More News from Comic-Con 2006

From: Dark Horizons

If there is one company capable of consistently capturing the imagination of young and old alike, one that is constantly pushing the boundaries of special effects and creature creation, it would be the Jim Henson Company. Responsible for everything from children's classics like The Muppet Show and The Dark Crystal to more modern and mature offerings like Farscape and MirrorMask, the Jim Henson Company has always striven to fulfill the dream of its creator, “to leave the world a better place.” At this year's Comic-Con panel, Lisa Henson, Brian Froud, Scott Stewart and Genndy Tartakovsky divulge the company's upcoming plans to make that dream happen.

A sequel to the original 1982 film, Power of the Dark Crystal will be directed by Genndy Tartakovsky and produced by Scott Stewart. The concept and world designs, of course, will be provided by none other than Brian Froud. Lisa Henson promises the new film has a “compelling story, really beautiful” and maintains that, while her father was not interested in making a sequel to The Dark Crystal twenty years ago, the new screenplay is in line with his original vision, offering “innovation [that has] never been seen before.” Unlike the original film, Power of the Dark Crystal will follow the adventures of new characters and explore the underground world of Brian Froud, rather than repeating the overland journey of Jenn and Kira. Per Brian Froud, the world of his creation “has moved on, leaving [them] to catch up” and create something entirely unique.

Of course, this still begs the question, what about the puppets? In this regard, hardcore Henson fans have nothing to fear. While CGI effects will be used to complement the film, bringing to life the landscape and hiding the puppeteers, the characters themselves will be done with authentic Henson Creature Labs creations. In fact, when initially approached about doing the film, both Genndy Tartakovsky and Scott Stewart only agreed to participate after being assured that puppets would be the mainstay of the production. Tartakovsky even goes so far as to promise audiences “real puppet action.”