DARK CRYSTAL 2 -- A Reality!

[AndyDursin]

...and it sounds like the Henson Company is really banking on it as well, with an animated TV series to follow.

I hope it somehow comes close to approximating the original film...and hey, at least it's NOT a remake with CGI characters!

Will be interesting to see who releases it as well. Odyssey is the same company that produced PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, and if they're behind it, it shows that even though Disney owns Henson now, it seems like they can still do whatever they want independently...which is a good sign.

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From DARKHORIZONS.com:

The Jim Henson Company will produce a feature film sequel to The Dark Crystal, the 1982 fantasy classic directed by Jim Henson and Frank Oz with conceptual designer Brian Froud, which has remained a fan favorite with consistently strong worldwide home video and DVD sales. The announcement was made by the Company's co-CEOs Brian Henson and Lisa Henson. Odyssey Entertainment will represent the worldwide sales and distribution of the film, beginning immediately at the Cannes Film Festival.

The original screenplay by Annette Duffy and David Odell (the original Dark Crystal, The Muppet Show) is set many years after the events of the first movie. The Power of the Dark Crystal (working title), sees Jen and Kira (the original film's heroes) as King and Queen and guardians of the Crystal who fight to save their kingdom when the Crystal is once again split. Incorporating a hybrid of live action animatronic characters and CG animation, production is expected to commence in fall of 2005. Lisa Henson and Kristine Belson will produce with Brian Henson, Ralph Kamp and Louise Goodsill serving as Executive Producers.

"The Dark Crystal created its own world. We are now going to fully explore this universe through the sequel film, which will be followed up with an animated series as well as interactive games and other media," said Lisa Henson. "Knowing the franchise's worldwide appeal, we're thrilled to leverage Odyssey's expertise in family entertainment within the independent film-sales community."

Brian Henson said, "With The Jim Henson Company celebrating its 50th anniversary, The Power of the Dark Crystal is a wonderful tribute to our legacy of fantasy projects. The original film set a new standard for the genre and broke new ground in visual effects. We hope to honor its devoted fans with an exciting new chapter in this great adventure."

Ralph Kamp and Louise Goodsill said, "It's a real treat to be able to offer our distribution partners the opportunity to join forces with The Jim Henson Company as they re-imagine one of the best-loved jewels in their crown."

A Brief Synopsis of the Film... When Jen and Kira welcome a fiery and unexpected visitor to their castle they learn that the very existence of the U-mun people, who live in the searing heat of the centre of the earth, is threatened by the death of their sun. There is apparently only one thing powerful enough to heal the ailing star - a shard of the Crystal.

The Gelflings flatly refuse the request for a fragment and the desperate visitor takes matters into her own hands and steals one, making a hasty escape through tunnels deep in the bowels of the castle. So begins an adventure that will see love and goodness triumph over evil and re-introduce cinema-goers to a host of indelible characters including the mystic Ur-sol, Aughra the one-eyed seer, the evil Skeksis and their crab-like and violent Garthim foot soldiers.

[Eric W.]

God, why?

[mkaroly]

God, why?

LOL- I liked the first one- I just don't believe audiences will buy a Muppet movie again with that CGI/live action mix!!!! They'll think it's too lame or too retro-

Does anyone else think that Henson was an innovator? I loved The Muppet Show and always thought his work was very artistic.

[Eric W.]

God, why?

LOL- I liked the first one- I just don't believe audiences will buy a Muppet movie again with that CGI/live action mix!!!! They'll think it's too lame or too retro-

Does anyone else think that Henson was an innovator? I loved The Muppet Show and always thought his work was very artistic.

Yes, Henson definitely was an innovator.

That being said, and with him having passed away...I repeat: WHY are they making a Dark Crystal 2, for cryin' out loud?!

[Paul MacLean]

I know this thread is ancient, but there is actually a bit of news about this movie.

Not much, but Brian Froud recently revealed the project is not dead, and he is still doing some design work for it...

[AndyDursin]

I'm still confused as to Disney's role in this whole thing. They own the Muppets -- do they not own the Henson company too? It's so confusing it's impossible to follow.

I hope the movie gets made...could be a budgetary/funding thing, as it was before.