Everyone knows the late Jim Henson as the driving force behind the Muppets (and the original voice of Kermit the Frog, among other Muppets). While it’s true that Disney succeeded in revitalizing the signature Henson property with the 2011 franchise reboot The Muppets, the Henson studio has projects both new and familiar in the works right now.
Case in point, this week’s Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day is a Henson production, as is upcoming animated film Which Witch. However, word has just arrived that another, more unexpected film is on the company’s radar.
According to Variety, the Henson Co. is developing a sequel to its 1986 fantasy adventure Labyrinth. That film, which Henson himself directed, starred a young Jennifer Connelly as Sarah, a teenage girl who must venture through a treacherous maze in order to rescue her infant brother from Jareth, the Goblin King (David Bowie). A box office disappointment, the film subsequently developed a cult following, no doubt in large part to Bowie’s flamboyant performance and the slew of imaginative creatures that round out much of the cast.
Sudden as news of a Labyrinth sequel may be, it fits with Henson’s recent plans to bring some of its most popular characters to the big screen. Chief among these is the long-discussed film adaptation of the popular children’s series Fraggle Rock, which aired from 1983 to 1987. In addition, Power of the Dark Crystal - a sequel to the company’s 1982 release The Dark Crystal - is reportedly still being developed by the directors of vampire thriller Daybreakers.
The big question surrounding a proposed Labyrinth 2, however, is whether or not either Connelly or Bowie would return to reprise their roles. Since the film’s release, Connelly has won an Academy Award, and Bowie has stuck mostly to his music career, largely taking on brief supporting roles (The Prestige) or memorable cameos as himself (Zoolander). There’s every chance that a sequel could take place in real time and center on Sarah’s children, perhaps forcing her to once again confront Jareth.
Considering the devoted fanbase that the original film has, many fans may wish that the Henson Co. leaves this part of their childhood intact. Still, if done right, a return to the Labyrinth could be a fun trip down memory lane. So, Screen Ranters, let us know if you are interested in a sequel to Labyrinth - and if so, what story you think the new film should tell.
Source: Variety
