Pitchfork: Outkast's Andre Developing Own Cartoon Series

Outkast's Andre Developing Own Cartoon Series
America briefly reminded of "Hammerman" cartoon for last time ever

Poor Big Boi. With roughly a quarter the panache and fashion flair of bandmate Andre 3000, he's too often left out of Outkast's media spotlight. Even his single, "The Way You Move", took a backseat to Andre's summer smash "Hey Ya". And now, he's sidelined again, as Andre mulls the development of a potential animated series for the Cartoon Network-- without his longtime partner. Ahh, but the fact is, Big Boi just wouldn't make that compelling an animated figure, while Andre's psychedelic color swirls and flashy style of dress seem virtually tailor-made for cartoon eye-candy.

And so it goes: According to a report from Billboard, Andre recently entered talks with the network to mull over ideas for a half-hour special that would air during the station's "Adult Swim" programming block. Provided both parties are pleased with what transpires, the Cartoon Network will give the go-ahead for a pilot, which could hit the airwaves as early as this fall. Senior Vice President of the "Adult Swim" block, Mike Lazzo, is usually tentative about working with celebrities, but says he's willing to make an exception for the Outkast star: "I'm extremely wary of it, but in Andre's case, I think he is a creative genius. He has definite opinions of what he likes visually."

It's too soon to be sure exactly whether or not the series will be based on Andre personally-- not even the creators know yet-- but there has been discussion that it could revolve around the adventures of the rap star's alter-ego Johnny Vulture, who could be seen playing guitar in Outkast's "Hey Ya" video. Billboard also reports that Andre plans to contribute music to the series, which may have a "musical component similar in style to such off-kilter animated films as Cool World and Yellow Submarine.

In the meantime, Andre has secured a role in the upcoming sequel to Barry Sonnenfeld's 1995 film Get Shorty, titled Be Cool, as well as preparing to star as Jimi Hendrix in a forthcoming biopic directed by Alan and Albert Hughes. Big Boi, by the way, is also looking for roles.