The Return of The Mads: Trace Beaulieu and Frank Conniff Join "Mystery Science Theater 3000" Revival

Trace Beaulieu and Frank Conniff are set to return to their iconic roles in the upcoming revival of "Mystery Science Theater 3000" (MST3K). The announcement was made via the show's Kickstarter page, confirming their participation in the fourth and final episode of the new series. Beaulieu will reprise his role as Dr. Clayton Forrester, while Conniff will return as TV's Frank. Both will also co-write the episode. This revival is produced by RiffTrax, a company formed by original MST3K alumni Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy, and Bill Corbett.

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"Mystery Science Theater 3000" originally aired in the late 1980s and gained a cult following for its unique format of riffing on B-movies. Beaulieu was a key figure in the show's inception, contributing as a writer and performer across eight seasons, including the original KTMA episodes and the feature film. Conniff joined the cast as a writer and performer during Seasons 2-6. After their time on MST3K, both continued to engage in movie riffing through projects like "Cinematic Titanic" and "The Mads Are Back," showcasing their enduring influence in the genre.

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The revival, officially titled "Mystery Science Theater 3000: The RiffTrax Experiments," will feature a total of four new episodes. Production is set to take place in Minneapolis, the original filming location of MST3K. The episodes are expected to be released later this year on RiffTrax's website. Notably, the Kickstarter campaign for this revival raised over $1 million within just one day of its launch, indicating strong fan support and anticipation.

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The revival's creators expressed excitement about reuniting with Beaulieu and Conniff, emphasizing their integral roles in the show's legacy. The Kickstarter page highlighted the importance of their return, stating, "Having Trace and Frank back is a dream come true for fans and the team alike."

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While the revival has garnered significant enthusiasm, some fans have expressed concerns regarding the direction of the new episodes and the reliance on crowdfunding for production. Critics argue that the original charm of MST3K may be difficult to replicate in a modern context.

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The return of Trace Beaulieu and Frank Conniff marks a significant moment in the legacy of "Mystery Science Theater 3000," promising to rekindle the spirit of the original series while introducing it to a new generation of viewers.

Variety Magazine