Return to Oz, Disney’s 1985 dark take on Dorothy Gale (played by a then-9-year-old Fairuza Balk), shares its creative DNA with Star Wars. Not only that, George Lucas saved writer-director Walter Murch’s job after Disney fired Murch from the Oz shoot.
Lucas and Murch were old friends and collaborators, having met in the film department of the University of Southern California in the mid-1960s.
“My first memory of him was a shadowy figure behind me in the photograph developing room,” says Murch about Lucas on The Hollywood Reporter’s podcast It Happened in Hollywood. “I was trying unsuccessfully to develop one of the photographs that I had taken for an exercise, and there was this voice behind me that said, ‘You’re doing it wrong.’ And I turned around and I said, ‘Who is this guy?’ Of course, it turns out he was right. I was doing it wrong.
Lucas and Murch were old friends and collaborators, having met in the film department of the University of Southern California in the mid-1960s.
“My first memory of him was a shadowy figure behind me in the photograph developing room,” says Murch about Lucas on The Hollywood Reporter’s podcast It Happened in Hollywood. “I was trying unsuccessfully to develop one of the photographs that I had taken for an exercise, and there was this voice behind me that said, ‘You’re doing it wrong.’ And I turned around and I said, ‘Who is this guy?’ Of course, it turns out he was right. I was doing it wrong.
- 4/4/2024
- by Seth Abramovitch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
25 years ago The Sci-Fi channel (SyFy these days) brought onto the airwaves a series unlike any ever seen before. Farscape took the idea of weird and ran with it in a universe filled with the bizarre, the beautiful, and both at the same time.
Created by Rockne S. O’Bannon, the man behind Alien Nation, Farscape introduced viewers to creatures and aliens of all different shapes and sizes. Some of them were people and others were beyond anything we could imagine. And we all saw it and experienced it alongside lost astronaut and scientist John Crichton, played by Ben Browder. Crichton was the only Actual human around and was the perfect stand in for the rest of us.
The series would be brought to life by the Jim Henson Creature Shop under the eye of Brian Henson (who we interviewed yesterday). The shop would create and design various aliens that were both puppet and person…...
Created by Rockne S. O’Bannon, the man behind Alien Nation, Farscape introduced viewers to creatures and aliens of all different shapes and sizes. Some of them were people and others were beyond anything we could imagine. And we all saw it and experienced it alongside lost astronaut and scientist John Crichton, played by Ben Browder. Crichton was the only Actual human around and was the perfect stand in for the rest of us.
The series would be brought to life by the Jim Henson Creature Shop under the eye of Brian Henson (who we interviewed yesterday). The shop would create and design various aliens that were both puppet and person…...
- 3/27/2024
- by Jessica Dwyer
- JoBlo.com
The name Henson is one that the world recognizes when it comes to creating magic. Brian Henson carries on what his father started by doing just that. Over the years, The Creature Shop (which we recently visited) has designed and brought to life some of the most beautiful and ingenious creations that audiences have ever seen.
Brian Henson grew up making worlds like those in Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, and more, and he would be one of the keys in creating the boundary-breaking now iconic series Farscape 25 years ago. Since then, The Creature Shop has gone on to return to the world of The Dark Crystal with The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, bringing to life a slightly more sinister batch of creatures with The Curious Creations of Christine McConnell and some Very sinister ones with Five Nights at Freddy’s.
But Farscape took things to another level for Henson and...
Brian Henson grew up making worlds like those in Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, and more, and he would be one of the keys in creating the boundary-breaking now iconic series Farscape 25 years ago. Since then, The Creature Shop has gone on to return to the world of The Dark Crystal with The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, bringing to life a slightly more sinister batch of creatures with The Curious Creations of Christine McConnell and some Very sinister ones with Five Nights at Freddy’s.
But Farscape took things to another level for Henson and...
- 3/26/2024
- by Jessica Dwyer
- JoBlo.com
You remind me of the babe. What babe? The babe with the – woah! If there’s one thing we can’t shake from 1986’s Labyrinth, it’s not the remarkably inventive set design, the memorable characters from Jim Henson’s Creature Shop or the fantastic early performance from Jennifer Connelly. It’s the real scene-stealer and childhood-destroyer from Labyrinth – David Bowie’s junk. And if you thought you couldn’t rid your mind of it, imagine having to keep tabs on its size during filming.
Brian Henson – son of director Jim Henson – recently told ComicBook.com that Bowie’s “codpiece” actually changes sizes throughout the movie, which surely only the most devoted Labyrinth fans would have noticed. “The scene where it’s most prevalent I think, is the scene where David pretends he’s a beggar, and then pulls off the costume and stands up, and it’s the Goblin King.
Brian Henson – son of director Jim Henson – recently told ComicBook.com that Bowie’s “codpiece” actually changes sizes throughout the movie, which surely only the most devoted Labyrinth fans would have noticed. “The scene where it’s most prevalent I think, is the scene where David pretends he’s a beggar, and then pulls off the costume and stands up, and it’s the Goblin King.
- 2/20/2024
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
It’s beautiful how movies can take us back to an innocent time. A perfect example is the absolute adoration of Jim Henson’s classic features, The Dark Crystal (1982) and Labyrinth (1986). For many, growing up on The Muppets and Sesame Street brought a level of excitement for both of these features. Even still, while Crystal made a decent showing at the box office, audiences weren’t ready for Labyrinth upon its release. Now, however, both films have found themselves well-loved and admired. So much so that both are getting the 4K treatment, and you can stream them immediately.
We at JoBlo had a childhood dream come to life. We joined other journalists and influencers to celebrate the release. And the after noon gave us the open invitation for a Henson Studio Tour. Included in the event was a contact juggler named Rewi HoopHooligan. Used in Labyrinth, Rewi put on quite...
We at JoBlo had a childhood dream come to life. We joined other journalists and influencers to celebrate the release. And the after noon gave us the open invitation for a Henson Studio Tour. Included in the event was a contact juggler named Rewi HoopHooligan. Used in Labyrinth, Rewi put on quite...
- 2/18/2024
- by JimmyO
- JoBlo.com
Around the holidays, nothing is better than kicking back with your family and laughing until your stomach hurts. Holiday Cheer is real. With the stress of Christmas shopping, it can be hard to remember why we do it all. One surefire way is to put on a fun comedy and let yourself be drawn into the spirit of the season. To enjoy your holiday to the maximum, let’s go over the best Christmas comedies.
The Night Before (2015)
This fun holiday film centers on three friends with an annual tradition of getting together on Christmas Eve and spending the night getting into as much debauchery as possible. Seth Rogen, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Anthony Mackie star as the three friends. When they realize that their adult lives are making it harder and harder to keep the tradition going, they decide to make this year’s reunion the best one they have ever had.
The Night Before (2015)
This fun holiday film centers on three friends with an annual tradition of getting together on Christmas Eve and spending the night getting into as much debauchery as possible. Seth Rogen, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Anthony Mackie star as the three friends. When they realize that their adult lives are making it harder and harder to keep the tradition going, they decide to make this year’s reunion the best one they have ever had.
- 12/24/2023
- by Bryan Wolford
- JoBlo.com
Scrooged 35th Anniversary 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray on the way with never-before-released special features
A Christmas classic is getting the high-end treatment this season when Scrooged celebrates its 35th anniversary! The comedy starring Bill Murray as the holiday-hating Frank Cross is arriving for the first time on 4K Ultra HD from Paramount Home Entertainment on November 7, 2023, with never-before-released special features!
Originally released on November 23, 1988, Scrooged is a hilarious take on a beloved Dickens tale that has become a perennial holiday favorite. The high-spirited and biting comedy follows a television executive with a heart of stone. It features an all-star cast including Karen Allen, John Forsythe, Bobcat Goldthwait, Carol Kane, Robert Mitchum, and Alfre Woodard.
This new release includes the remastered film in sparkling 4K Ultra HD, access to a Digital copy of the film, and over 50 minutes of never-before-released special features! Take a journey with the ghost of Christmas past to discover behind-the-scenes featurettes and an insightful commentary by director Richard Donner, now on disc for the first time.
Originally released on November 23, 1988, Scrooged is a hilarious take on a beloved Dickens tale that has become a perennial holiday favorite. The high-spirited and biting comedy follows a television executive with a heart of stone. It features an all-star cast including Karen Allen, John Forsythe, Bobcat Goldthwait, Carol Kane, Robert Mitchum, and Alfre Woodard.
This new release includes the remastered film in sparkling 4K Ultra HD, access to a Digital copy of the film, and over 50 minutes of never-before-released special features! Take a journey with the ghost of Christmas past to discover behind-the-scenes featurettes and an insightful commentary by director Richard Donner, now on disc for the first time.
- 8/28/2023
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
StraysPhoto: Universal Pictures
Who was the first person to walk into a movie studio executive’s office and say “it’s like a movie for kids, but it has a hard-r rating,” and does that person now have more money than God? That gimmick hasn’t been the most popular in Hollywood history,...
Who was the first person to walk into a movie studio executive’s office and say “it’s like a movie for kids, but it has a hard-r rating,” and does that person now have more money than God? That gimmick hasn’t been the most popular in Hollywood history,...
- 8/14/2023
- by Sam Barsanti
- avclub.com
There were always two sides to the Jim Henson Company during Henson's lifetime. On one of them, you have the puppets they created for "Sesame Street" and "Fraggle Rock," shows that are as wholesome and earnest as their googly-eyed stars. On the other one, you have the often frightening and twisted puppets that Henson and his crew invented for "The Dark Crystal" and "Labyrinth," as well as those for even creepier fantasy movies like director Nicolas Roeg's "The Witches." The Muppets, in case you were wondering, straddled the line between the two sides.
More than 30 years after its founder's death, however, Henson's legendary Creature Shop is now working on the "Five Nights at Freddy's" movie. As anyone even remotely familiar with the premise for the original "Fnaf" video games could tell you, Blumhouse's film adaptation is a far cry from even the darkest projects Henson's company developed under his watch.
More than 30 years after its founder's death, however, Henson's legendary Creature Shop is now working on the "Five Nights at Freddy's" movie. As anyone even remotely familiar with the premise for the original "Fnaf" video games could tell you, Blumhouse's film adaptation is a far cry from even the darkest projects Henson's company developed under his watch.
- 8/7/2023
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
There are certain things, when you live in Los Angeles, that are absolute must-dos, especially in the warmer weather months: see a show at the Hollywood Bowl (but leave before the fireworks); watch a movie at an outdoor venture (Hollywood Forever Cemetery being a favorite); and, in the past few years, travel to the Jim Henson Studios to watch a raunchy improv puppet comedy show.
“Puppet Up! Uncensored,” which resumes starting Friday, has become one of the things that you have to do in Los Angeles. And TheWrap spoke to Brian Henson, chairman of the Jim Henson Company, about the origins and evolution of this one-of-a-kind show. According to Henson, the project started in the early 2000’s, when there was concern that the performers had become too “script-bound.”
“We hadn’t found a new tone of comedy, something fresh, something that wasn’t Muppets,” Henson said.
He was discussing the problem with his then-girlfriend,...
“Puppet Up! Uncensored,” which resumes starting Friday, has become one of the things that you have to do in Los Angeles. And TheWrap spoke to Brian Henson, chairman of the Jim Henson Company, about the origins and evolution of this one-of-a-kind show. According to Henson, the project started in the early 2000’s, when there was concern that the performers had become too “script-bound.”
“We hadn’t found a new tone of comedy, something fresh, something that wasn’t Muppets,” Henson said.
He was discussing the problem with his then-girlfriend,...
- 7/14/2023
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
Farscape’s creators Rockne S. O’Bannon and Brian Henson gave a new interview as part of Shout! Factory’s Fandemonium Marathon, explaining the thought process behind the diminutive despot Dominar Rygel XVI (voiced by the late Jonathan Hardy).
In the clip, which is exclusive to SyfyWire, the duo recalls pushing the Jim Henson Creature Shop to its limits in order to create the show’s iconic “strange alien lifeforms.”
Farscape | Making Creature Shop’s Strange Alien LifeformsD’Argo star Anthony Simcoe and the Creature Shop’s Dave Elsey on bringing Farscape’s very alien aliens to life.The CompanionPeter Ray Allison
“Rygel, that was as small as we could make him, basically, and be able to work him” explains Henson.
“I wanted Rygel to be 12-inches, because he’s a ruler,” continued O’Bannon. “Which is a joke that could never be said, but tickled me. But he wouldn’t be able to be articulated.
In the clip, which is exclusive to SyfyWire, the duo recalls pushing the Jim Henson Creature Shop to its limits in order to create the show’s iconic “strange alien lifeforms.”
Farscape | Making Creature Shop’s Strange Alien LifeformsD’Argo star Anthony Simcoe and the Creature Shop’s Dave Elsey on bringing Farscape’s very alien aliens to life.The CompanionPeter Ray Allison
“Rygel, that was as small as we could make him, basically, and be able to work him” explains Henson.
“I wanted Rygel to be 12-inches, because he’s a ruler,” continued O’Bannon. “Which is a joke that could never be said, but tickled me. But he wouldn’t be able to be articulated.
- 5/5/2023
- by James Hoare
- The Companion
This past weekend, Wamg attended the annual TCM Film Festival (honestly this writer’s favorite event of the year) and as usual, it did not disappoint! There was a ton of great programming this year, with something for just about everyone.
Opening Night of the 14th annual TCM Classic Film Festival kicked off with a screening of Rio Bravo (1959) in celebration of Warner Bros.’ 100th anniversary, featuring a conversation with Wbd CEO David Zaslav and The Film Foundation Board members Steven Spielberg and Paul Thomas Anderson about the mission of The Film Foundation as well as Rio Bravo star Angie Dickinson.
Hollywood, California – April 13: (L-r) TCM host Ben Mankiewicz; General Manager, Turner Classic Movies Pola Changnon; Steven Spielberg; Angie Dickinson; and President and Chief Executive Officer of Warner Bros. Discovery David Zaslav attend the opening night gala and world premiere of the 4k restoration of “Rio Bravo” during the...
Opening Night of the 14th annual TCM Classic Film Festival kicked off with a screening of Rio Bravo (1959) in celebration of Warner Bros.’ 100th anniversary, featuring a conversation with Wbd CEO David Zaslav and The Film Foundation Board members Steven Spielberg and Paul Thomas Anderson about the mission of The Film Foundation as well as Rio Bravo star Angie Dickinson.
Hollywood, California – April 13: (L-r) TCM host Ben Mankiewicz; General Manager, Turner Classic Movies Pola Changnon; Steven Spielberg; Angie Dickinson; and President and Chief Executive Officer of Warner Bros. Discovery David Zaslav attend the opening night gala and world premiere of the 4k restoration of “Rio Bravo” during the...
- 4/19/2023
- by Melissa Thompson
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
An excellent interview with Saturday Night Live alum Dana Carvey is making the rounds after the 67-year-old comedian said he’s game for Wayne’s World 3. Carvey spoke with People on Sunday night at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., where his former SNL castmate Adam Sandler received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. While taking a break from the event, People asked Carvey if Wayne’s World 3 could happen. Carvey said he’s “always game” to team up with Myers for another film based on the Aurora misfits and their hard-rockin’ adventures.
“Yes, it is,” Carvey said when asked if a third Wayne’s World movie is possible. “I don’t know. Maybe we’ll do it in puppets. I’m not sure.”
Okay, Carvey. Now that you’ve put the idea into the world, who do I have to bribe to get Wayne’s World 3 with puppets off the ground?...
“Yes, it is,” Carvey said when asked if a third Wayne’s World movie is possible. “I don’t know. Maybe we’ll do it in puppets. I’m not sure.”
Okay, Carvey. Now that you’ve put the idea into the world, who do I have to bribe to get Wayne’s World 3 with puppets off the ground?...
- 3/22/2023
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Star Wars actor Paul Grant has died, aged 56, after collapsing outside a London train station.
The actor was found by police at King’s Cross on Thursday (16 March), and was rushed to hospital where he was pronounced braindead.
His family announced that they made the decision to switch off his life support machine on Sunday (19 March). A cause of death is yet to be announced.
Daughter Sophie Jayne Grant, 28, said she is “devastated”, and called her father “a legend in so many ways”.
She said in a statement to The Sun: “He always brought a smile and laughter to everyone’s face. He would do anything for anyone and was a massive Arsenal fan.”
The actor was 4ft, 4in and called himself “the king of the Dwarfs”.
He played one of the unnamed Ewoks in the 1983 Star Wars film Return of the Jedi, sharing the screen with actors Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford.
The actor was found by police at King’s Cross on Thursday (16 March), and was rushed to hospital where he was pronounced braindead.
His family announced that they made the decision to switch off his life support machine on Sunday (19 March). A cause of death is yet to be announced.
Daughter Sophie Jayne Grant, 28, said she is “devastated”, and called her father “a legend in so many ways”.
She said in a statement to The Sun: “He always brought a smile and laughter to everyone’s face. He would do anything for anyone and was a massive Arsenal fan.”
The actor was 4ft, 4in and called himself “the king of the Dwarfs”.
He played one of the unnamed Ewoks in the 1983 Star Wars film Return of the Jedi, sharing the screen with actors Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford.
- 3/20/2023
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - Film
Paul Grant, a “Star Wars” and “Harry Potter” actor, has died at the age of 56.
He was found collapsed Thursday outside of the London train depot Kings’ Cross Station by police. His family confirmed the news to The Sun on Monday. The cause of death has not been specified.
Grant was rushed tot he hospital, where he was declared brain dead.
His family made the decision to turn off his life support machine Sunday.
Also Read:
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Son ‘Critically Ill,’ Composer to Miss ‘Bad Cinderella’ Broadway Opening
“I’m devastated. My dad was a legend in so many ways. He always brought a smile and laughter to everyone’s face,” his 28 year-old daughter Sophie Jayne Grant, told The Sun. “He would do anything for anyone and was a massive Arsenal fan. He was an actor, father and grandad.”
“He loved his daughters and son and his girlfriend Maria very much,...
He was found collapsed Thursday outside of the London train depot Kings’ Cross Station by police. His family confirmed the news to The Sun on Monday. The cause of death has not been specified.
Grant was rushed tot he hospital, where he was declared brain dead.
His family made the decision to turn off his life support machine Sunday.
Also Read:
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Son ‘Critically Ill,’ Composer to Miss ‘Bad Cinderella’ Broadway Opening
“I’m devastated. My dad was a legend in so many ways. He always brought a smile and laughter to everyone’s face,” his 28 year-old daughter Sophie Jayne Grant, told The Sun. “He would do anything for anyone and was a massive Arsenal fan. He was an actor, father and grandad.”
“He loved his daughters and son and his girlfriend Maria very much,...
- 3/20/2023
- by Dessi Gomez
- The Wrap
On December 11, 1992, “The Muppet Christmas Carol” was released to theaters. In his three-star review, Roger Ebert said that the movie “could have done with a few more songs than it has.” And he was right – up until the very last minute, there was an extra song (“When Love Is Gone”) that was removed at the insistence of a pushy Disney executive. Now, all these years later (and after one very close call), the song has been reinstated. “The Muppet Christmas Carol” is finally whole.
This is the story of how the movie came to be, how it lost a song and how that song eventually was found again.
Uncertain Times
On May 16, 1990, Jim Henson died following a short illness. He was only 53. (It was ultimately ruled toxic shock syndrome caused by Streptococcus pyogenes.)
At the time of his death, Henson was in negotiations to sell his company (and most of...
This is the story of how the movie came to be, how it lost a song and how that song eventually was found again.
Uncertain Times
On May 16, 1990, Jim Henson died following a short illness. He was only 53. (It was ultimately ruled toxic shock syndrome caused by Streptococcus pyogenes.)
At the time of his death, Henson was in negotiations to sell his company (and most of...
- 12/21/2022
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
“The Muppet Christmas Carol” is whole again. As the film celebrates its 30th anniversary on Dec. 11, Belle’s long-lost fan-favorite song “When Love Is Gone” has finally been restored. A full version of the holiday classic (with the tear-jerker ballad included) is now available to stream on Disney+.
“It’s the strangest thing,” Meredith Braun, who portrayed Belle, tells Variety. “How many years later and they’ve suddenly put it back in! For me, it’s the gift that keeps on giving in a kind of funny way.”
The song, in which Scrooge’s young love bids him a tearful goodbye due to his miserly ways, was cut from the film’s original theatrical release. Director Brian Henson told Entertainment Weekly that Jeffrey Katzenberg, who was the Disney studio chief at the time, suggested the song be removed.
“He said, ‘Do you see how antsy those kids are getting?'” Henson told the outlet.
“It’s the strangest thing,” Meredith Braun, who portrayed Belle, tells Variety. “How many years later and they’ve suddenly put it back in! For me, it’s the gift that keeps on giving in a kind of funny way.”
The song, in which Scrooge’s young love bids him a tearful goodbye due to his miserly ways, was cut from the film’s original theatrical release. Director Brian Henson told Entertainment Weekly that Jeffrey Katzenberg, who was the Disney studio chief at the time, suggested the song be removed.
“He said, ‘Do you see how antsy those kids are getting?'” Henson told the outlet.
- 12/11/2022
- by Katcy Stephan
- Variety Film + TV
"A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens was embraced by the British public from the moment it first dropped in 1843; it was an instant bestseller and the work has never been out of print since (via ThoughtCo). Almost 60 years later, the festive tale took a leap to the new-fangled medium of cinema with "Scrooge, or Marley's Ghost" in 1901. That title hinted at a vision of Film Adaptations Yet to Come; Scrooge was the star of the show and would become a juicy role for dozens of famous actors over the next 120 years.
Since Daniel Smith donned Scrooge's nightcap in that pioneering first adaptation, George C. Scott, Albert Finney, Reginald Owen, Patrick Stewart, and Henry Winkler have all given their distinctive take on the role, while Alastair Sim remains many people's definitive version of the character. Bill Murray put a modern spin on the tale in "Scrooged," while in animation we've had Mr. Magoo,...
Since Daniel Smith donned Scrooge's nightcap in that pioneering first adaptation, George C. Scott, Albert Finney, Reginald Owen, Patrick Stewart, and Henry Winkler have all given their distinctive take on the role, while Alastair Sim remains many people's definitive version of the character. Bill Murray put a modern spin on the tale in "Scrooged," while in animation we've had Mr. Magoo,...
- 12/10/2022
- by Lee Adams
- Slash Film
For many movie fans who watched "Bambi" at a tender age, the Disney movie may seem as horrifying as it is cute. After all, before the sweet yearling at the heart of the classic 1942 film has a chance to so much as finish gulping down his first taste of spring grass, his mother is shot by hunters. Bambi's mother's death may be mild by adult standards, but for a kid, it's a harrowing introduction to the world of Disney. But at least in the world of Walt Disney, Bambi has a happy ending. The same can't be promised for "Bambi: The Reckoning," an upcoming horror film that Bloody Disgusting reports is in the works from the director of "Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey."
That's right: the future prince of the forest is the latest lovable childhood icon to get the slasher treatment from Rhys Frake-Waterfield, the filmmaker who's already...
That's right: the future prince of the forest is the latest lovable childhood icon to get the slasher treatment from Rhys Frake-Waterfield, the filmmaker who's already...
- 12/9/2022
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
There are Christmas movies, then there’s The Muppet Christmas Carol. In the years since its arrival in 1992, this surprisingly dedicated adaptation of Charles Dickens’ defining redemption story has emerged as a modern classic, dripping with nostalgia and indelibly linked to the childhood of a generation thanks to countless festive repeats. Full of memorable moments, beloved songs and that warm, fuzzy, festive feeling – for many, it’s just not Christmas until you’ve seen a frog in a top hat teach Michael Caine’s Scrooge the importance of empathy.
But beneath Kermit’s compassion and Ebeneezer’s humbugs lies an equally restorative tale of how Christmas saved the Muppets during their darkest hour. Reeling from the sudden death of Jim Henson, the company’s troupe of performers and its new de facto leader, Jim’s son Brian Henson, were left with a looming question: can this gang of frogs, bears,...
But beneath Kermit’s compassion and Ebeneezer’s humbugs lies an equally restorative tale of how Christmas saved the Muppets during their darkest hour. Reeling from the sudden death of Jim Henson, the company’s troupe of performers and its new de facto leader, Jim’s son Brian Henson, were left with a looming question: can this gang of frogs, bears,...
- 12/5/2022
- by Simon Bland
- The Independent - Film
There are few things in this world that wouldn't become more enjoyable with the addition of the Muppets. Are you suffering through the child's birthday party you're attending? Well, here come the Muppets to liven things up! Is the anti-smoking PSA you're watching a bit depressing? Send in the Muppets! Divorce proceedings got you down? It's much more fun when you discover that The Great Gonzo is the judge!
This universal rule is why "The Muppet Christmas Carol" is so great. The movie is wonderful, however, because it also has Michael Caine playing the role of Ebenezer Scrooge. The film was the directorial debut of Brian Henson — the son of the legendary puppeteer, Jim Henson — and was greatly enhanced by the clash in styles of two legendary performers: Michael Caine and Kermit the Frog. While Kermit and his Muppet co-workers are known for their madcap antics, Caine went into the film with a different mindset.
This universal rule is why "The Muppet Christmas Carol" is so great. The movie is wonderful, however, because it also has Michael Caine playing the role of Ebenezer Scrooge. The film was the directorial debut of Brian Henson — the son of the legendary puppeteer, Jim Henson — and was greatly enhanced by the clash in styles of two legendary performers: Michael Caine and Kermit the Frog. While Kermit and his Muppet co-workers are known for their madcap antics, Caine went into the film with a different mindset.
- 12/4/2022
- by Matt Rainis
- Slash Film
Brian Henson, son of the legendary Jim and director of perennial favorite The Muppet Christmas Carol, had a lot to live up to with his holiday spin on the Charles Dickens classic. And he did all he could to avoid directing it.
Brian Henson said that he was more comfortable directing it when it was set to be a TV special for ABC. “When Disney said they really wanted me to make it for the big screen and not for ABC, I got very nervous and — I’ll be completely honest — I tried to get other people to direct it. I was uncomfortable and terrified, frankly.” Fortunately, he stepped up, and The Muppet Christmas Carol pays wonderful tribute to his late father as the first Muppet movie since his 1990 death.
Henson gives much credit to the iconic Frank Oz, saying, “Frank Oz put the most pressure on me. He said,...
Brian Henson said that he was more comfortable directing it when it was set to be a TV special for ABC. “When Disney said they really wanted me to make it for the big screen and not for ABC, I got very nervous and — I’ll be completely honest — I tried to get other people to direct it. I was uncomfortable and terrified, frankly.” Fortunately, he stepped up, and The Muppet Christmas Carol pays wonderful tribute to his late father as the first Muppet movie since his 1990 death.
Henson gives much credit to the iconic Frank Oz, saying, “Frank Oz put the most pressure on me. He said,...
- 12/3/2022
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
Since the death of Jim Henson in 1990, there has been a scramble to figure out what to do with his signature creation, The Muppets. Some of the attempts have been quite successful, and some have fallen flat on their face. Remember that primetime ABC mockumentary series from the 2010s? Yeah, best we all forget that ever happened. For many Muppet fans today, the solution seems fairly obvious: bring back "The Muppet Show." Back to basics. It seemed like the 2011 Jason Segel-led movie "The Muppets" was going to result in that, but Disney went in a different direction. It has been over 40 years since that original show went off the air, and reconfiguring it for today could be a joy.
Back in 1990, though, that was not the clear path. The Muppets had moved to the big screen and starred in three incredibly funny, successful films. Television was in the rear view.
Back in 1990, though, that was not the clear path. The Muppets had moved to the big screen and starred in three incredibly funny, successful films. Television was in the rear view.
- 12/3/2022
- by Mike Shutt
- Slash Film
In the spring of 1992, the legendary singer-songwriter Paul Williams was walking in a park in the Los Angeles sunshine, thinking about Christmas. Sixteen years after first working with the Muppets, he was about to return to their colourful world, but he was apprehensive. Years of rock ’n roll debauchery having finally caught up with him, The Muppet Christmas Carol would be the first project he’d worked on sober in forever. Three decades later, he tells Empire, he needn’t have worried. “I sat on a bench and Scrooge’s song suddenly started coming to me: ‘Bom-bom-bom-bom… When a cold wind blows it chills you…’ I think I got as far as ‘There goes Mr Humbug, there goes Mr Grim / If they gave a prize for being mean, the winner would be him’ before I paused at all. I was like, 'Hey, that’s pretty good!' I was so...
- 12/1/2022
- by Owen Williams
- Empire - Movies
Everyone has their preferred screen rendition of "A Christmas Carol," and while I am partial to the 1951 film version, my heart belongs to another re-telling. I refer, of course, to 1992's "The Muppet Christmas Carol," which is not only one of all-time best Muppet movies but also (no joke) one of the most historically accurate depictions of Victorian fashion put to film.
"The Muppet Christmas Carol" was released two years after the death of The Muppets creator Jim Henson and is dedicated to both him and legendary Muppet puppeteer Richard Hunt (who died of complications related to HIV/AIDS less than 12 months prior to the movie's arrival). Henson was in the middle of talks with then-Disney CEO Michael Eisner to sell the Muppets to the Mouse House at the time of his death. It was, by most accounts, a very stressful deal that took a toll on Henson's well-being, so...
"The Muppet Christmas Carol" was released two years after the death of The Muppets creator Jim Henson and is dedicated to both him and legendary Muppet puppeteer Richard Hunt (who died of complications related to HIV/AIDS less than 12 months prior to the movie's arrival). Henson was in the middle of talks with then-Disney CEO Michael Eisner to sell the Muppets to the Mouse House at the time of his death. It was, by most accounts, a very stressful deal that took a toll on Henson's well-being, so...
- 9/14/2022
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
When Muppets creator Jim Henson died in 1990, the future of the Muppets franchise felt up in the air to its fans. At the time, Disney had already been in negotiations to purchase the Muppets, but Henson was on record with his refusal. Disney, still with a foot in the door, co-financed two Muppet feature films in the 1990s -- "The Muppet Christmas Carol" and "Muppet Treasure Island," both directed by Henson's son Brian -- which proved to audiences that the Muppets were capable of living on. Indeed, the two films provided a fascinating new premise for the Muppets: they would be stock players in adaptations of classic literature. Sadly, this tack did not play itself out, and after the not-very-good, straight-to-video "The Muppets' Wizard of Oz," that angle was abandoned.
Come now, Disney, "Muppet Midsummer Night's Dream," "Muppet Dracula," and "Muppet Moby-Dick" await.
"The Muppet Christmas Carol" (1992) is both one...
Come now, Disney, "Muppet Midsummer Night's Dream," "Muppet Dracula," and "Muppet Moby-Dick" await.
"The Muppet Christmas Carol" (1992) is both one...
- 9/14/2022
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
When you see a real actor performing with The Muppets, it is easy to think that would be a straightforward process. You show up and goof around with some puppets for a bit and don't have to take things too seriously. While this can work for a sketch on "The Muppet Show," it's not really the case when it comes to a real-life actor with a sizable role in a feature film. Sure, Steve Martin or Mel Brooks can come in for one scene in "The Muppet Movie" and do a schtick, but the weight of the story does not rest on them. Charles Durning as Doc Hopper and Austin Pendleton as Doc's sidekick, Max, cannot afford to be knowingly silly. They are ostensibly the antagonists of the movie, and if they do not play the film straight, there are no stakes to the picture. Therefore, there's no drama and no reason to care.
- 9/14/2022
- by Mike Shutt
- Slash Film
At this year's D23 Expo, Brian Henson announced that his directorial debut "The Muppet Christmas Carol" would finally be coming to Disney+ in its complete and uncut form later this year. After a number of years of trying, the studio has finally found a way to properly restore the song "When Love Is Gone" to the film, so now it can be viewed the way it was originally intended.
However, "original" is a relative term in this instance because this beloved holiday classic that has become a seasonal staple for three decades was originally intended to be a TV special similar to the recent "Muppets Haunted Mansion." During the panel celebrating the film's legacy — and the new life it's about to receive thanks to this release — Henson shared the origins of what is regarded as one of the most faithful adaptations of Charles Dickens' iconic tale to date.
/Film's Dalin Rowell...
However, "original" is a relative term in this instance because this beloved holiday classic that has become a seasonal staple for three decades was originally intended to be a TV special similar to the recent "Muppets Haunted Mansion." During the panel celebrating the film's legacy — and the new life it's about to receive thanks to this release — Henson shared the origins of what is regarded as one of the most faithful adaptations of Charles Dickens' iconic tale to date.
/Film's Dalin Rowell...
- 9/14/2022
- by Ben F. Silverio
- Slash Film
David Bowie would have turned 75 on Jan. 8, 2022, and his friends and relatives are marking the occasion by holding A Bowie Celebration. The livestreaming event via RollingLiveStudios.com will feature Def Leppard, Simon Le Bon, John Taylor, Living Colour, Gary Oldman, Rob Thomas, Walk the Moon, Jake Wesley Rogers, and a special appearance by Ricky Gervais.
The backing band will lead by longtime Bowie keyboardist Mike Garson and feature fellow Bowie veterans Earl Slick, Charlie Sexton, Alan Childs, Steve Elson, Mark Guiliana, Omar Hakim, Stan Harrison, Tim Lefebvre, Gerry Leonard, and Carmine Rojas.
The backing band will lead by longtime Bowie keyboardist Mike Garson and feature fellow Bowie veterans Earl Slick, Charlie Sexton, Alan Childs, Steve Elson, Mark Guiliana, Omar Hakim, Stan Harrison, Tim Lefebvre, Gerry Leonard, and Carmine Rojas.
- 12/8/2021
- by Andy Greene
- Rollingstone.com
Imagine it's the mid-1980s and you're director and puppeteer extraordinaire, Jim Henson, casting the Goblin King for your movie, "Labyrinth." Which music superstar would you go with: David Bowie, Michael Jackson, or Sting?
Henson, the co-creator of "The Muppets with his wife, Jane, ultimately went with Bowie. However, there's a world in which Jackson, the onetime King of Pop, could have played the Goblin King in "Labyrinth."
"Labyrinth" turned 35 this year, and though Henson himself passed away in 1990, his work has continued to influence filmmakers like "The Green Knight" director David Lowery. Henson's son, Brian Henson, recently spoke to ComicBook.com, where he outlined some of the...
The post Michael Jackson Could've Starred in Labyrinth Instead of David Bowie appeared first on /Film.
Henson, the co-creator of "The Muppets with his wife, Jane, ultimately went with Bowie. However, there's a world in which Jackson, the onetime King of Pop, could have played the Goblin King in "Labyrinth."
"Labyrinth" turned 35 this year, and though Henson himself passed away in 1990, his work has continued to influence filmmakers like "The Green Knight" director David Lowery. Henson's son, Brian Henson, recently spoke to ComicBook.com, where he outlined some of the...
The post Michael Jackson Could've Starred in Labyrinth Instead of David Bowie appeared first on /Film.
- 9/16/2021
- by Joshua Meyer
- Slash Film
Veteran TV producer Jeffrey M. Hayes, who oversaw development of “MacGyver” and “Star Trek: The Next Generation” as executive VP of Paramount Pictures, has died from an illness unrelated to Covid. He was 68.
Hayes started his career as a producer, writer and director with Aaron Spelling Productions, where he worked on memorable series including “Vega$” and “T.J. Hooker.”
In the late 1980s, Hayes went to Australia’s Gold Coast where he began to build the infrastructure for a longstanding operation that would produce over 300 hours of international television. He later served as president of Village Roadshow Pictures Television, where he executive produced “Sahara,” “In Pursuit of Honor” and the TV remake of “Mission Impossible.”
In 2000, Hayes started his own production company, Coote/Hayes Productions, and served as executive producer for projects such as “Salem’s Lot,” “Starter Wife” and “Nightmares & Dreamscapes: From the Stories of Stephen King,” where he first met director-producer Brian Henson.
Hayes started his career as a producer, writer and director with Aaron Spelling Productions, where he worked on memorable series including “Vega$” and “T.J. Hooker.”
In the late 1980s, Hayes went to Australia’s Gold Coast where he began to build the infrastructure for a longstanding operation that would produce over 300 hours of international television. He later served as president of Village Roadshow Pictures Television, where he executive produced “Sahara,” “In Pursuit of Honor” and the TV remake of “Mission Impossible.”
In 2000, Hayes started his own production company, Coote/Hayes Productions, and served as executive producer for projects such as “Salem’s Lot,” “Starter Wife” and “Nightmares & Dreamscapes: From the Stories of Stephen King,” where he first met director-producer Brian Henson.
- 3/22/2021
- by Ethan Shanfeld
- Variety Film + TV
Jeffrey M. Hayes, a veteran producer and a former executive VP with Paramount Pictures Network Television who oversaw the development of “MacGyver” and “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” has died. He was 68.
Hayes died peacefully on March 9 in Los Angeles from an illness unrelated to Covid-19.
Hayes began his career as a producer, writer and director with Aaron Spelling Productions and worked on the series “Vega$” and “T.J. Hooker.” He then left Spelling and joined Paramount, overseeing “MacGyver” and “Star Trek: The Next Generation.” He also later worked as president of Village Roadshow Pictures Television and executive produced “Sahara,” “In Pursuit of Honor” and the TV remake of “Mission: Impossible.”
In 2000, Hayes formed his own production company Coote/Hayes Productions and executive produced television features, series and miniseries including the remake of “On The Beach,” “The Lost World” series, “Salem’s Lot,” “Starter Wife” and “Nightmares & Dreamscapes: From the Stories of Stephen King,...
Hayes died peacefully on March 9 in Los Angeles from an illness unrelated to Covid-19.
Hayes began his career as a producer, writer and director with Aaron Spelling Productions and worked on the series “Vega$” and “T.J. Hooker.” He then left Spelling and joined Paramount, overseeing “MacGyver” and “Star Trek: The Next Generation.” He also later worked as president of Village Roadshow Pictures Television and executive produced “Sahara,” “In Pursuit of Honor” and the TV remake of “Mission: Impossible.”
In 2000, Hayes formed his own production company Coote/Hayes Productions and executive produced television features, series and miniseries including the remake of “On The Beach,” “The Lost World” series, “Salem’s Lot,” “Starter Wife” and “Nightmares & Dreamscapes: From the Stories of Stephen King,...
- 3/22/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Jeffrey M. Hayes, a longtime producer whose executive tenure at Paramount Pictures Network Television saw him overseeing the development of series including MacGyver and Star Trek: The Next Generation, died March 9 in Los Angeles from an illness unrelated to Covid-19. He was 68.
His death was announced by Michelle Orsi of Three.Sixty Marketing & Communications.
Hayes’s career in producing, writing and directing began at Aaron Spelling Productions, where his projects included Vega$ and T.J. Hooker. From there, Hayes became Executive VP of Paramount Pictures Network Television.
In the late 1980s, Hayes moved to Australia’s Gold Coast to help build a production operation that would span over 25 years and produce over 300 hours of US/International television. As President of Village Roadshow Pictures Television he executive produced Sahara, In Pursuit of Honor, the remake of the television series Mission Impossible and The Thorn Birds – The Missing Years with The Wolper Organization.
His death was announced by Michelle Orsi of Three.Sixty Marketing & Communications.
Hayes’s career in producing, writing and directing began at Aaron Spelling Productions, where his projects included Vega$ and T.J. Hooker. From there, Hayes became Executive VP of Paramount Pictures Network Television.
In the late 1980s, Hayes moved to Australia’s Gold Coast to help build a production operation that would span over 25 years and produce over 300 hours of US/International television. As President of Village Roadshow Pictures Television he executive produced Sahara, In Pursuit of Honor, the remake of the television series Mission Impossible and The Thorn Birds – The Missing Years with The Wolper Organization.
- 3/22/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
It makes perfect sense that there’s now a documentary about the long-running children’s television series “Sesame Street.” After all, there’s already been a doc about the puppeteer who played the characters of Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch on that show (“I Am Big Bird: The Carroll Spinney Story”), and one about the man who played Elmo (“Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey”) — while “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?,” Morgan Neville’s 2018 film about another children’s TV icon, Mister Rogers, recently became the 12th highest-grossing nonfiction film of all time.
So what took so long to make “Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street?” Marilyn Agrelo’s film premiered at the virtual Sundance Film Festival on Saturday morning, joining this year’s Sundance docs “Summer of Soul” and “Rebel Hearts” and last year’s “Crip Camp” as a celebration of revolutionary work that came out...
So what took so long to make “Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street?” Marilyn Agrelo’s film premiered at the virtual Sundance Film Festival on Saturday morning, joining this year’s Sundance docs “Summer of Soul” and “Rebel Hearts” and last year’s “Crip Camp” as a celebration of revolutionary work that came out...
- 1/30/2021
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
As much as fans enjoy its original content, one of the big draws of Disney Plus is how it operates as a hub of nostalgic movies and TV shows from the Mouse House’s vault. One classic 90s favorite that’s been frustratingly absent from D+’s library over its first year, though, is Dinosaurs, the hit prehistoric-themed sitcom that was produced by The Jim Henson Company. Now, however, we know when to expect the show to drop on the streaming service.
While speaking to Collider, exec producer Brian Henson confirmed that Dinosaurs is finally coming to D+ next month. Specifically, fans can look forward to it becoming available on January 29th. Henson was also asked if he’s excited for the series to be enjoyed by a whole new audience, to which he said that he is, explaining:
“I am. Although up until pretty recently it was on Hulu...
While speaking to Collider, exec producer Brian Henson confirmed that Dinosaurs is finally coming to D+ next month. Specifically, fans can look forward to it becoming available on January 29th. Henson was also asked if he’s excited for the series to be enjoyed by a whole new audience, to which he said that he is, explaining:
“I am. Although up until pretty recently it was on Hulu...
- 12/15/2020
- by Christian Bone
- We Got This Covered
Over the last 30 years, there’s been five live-action and one animated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie, and for a lot of people, the high point is still the very first installment. Steve Barron’s 1990 cult favorite capitalized on the heroes in a half shell being at the height of their popularity and made over $200 million at the box office on a budget of just $13.5 million.
It might not have received widespread critical acclaim, but a Rotten Tomatoes score of 40% is still more than good enough to make it the highest-rated Turtles pic ever, as well as the most profitable. To celebrate the 30th anniversary, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is heading back into select theaters this weekend, and the team behind the project have been offering up some new details on their experience.
A lot of fans felt that Michael Bay’s rebooted series forgot everything that made the franchise...
It might not have received widespread critical acclaim, but a Rotten Tomatoes score of 40% is still more than good enough to make it the highest-rated Turtles pic ever, as well as the most profitable. To celebrate the 30th anniversary, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is heading back into select theaters this weekend, and the team behind the project have been offering up some new details on their experience.
A lot of fans felt that Michael Bay’s rebooted series forgot everything that made the franchise...
- 11/3/2020
- by Scott Campbell
- We Got This Covered
"As fun as it is scary." Yep, you read it right - this is a gory horror movie made entirely with puppets. Even though Brian Henson tried to make an R-rated puppet movie a few years back (The Happytime Murders), this one looks like everything that movie was not - much better and much more disgusting. Frank & Zed is a homemade passion project from filmmaker Jesse Blanchard. "It was shot in 4K in Blanchard's garage and a nearby studio and required the creation of 40 handmade puppets, miniatures, practical cloud tank effects, and actual fire." Badass. Lovingly crafted entirely with hand puppets, this hilarious, blood-drenched practical marvel sees the peaceful, secluded lifestyle of two monsters threatened when a group of desperate villagers come to repay an age-old pact to a wretched demon. Featuring the voices of Mandy Stockholm, Daniel Wagner, Jonathan McLain, Sam A. Mowry. And tons of gnarly puppets. I always enjoy these low budget,...
- 10/2/2020
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Brian Henson has been head of the Jim Henson Company for nearly 30 years now, following in his father Jim Henson’s footsteps. His latest project, “Earth To Ned” (streaming on Disney Plus) features new puppet creatures, such as the titular alien commander Ned (Paul Rugg) and his sidekick Cornelius (Michael Oosterom), who host a late-night talk show.
Ned is sent to destroy Earth, but instead, he falls in love with mankind, beaming human celebrity guests, such as RuPaul and Rachel Bloom, to his spaceship. The idea to play with a combination of late-night TV, improve and science fiction had been brewing in Henson’s mind for more than six years before becoming a reality.
Here, Henson talks with Variety about the craft of puppetry and creature effects, and how materials have changed in the crafts work.
From where did the idea for “Earth to Ned” stem?
We did a show...
Ned is sent to destroy Earth, but instead, he falls in love with mankind, beaming human celebrity guests, such as RuPaul and Rachel Bloom, to his spaceship. The idea to play with a combination of late-night TV, improve and science fiction had been brewing in Henson’s mind for more than six years before becoming a reality.
Here, Henson talks with Variety about the craft of puppetry and creature effects, and how materials have changed in the crafts work.
From where did the idea for “Earth to Ned” stem?
We did a show...
- 9/18/2020
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Universal Studio Group’s Ucp has unveiled its unscripted development slate, which includes projects from Seth MacFarlane’s Fuzzy Door, the Jim Henson Company and Wondery.
“While we have had great success in the realm of true-crime, we also have a softer side that we want to show off. I can’t think of a better time for some fun, smart, light-hearted yet timely fare for our unscripted slate,” said Dawn Olmstead, president of Ucp.
“Micronations” is one such project, executive produced by MacFarlane and Erica Huggins for Fuzzy Door alongside Jason Clark and Sarah Ullman, as part of MacFarlane’s overall deal with Ucp. The documentary tackles the question of what it means to belong, to be a citizen, and to build a country. The show’s host will go on “an adventure around the world to the countries that don’t exist.”
Ucp and the Jim Henson Company...
“While we have had great success in the realm of true-crime, we also have a softer side that we want to show off. I can’t think of a better time for some fun, smart, light-hearted yet timely fare for our unscripted slate,” said Dawn Olmstead, president of Ucp.
“Micronations” is one such project, executive produced by MacFarlane and Erica Huggins for Fuzzy Door alongside Jason Clark and Sarah Ullman, as part of MacFarlane’s overall deal with Ucp. The documentary tackles the question of what it means to belong, to be a citizen, and to build a country. The show’s host will go on “an adventure around the world to the countries that don’t exist.”
Ucp and the Jim Henson Company...
- 9/2/2020
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
Ucp is ramping up its development on unscripted programming and is moving into the family space.
The company is working on family-friendly projects with Seth MacFarlane, Jim Henson Company and Wondery.
This comes after the division of Universal Studio Group has produced a slew of true-crime series and investigative doc series such as Netflix’s Business of Drugs, FX’s A Wilderness of Error and Oxygen’s DNA of Murder with Paul Holes and Unspeakable Crime: The Killing of Jessica Chambers.
Micronations, which is exec produced by MacFarlane and and Erica Huggins for Fuzzy Door, looks at what it takes to build a country, what it means to be a citizen and takes a host on an adventure around the world to the countries that don’t exist. Jason Clark and Sarah Ullman will also exec produce.
Imagined Life is based on the eponymous Wondery podcast, which takes people on...
The company is working on family-friendly projects with Seth MacFarlane, Jim Henson Company and Wondery.
This comes after the division of Universal Studio Group has produced a slew of true-crime series and investigative doc series such as Netflix’s Business of Drugs, FX’s A Wilderness of Error and Oxygen’s DNA of Murder with Paul Holes and Unspeakable Crime: The Killing of Jessica Chambers.
Micronations, which is exec produced by MacFarlane and and Erica Huggins for Fuzzy Door, looks at what it takes to build a country, what it means to be a citizen and takes a host on an adventure around the world to the countries that don’t exist. Jason Clark and Sarah Ullman will also exec produce.
Imagined Life is based on the eponymous Wondery podcast, which takes people on...
- 9/2/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Heeeee-rrrrrrre’s Ned! Disney+ said today that it will stream the galaxy’s first alien-hosted talk show starting September 4. Watch a promo for Earth to Ned above and examine the key art below.
Produced by The Jim Henson Company and Marwar Junction Productions, Earth to Ned is a decidedly different take on the late-night talk format. It stars extraterrestrial-creatures Ned and Cornelius as they interview terrestrial stars.
Each episode focuses on a topic or theme that is unique to Earthlings and fascinating to Ned, including comedy, sports, social media and fashion. Ned beams in celebrity guests from across the known universe, and the more he learns about our human culture, the more obsessed he becomes.
Among the celebrity guests lined up for Earth to Ned are Joshua Bassett, Rachel Bilson, Michael Ian Black, Rachel Bloom, Gina Carano, RuPaul, Taye Diggs, Lil Rel Howery, Bindi and Robert Irwin, Gillian Jacobs, NeNe Leakes,...
Produced by The Jim Henson Company and Marwar Junction Productions, Earth to Ned is a decidedly different take on the late-night talk format. It stars extraterrestrial-creatures Ned and Cornelius as they interview terrestrial stars.
Each episode focuses on a topic or theme that is unique to Earthlings and fascinating to Ned, including comedy, sports, social media and fashion. Ned beams in celebrity guests from across the known universe, and the more he learns about our human culture, the more obsessed he becomes.
Among the celebrity guests lined up for Earth to Ned are Joshua Bassett, Rachel Bilson, Michael Ian Black, Rachel Bloom, Gina Carano, RuPaul, Taye Diggs, Lil Rel Howery, Bindi and Robert Irwin, Gillian Jacobs, NeNe Leakes,...
- 8/17/2020
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
‘Doctor Strange’ helmer, Scott Derrickson, has been set to direct a sequel to Jim Henson’s ‘Labyrinth’.
Maggie Levin, who wrote and directed ‘Into the Dark’, and ‘My Valentine for Hulu’, will pen the script.
Lisa Henson of The Jim Henson Company is producing. Brian Henson is executive producing. Derrickson is executive producing with his frequent collaborator C. Robert Cargill.
Also in news – Apple drop first Look image for coming-of-age series ‘Little Voice’
David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly starred in the 1986 original film revolves around 16-year-old Sarah’s (Connelly) quest to reach the centre of an enormous otherworldly maze to rescue her infant brother Toby, whom Sarah wished away to Jareth the Goblin King (Bowie). Most of the film’s significant characters, apart from Bowie and Connelly, are played by puppets produced by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop.
Earlier this year, Derrickson walked away from the sequel to ‘Doctor Strange...
Maggie Levin, who wrote and directed ‘Into the Dark’, and ‘My Valentine for Hulu’, will pen the script.
Lisa Henson of The Jim Henson Company is producing. Brian Henson is executive producing. Derrickson is executive producing with his frequent collaborator C. Robert Cargill.
Also in news – Apple drop first Look image for coming-of-age series ‘Little Voice’
David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly starred in the 1986 original film revolves around 16-year-old Sarah’s (Connelly) quest to reach the centre of an enormous otherworldly maze to rescue her infant brother Toby, whom Sarah wished away to Jareth the Goblin King (Bowie). Most of the film’s significant characters, apart from Bowie and Connelly, are played by puppets produced by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop.
Earlier this year, Derrickson walked away from the sequel to ‘Doctor Strange...
- 5/27/2020
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Jim Henson’s 1986 classic fantasy film, Labyrinth, has achieved something that its initial box office performance would never in a million years justify: a sequel.
TriStar Pictures is set to take moviegoers back to the world of fairies, goblins and baby-napping glam-rockers who put on random musical numbers within the confines of enormously ominous oubliettes, with a sequel to Labyrinth now officially in the works, according to Deadline. Additionally, the studio has already found a creative team to tackle the project, tapping a director who’s put in work exploring appropriately labyrinthine fantastical worlds in Doctor Strange director Scott Derrickson. He’ll work off a script by Maggie Levin, who’s put in genre work on Hulu series Into the Dark and My Valentine, along with Go90’s Miss 2059.
Coming from the creative dream team of director Jim Henson and writer Terry Jones, Labyrinth followed the fantastical exploits of...
TriStar Pictures is set to take moviegoers back to the world of fairies, goblins and baby-napping glam-rockers who put on random musical numbers within the confines of enormously ominous oubliettes, with a sequel to Labyrinth now officially in the works, according to Deadline. Additionally, the studio has already found a creative team to tackle the project, tapping a director who’s put in work exploring appropriately labyrinthine fantastical worlds in Doctor Strange director Scott Derrickson. He’ll work off a script by Maggie Levin, who’s put in genre work on Hulu series Into the Dark and My Valentine, along with Go90’s Miss 2059.
Coming from the creative dream team of director Jim Henson and writer Terry Jones, Labyrinth followed the fantastical exploits of...
- 5/26/2020
- by Joseph Baxter
- Den of Geek
“Doctor Strange” helmer Scott Derrickson will direct the sequel to Jim Henson’s fantasy musical “Labyrinth” for TriStar Pictures.
Lisa Henson of The Jim Henson Company is producing. Brian Henson is executive producing. Derrickson is executive producing with his frequent collaborator, C. Robert Cargill. Blanca Lisa, vice president of feature film production, is shepherding the project for The Jim Henson Company. Caellum Allan is supervising with Nicole Brown on behalf of TriStar Pictures.
Maggie Levin, who wrote and directed “Into the Dark: My Valentine“ for Hulu, will pen the script for the sequel. The original 1986 movie starred David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly. Sony, which announced the project on Tuesday, said “Labyrinth” has maintained audience popularity for over three decades, leading to tie-in novels, comic books, video games, screenings and even an annual fan masquerade ball.
The late Jim Henson directed “Labyrinth” and George Lucas executive produced the pic. The story...
Lisa Henson of The Jim Henson Company is producing. Brian Henson is executive producing. Derrickson is executive producing with his frequent collaborator, C. Robert Cargill. Blanca Lisa, vice president of feature film production, is shepherding the project for The Jim Henson Company. Caellum Allan is supervising with Nicole Brown on behalf of TriStar Pictures.
Maggie Levin, who wrote and directed “Into the Dark: My Valentine“ for Hulu, will pen the script for the sequel. The original 1986 movie starred David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly. Sony, which announced the project on Tuesday, said “Labyrinth” has maintained audience popularity for over three decades, leading to tie-in novels, comic books, video games, screenings and even an annual fan masquerade ball.
The late Jim Henson directed “Labyrinth” and George Lucas executive produced the pic. The story...
- 5/26/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
“Doctor Strange” director Scott Derrickson is attached to direct a sequel to Jim Henson’s 1986 fantasy film “Labyrinth” for TriStar Pictures, an individual with knowledge of the project told TheWrap.
The original movie starring David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly has become a cult classic and has been spun off in novels, comic books, video games and much more as Henson’s legacy has grown. Derrickson will direct the sequel, and Maggie Levin, who wrote and directed an episode of Netflix’s “Into the Dark,” will write the screenplay.
Lisa Henson of the Jim Henson Company is producing, and Brian Henson is executive producing along with Derrickson and his frequent collaborator C. Robert Cargill.
Also Read: 'Doctor Strange' Director Scott Derrickson Picked Up for Skydance Thriller 'Bermuda'
“Labyrinth” is the story of a girl (Connelly) who has to navigate and solve a labyrinth in order to rescue her baby...
The original movie starring David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly has become a cult classic and has been spun off in novels, comic books, video games and much more as Henson’s legacy has grown. Derrickson will direct the sequel, and Maggie Levin, who wrote and directed an episode of Netflix’s “Into the Dark,” will write the screenplay.
Lisa Henson of the Jim Henson Company is producing, and Brian Henson is executive producing along with Derrickson and his frequent collaborator C. Robert Cargill.
Also Read: 'Doctor Strange' Director Scott Derrickson Picked Up for Skydance Thriller 'Bermuda'
“Labyrinth” is the story of a girl (Connelly) who has to navigate and solve a labyrinth in order to rescue her baby...
- 5/26/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Scott Derrickson Set To Direct ‘Labyrinth’ Sequel For TriStar Pictures; Maggie Levin To Write Script
Exclusive: Scott Derrickson, who passed on reprising as director on Dr. Strange 2 over creative differences, has found a new fantasy franchise to take on. He has been set by TriStar Pictures to direct the sequel to Jim Henson’s Labyrinth. Maggie Levin, who wrote and directed Into the Dark, and My Valentine for Hulu, will write the script.
The 1986 original starred David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly and has maintained a cult status for over three decades, leading to tie-in novels and comic books, video games, perennial screenings and even an annual fan masquerade ball, which is considered one the largest in the world.
Lisa Henson of The Jim Henson Company is producing. Brian Henson is executive producing. Derrickson is executive producing with his frequent collaborator, C. Robert Cargill. Blanca Lisa, vice president of feature film production, is shepherding the project for The Jim Henson Company.
Caellum Allen is supervising with...
The 1986 original starred David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly and has maintained a cult status for over three decades, leading to tie-in novels and comic books, video games, perennial screenings and even an annual fan masquerade ball, which is considered one the largest in the world.
Lisa Henson of The Jim Henson Company is producing. Brian Henson is executive producing. Derrickson is executive producing with his frequent collaborator, C. Robert Cargill. Blanca Lisa, vice president of feature film production, is shepherding the project for The Jim Henson Company.
Caellum Allen is supervising with...
- 5/26/2020
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
The National Association of Broadcasters kicked off the online version of its annual convention Wednesday with overtures to members hit hard by Covid-19 and a feel-good honor for Muppets creator Jim Henson.
“We know this is likely the most challenging time local stations have ever encountered,” Nab president Gordon Smith said. “This pandemic has crippled our nation’s economy and our industry has not been spared. Broadcasters are confronting plummeting advertising sales and enormous operational challenges.”
Second-quarter ad revenue at major station owners like Fox Corp. is on track to fall as much as 50% compared with the same period in 2019 as media buyers pull back from TV during the financial downturn.
Despite the bleak spring of 2020, Smith added, “Stations are doing what they do best: delivering the trusted and lifesaving information your communities need.” The former Republican Senator from Oregon closed his remarks by quoting poet Theodore Roethke: “In a dark time,...
“We know this is likely the most challenging time local stations have ever encountered,” Nab president Gordon Smith said. “This pandemic has crippled our nation’s economy and our industry has not been spared. Broadcasters are confronting plummeting advertising sales and enormous operational challenges.”
Second-quarter ad revenue at major station owners like Fox Corp. is on track to fall as much as 50% compared with the same period in 2019 as media buyers pull back from TV during the financial downturn.
Despite the bleak spring of 2020, Smith added, “Stations are doing what they do best: delivering the trusted and lifesaving information your communities need.” The former Republican Senator from Oregon closed his remarks by quoting poet Theodore Roethke: “In a dark time,...
- 5/13/2020
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
In today’s TV news roundup, Disney Plus announced a new unscripted series with the Jim Henson Company and Fox released a trailer for “The Moodys.”
Dates
MTV’s “Ex on the Beach: Peak of Love” will premiere on Dec. 5 with Romeo Miller set to host. Ten international celeb-reality singles will gather in the mountains of Queenstown, New Zealand, hoping to find true love only to be interrupted by their past relationships. Contestants include Adore Delano (“RuPaul’s Drag Race”), Daniel Maguire (“The Bachelorette”) and Ryan Gallagher (“American Idol”). Following the U.S. premiere, the series will roll out across MTV’s international channels in January 2020.
First Looks
Fox released the trailer for the three-part holiday series “The Moodys,” which premieres Dec. 4. Starring Denis Leary and Elizabeth Perkins, the limited series will explore a dysfunctional family trying to have the perfect holiday while experiencing break-ups, awkward bathroom arrangements and arrests.
Dates
MTV’s “Ex on the Beach: Peak of Love” will premiere on Dec. 5 with Romeo Miller set to host. Ten international celeb-reality singles will gather in the mountains of Queenstown, New Zealand, hoping to find true love only to be interrupted by their past relationships. Contestants include Adore Delano (“RuPaul’s Drag Race”), Daniel Maguire (“The Bachelorette”) and Ryan Gallagher (“American Idol”). Following the U.S. premiere, the series will roll out across MTV’s international channels in January 2020.
First Looks
Fox released the trailer for the three-part holiday series “The Moodys,” which premieres Dec. 4. Starring Denis Leary and Elizabeth Perkins, the limited series will explore a dysfunctional family trying to have the perfect holiday while experiencing break-ups, awkward bathroom arrangements and arrests.
- 10/25/2019
- by Lorraine Wheat
- Variety Film + TV
Disney+ is teaming with The Jim Henson Company on what they describe as an “out-of-this-world” talk show. The upcoming streaming service has given a series order to Earth To Ned, a comedic half-hour in which Ned, a blue-skinned alien, and his lieutenant Cornelius, interview celebrity guests, Deadline has confirmed. The series will stream exclusively on Disney+ in 2020.
As described by Disney+ and The Jim Henson Company: “The comedic half-hour series follows Ned, a blue-skinned alien and his lieutenant Cornelius, who were sent to scout Earth for an eventual invasion – but instead became obsessed with our popular culture. Now, they host a talk show, broadcast from the bridge of their spaceship hidden deep underground, where they interview our most precious commodity, celebrities, to talk about Ned’s current pop culture obsessions. Ned will be bringing real-life celebrity guests to his ship from across the known universe and interviewing them, late night talk show style,...
As described by Disney+ and The Jim Henson Company: “The comedic half-hour series follows Ned, a blue-skinned alien and his lieutenant Cornelius, who were sent to scout Earth for an eventual invasion – but instead became obsessed with our popular culture. Now, they host a talk show, broadcast from the bridge of their spaceship hidden deep underground, where they interview our most precious commodity, celebrities, to talk about Ned’s current pop culture obsessions. Ned will be bringing real-life celebrity guests to his ship from across the known universe and interviewing them, late night talk show style,...
- 10/25/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Synopsis
Astronaut John Crichton assumes he’ll be home in time for dinner. But a freak accident during an experimental space mission catapults him across a thousand galaxies to an alien battlefield. Suddenly, he’s trapped among alien creatures wielding deadly technology – a battle that 20th century sci-fi pop culture never prepared him for. Hunted by a merciless military race, Crichton begins his unforgettable quest for home. Celebrate the 20th anniversary of this groundbreaking, epic sci-fi adventure that has become a fan favorite around the world.
Blu-ray Bonus Materials
Farscape: The Peacekeeper Wars 2-part Finale Miniseries Audio Commentaries Archival Documentaries, Featurettes and Inside Looks Behind-the-Scenes Interviews Deleted & Director’s Cut Scenes Alternate Version of the Season 2 Premiere TV Promos And More!
Cast And Crew
Creator: Rockne S. O’Bannon
Executive Producers: Rockne S. O’Bannon, Robert A. Halmi, David Kemper, Brian Henson, Richard Manning
Cast: Ben Browder, Claudia Black, Gigi Edgley,...
Astronaut John Crichton assumes he’ll be home in time for dinner. But a freak accident during an experimental space mission catapults him across a thousand galaxies to an alien battlefield. Suddenly, he’s trapped among alien creatures wielding deadly technology – a battle that 20th century sci-fi pop culture never prepared him for. Hunted by a merciless military race, Crichton begins his unforgettable quest for home. Celebrate the 20th anniversary of this groundbreaking, epic sci-fi adventure that has become a fan favorite around the world.
Blu-ray Bonus Materials
Farscape: The Peacekeeper Wars 2-part Finale Miniseries Audio Commentaries Archival Documentaries, Featurettes and Inside Looks Behind-the-Scenes Interviews Deleted & Director’s Cut Scenes Alternate Version of the Season 2 Premiere TV Promos And More!
Cast And Crew
Creator: Rockne S. O’Bannon
Executive Producers: Rockne S. O’Bannon, Robert A. Halmi, David Kemper, Brian Henson, Richard Manning
Cast: Ben Browder, Claudia Black, Gigi Edgley,...
- 9/29/2019
- by ComicMix Staff
- Comicmix.com
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