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February 4, 2007

POTDC "Hiatus" is a HOAX!

Hello, from , about THE POWER OF THE DARK CRYSTAL production...

Darkhorizons.com and filmick.com have their facts wrong. The film's production is moving along as planned. The project is not "canceled", "on hiatus", "delayed" or " abandoned". Production is on track and the film is still planned for a "Spring 2008" release. The Jim Henson Company's Head of Publicity and Head of Features both reassured me on Wednesday (after I caught wind of this rumor) that the film is still alive and moving along as intended. Apparently some hooligans are out there making reports that the film has been canceled, but there is no merit to the claims at all. The film is coming and things are moving along beautifully. The goal is to finish post-production by the end of the year, so we should see the physical production gearing up real soon. The internet is a great tool for getting information and it's also a great place to spread rumors. Don't just trust everything you read about the film out there. Look at what/who the source is and what validity their claims have. It's easy for crazed "fans" to make stuff up and get it out there – and once that stuff is out there it can be hard (if not impossible) to correct. With a much anticipated film that's part of such a beloved and established franchise, it's easy for people to jump to conclusions, assert assumptions as fact and just try to play games with the fan base.

The film should be ready for its debut at Cannes in May 2008. So the key now is patience. I know it seems like forever when waiting for the film, and some days it feels like it will never be here. But everything is on track and the film is coming our way. The film is not on hiatus! So feel free to set up camp in front of your local cineplex to be the first to get tickets when they go on sale in "Spring 2008". But until then, we have to wait.

February 2, 2007

Storyboards and sketches for The Power of the Dark Crystal! Thanks, Laszlo!

July 29, 2006

has a video posting of The Power of the Dark Crystal section of the Jim Henson presentation at Comic-Con!

Power of The Dark Crystal Presentation Reel
03:26

July 28, 2006

has updated its information for The Power of the Dark Crystal!

July 26, 2006

Brian Froud's The Power of the Dark Crystal Queen Kira conceptual art graces the cover of Cinefantastique Magazine Special Collector's Edition Special 2006 Comic-Con Preview Issue!

July 24, 2006

New Power of the Dark Crystal t-shirt exclusively at !

July 22, 2006

The Jim Henson Presentation at Comic-Con!
Source: Scott Chitwood

ComingSoon.net attended the Jim Henson presentation Friday evening at the San Diego Comic-Con. On the panel were Lisa Henson, Michael Polis, fairy expert and The Dark Crystal designer Brian Froud, sequel director Genndy Tartakofsky, and visual effects whiz Scott Stewart. (Posters of the upcoming "Return to the Labyrinth" manga from TokyoPop were handed out to attendees.)

First up in their presentation was a tribute to Jim Henson. This was followed by the unveiling of a new children's line of clothes called "Jim Henson Designs". The clothes feature cute, imaginative, and cool doodles made by Jim Henson as prints on t-shirts, baby clothes, jeans, and more. They looked very cool.

Next up they showed some new web exclusives that can be bought at Henson.com. They include shirts from Labyrinth, t-shirts with the Power of the Dark Crystal logos, and more. Also revealed was that the second season of "Fraggle Rock" was coming to DVD. A 3-pack of Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal, and Mirrormask is also coming. Continuing the merchandising blitz, busts and statues from "Dark Crystal" and Labyrinth were shown. The goblin statues were impressive. Mention of "The Return to Labyrinth" manga was also made. It comes out next week and includes a preview of "Legends of Dark Crystal," another manga from TokyoPop that comes in Spring 2007.

Finally, the presentation turned to discussion of the Dark Crystal sequel - Power of the Dark Crystal. Michael Polis and Lisa Henson described how fans kept asking them for a sequel and that prompted them to ask the script writer if he had any ideas for a sequel. The script writer remembered a conversation he had with Jim Henson where they laid out story ideas. Rather than doing the further adventures of the Gelflings, they wanted to go farther in the world and this film reflects that. Tartakofsky said how they intend to do a mix of puppets and CGI. They intend to use the CG effects to remove puppeteers from the images and free up the puppets to do "real puppet action". All panelists agreed Jim Henson would approve of the use of the technology.

A few concept art pieces were quickly flashed on the screen. The previously seen elderly Kira was shown. They showed a new female creature named "Thurma" who is a fire creature from the underworld. Next up was a male creature from above the earth named Kensho. The two have an adventure under the surface in the "Innerworld". We saw pictures of caverns, crystals, underground lakes, and huge monsters. Not much more was said about the sequel film. A kid asked if the Gelflings would be married and Froud joked that it was possible they had been "living in sin". Tartakofsky also said that he'd love to have Frank Oz involved in some capacity if he could.

The presentation also showed a clip from the upcoming show "Late Night with Augie and Del". It features two middle aged guy puppets on a late night show with guests, skits, a band, sketches, and more. One of the characters seemed to be a combination of John Madden and Rodney Dangerfield. They jokingly promised to talk about "stuff that really matters". No word on where or when this will be seen.

Also shown was an absolutely hilarious adult comedy show called "Jim Henson's Puppet Improv". Think "Who's Line is It Anyway" with puppets. The clip shown displayed the comedy improvisational skills of the Henson puppeteers while catering to the adult crowd as far as content and language. The clip had folks laughing to the point of tears. In one sketch, the director asked the audience for a country - Angola. They then set up a scene where one Columbo-like interrogator was questioning a koala about a crime through an interpreter. When asked for a crime, someone yelled out "robbed a bank". The director said, "More specific?" Someone yelled out, "Sperm bank!" And thus the scene played out. This ain't "The Muppet Show," but it was a riot. Again, no word on where or when this show will appear, but I'll be watching.

Lisa Henson also confirmed that they were in the early stages of doing a Fraggle Rock movie, but it was a long way off. She also said they don't have any plans yet for a Labyrinth sequel - they are focused on "Dark Crystal."

That concluded the Jim Henson panel and it was great to see so much energy and potential still in the company.

June 15, 2006

New promotional flier for The Power of the Dark Crystal with pictures of Jen, Kira, and Thurma!

May 3, 2006

Brian Henson on Dark Crystal 2 and More
Written by Fred Topel

Henson Company co-CEO Brian Henson got on the phone with Now Playing recently to promote the DVD release of the first two seasons of the animatronic sitcom Dinosaurs. And it didn’t take long for him to begin spilling secrets about his upcoming projects. First up is the “Battleground” episode of Stephen King’s Nightmares and Dreamscapes for TNT.

A Henson doing Stephen King? What gives? “Well, I’ve always wanted to do something not for kids and I basically got to really exercise that on Farscape,” Henson says. “So Farscape was my big adult thing that I did and I did that for a lot of years. In continuing along that line, I did this ‘Battleground’ for Nightmares and Dreamscapes and I think I will do more drama/science fiction in the sort of X-Files vein as well as quite likely doing some more science fiction. I’m also enjoying some adult comedy. I think I would likely do some cool puppet pieces that are puppets but doing adult material.”

But don’t look for any evil puppets in “Battleground.” “There are characters [but] they’re not really puppets. They’re CG characters and costumes. It’s basically about a guy who gets hunted down in his apartment by a box of toy soldiers.”

In even bigger news for children of the 1980s, the Henson Company is doing a feature length Fraggle Rock movie. “I think we announced that we’re trying to develop a Fraggle Rock movie a little bit earlier than we’re doing it. Yes, we’re writing a Fraggle Rock movie and trying to pull it together.”

It’s been so long that they may have to reintroduce the origin story of the Fraggles, but devotees need not worry about a cheap remake. “I think it was more realizing the Fraggles in a slightly different environment. It was to do something that sort of stands next to Fraggle Rock rather than [is] a continuation of [it].”

You’ll see all your favorite Fraggles, and you won’t even be able to tell that the original puppets have been lost to mothballs. “Well, we have to rebuild them because they’re old, but it would be with a lot of those characters, definitely.”

On the front burner for Henson is a sequel to the cult classic The Dark Crystal. “We are trying to pull the business pieces together on a Dark Crystal sequel. That one’s pretty far along. It’s got a good, strong script, a great vision for how to do it and we’re just trying to [put it together].”

Much of the talent involved with the original Dark Crystal has left the Henson Company, so recreating that world will take more than just rebuilding the puppets. “For Dark Crystal, almost none of the voices were actually the puppeteers, so they were mostly voice artists. Where characters need to have the same voice we would likely try to find those voice artists or look for other voice artists.”

If Dark Crystal 2 happens, the obvious follow-up to Labyrinth would not be far behind. But Henson’s not thinking of an outright sequel for that world. “Actually, we’re talking about doing something different with Labyrinth but I can’t really talk about it. So we’re not really working on a sequel for Labyrinth right now, but Dark Crystal we are.”

February 1, 2006

Queen Kira from the 2008 film, the Power of the Dark Crystal.

GENNDY TARTAKOVSKY TO DIRECT
POWER OF THE DARK CRYSTAL

Orphanage Animation Studios Also Comes Aboard as Production Partners of Classic Fantasy Sequel

Odyssey Entertainment to target distributors at
European Film Market in Berlin

Hollywood, CA, February 1, 2006 – Award-winning animation director Genndy Tartakovsky, who created the hit series Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Samurai Jack and Dexter’s Laboratory, will direct Power of the Dark Crystal, the much anticipated sequel to The Jim Henson Company’s 1982 classic fantasy film. The announcement was made today by Lisa Henson, co-CEO of The Jim Henson Company and a producer on the film.

Additionally, Tartakovsky’s newest venture, Orphanage Animation Studios, has been brought on board as a producing partner to head up the CG animation elements that will be incorporated with the film’s live-action animatronic characters. Legendary fantasy artist Brian Froud, designer of the original film, will return to design the new characters. Odyssey Entertainment is representing worldwide sales and distribution on the film.

Set hundreds of years after the events of the first movie when the world has once again fallen into darkness, Power of the Dark Crystal follows the adventures of a mysterious girl made of fire who, together with a Gelfling outcast, steals a shard of the legendary Crystal in an attempt to reignite the dying sun that exists at the center of the planet.

“As an auteur of such exciting and fantastical adventure projects, Genndy is the perfect director to bring to life Power of the Dark Crystal,” said Lisa Henson. “I am sure that his visualization of Brian Froud’s designs will thrill fans of the original film as well as audiences who are meeting these beloved characters for the first time.”

Genndy Tartakovsky said, "The original Dark Crystal was one of the most inspirational and imaginative pictures of its time, so it's a real honor for me to be able to bring the world of The Dark Crystal to a whole new generation."

The sequel is only one of several projects exploring the world of The Dark Crystal, a fan favorite that has remained consistently strong with worldwide home video and DVD sales. Other projects include an animated television series, a manga series from Tokyo Pop, and myriad licensed products such as books, apparel and collectible sculptures.

Power of the Dark Crystal is a production of The Jim Henson Company in association with Orphanage Animation Studios. With a screenplay by Annette Duffy and David Odell, the film will be produced by Lisa Henson and Orphanage Animation Studios Chairman Scott Stewart. Executive Producers will be Brian Henson with Ralph Kamp and Louise Goodsill of Odyssey Entertainment.

Ralph Kamp and Louise Goodsill commented, “The original film remains a classic and it’s an honor to add Power of the Dark Crystal to our strong family line up. With Genndy and Orphanage Animation Studios joining The Jim Henson Company, the final creative elements are in place, and we know Berlin will be busy for us as we start the process of bringing this long-awaited sequel to its many fans around the world.”

December 17, 2005

update about the Dark Crystal sequel!

BRIAN FROUD CONCLUDES THE LATEST ROUND OF DESIGNS ON "DARK CRYSTAL 2"

In answer to your many inquiries, Brian has now completed his latest round of designs for DARK CRYSTAL 2. The latest version of the script will be delivered before Christmas and work will begin again in the New Year. No production start date or release date has been set.

October 7, 2005

update about the Dark Crystal sequel!

DARK CRYSTAL 2 UPDATE

Brian continues to work on initial concept art for the film as preparations continue to officially begin pre-production. No release date has yet been set.

Stay tuned! We will keep you posted on all developments of this exciting project!

August 7, 2005

has announced a news update about the Dark Crystal sequel!

THE DARK CRYSTAL SEQUEL
BRIAN FROUD IN DISCUSSION WITH THE JIM HENSON COMPANY- UPDATED NEWS!

Response from Froud fans at Comic-Con and Faerieworlds to the news that a DARK CRYSTAL sequel was in development at the Jim Henson Company was overwhelmingly enthusiastic. Fans were thrilled to hear that Brian Froud was involved and that (as in the original classic film) puppets will again be used and now complemented by numerous technologies not available twenty years ago. Brian will visit the Henson studios in Los Angeles this month to present his initial concept drawings and to meet with the director, writers and development team. Stay tuned to World of Froud for breaking news on this exciting and long awaited event.

July 15/19, 2005

THE JIM HENSON COMPANY, TOKYOPOP, AND NEIL GAIMAN SET TO BRING MIRRORMASK AND CLASSIC FANTASY TITLES TO MANGA
Original Graphic Novels Based on MirrorMask, The Dark Crystal, and Labyrinth Scheduled for Fall 2006 Release

Los Angeles, CA (July 15/19, 2005) -- The Jim Henson Company has partnered with TOKYOPOP Inc., the #1 publisher of manga in the U.S., in an exclusive manga publishing deal to bring three of its fantasy titles to fans. Most notable among them is MirrorMask, the feature film from Dave McKean and Neil Gaiman due for release on September 30th of this year. TOKYOPOP's MirrorMask prequel manga series will be plotted by Gaiman, the award-winning writer of the highly successful Sandman comics as well as the novels Good Omens and Coraline. Also included in the deal will be all-new original graphic novel series for the immensely popular properties The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth.

The MirrorMask prequel will tell the story of the princess' escape from the Dark Palace and how she came to acquire the MirrorMask.

TOKYOPOP also plans to release a sequel manga to Labyrinth, which first hit the big screen in 1986, remained a fan favorite over the years and also served as an inspiration for MirrorMask. Its manga version will follow a 13-year-old Toby as he journeys back to the Labyrinth to assume his role as the heir to the Goblin Kingdom. Manga writer Jake Forbes will write this series.

The final title will be a prequel to 1982's The Dark Crystal, the classic tale of good versus evil that broke ground as the first fully animatronic feature. Henson also recently announced that it is in preproduction on a sequel theatrical film of this cult classic.

Gaiman said, "As soon as I heard that Henson wanted to do manga versions of Labyrinth and The Dark Crystal, I immediately wanted to include MirrorMask as well. Having the leader of manga handle all three titles seems like the perfect way to present them to readers around the world."

"TOKYOPOP has consistently had innovative publishing and entertainment programs," said Michael Polis, Senior Vice President of Marketing for The Jim Henson Company. "Knowing the devoted followers these different titles have had over the years, we are thrilled to more fully explore these much-loved worlds with all-new manga series."

"The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth movies are so loved and iconic, and I have no doubt that MirrorMask will achieve the same status -- so it's a joy for me and for TOKYOPOP to be able to work with The Jim Henson Company and Neil Gaiman on these great titles," said TOKYOPOP editor Rob Valois.

July 11, 2005

announced today the negotiations that Brian Froud has with the Jim Henson company about his involvement with the Dark Crystal sequel!

THE DARK CRYSTAL SEQUEL
BRIAN FROUD IN DISCUSSION WITH THE JIM HENSON COMPANY

Brian Froud is currently in the final stages of negotiation with the Jim Henson Company to reprise his role as lead conceptual designer for THE DARK CRYSTAL 2, the as yet un-named sequel to the 1982 film fantasy classic, THE DARK CRYSTAL. Brian is scheduled to begin the initial phase of conceptual design this month, with no production start date yet identified. We will share all the up-to-the-minute news and previews on this exciting and long awaited project with Froudians right here on the World of Froud website.

May 16, 2005

and report the news about the sequel!

Dark Crystal Sequel Announced

The Jim Henson Co. announced that it will produce a feature-film sequel to its 1982 fantasy film The Dark Crystal, with the working title The Power of the Dark Crystal. The original movie was directed by Jim Henson and Frank Oz, with conceptual designer Brian Froud, and has remained a fan favorite with consistently strong worldwide home video and DVD sales, the company said.

The company's co-chief executives, Brian Henson and Lisa Henson, made the announcement. Odyssey Entertainment will represent the worldwide sales and distribution of the film, beginning immediately at the Cannes Film Festival.

The sequel is based on an original screenplay by Annette Duffy and David Odell, who wrote the first film. It is set many years after the events of the first movie. The Power of the Dark Crystal sees Jen and Kira 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 computer animation, the production is expected to commence in the fall. Lisa Henson and Kristine Belson will produce, with Brian Henson, Ralph Kamp and Louise Goodsill serving as executive producers.

May 13, 2005

'Dark' sequel crystalizes
Odell, Duffy penned script; no helmer attached

By ADAM DAWTREY

The Jim Henson Co. is planning to make a sequel to its 1982 fantasy classic "The Dark Crystal."
Titled "The Power of the Dark Crystal," the new movie is written by David Odell (whose credits include the original film and "The Muppet Show") and Annette Duffy. No director is yet attached.

Odyssey Entertainment is handling worldwide sales for the project.

Pic, which will start shooting this fall for delivery early in 2007, will combine live-action animatronic characters with CG animation to represent their world.

The story is set many years after the first film. Original heroes Jen and Kira are now king and queen, and must fight to save their kingdom when the crystal is once again split.

Lisa Henson and Kristine Belson will act as producers, with Brian Henson and Odyssey's Ralph Kamp and Louise Goodsill serving as exec 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.

Brian Henson added, "With the Jim Henson Co. 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."

The original film was directed by Frank Oz and Jim Henson.

Date in print: Sat., May 14, 2005 Cannes Daily

"Dark Crystal" Sequel In The Works
Posted: Sunday May 15th, 2005 2:37am
Author: Garth Franklin

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.

Henson Co. Planning Dark Crystal Sequel
Source: Variety

The Jim Henson Company is planning to make a sequel to its 1982 fantasy classic The Dark Crystal, reports Variety.

Titled The Power of the Dark Crystal, the new movie is written by David Odell (The Dark Crystal, The Muppet Show) and Annette Duffy. No director is yet attached to the film which starts shooting this fall for a 2007 release. It will combine live-action animatronic characters with CG animation.

The story is set many years after the original, which was helmed by Frank Oz and Jim Henson. Original heroes Jen and Kira are now king and queen, and must fight to save their kingdom when the crystal is once again split.

The company is also developing an animated series, interactive games and other media as well.

Comments? Email: [email protected]

This is an unofficial THE POWER OF THE DARK CRYSTAL website. THE POWER OF THE DARK CRYSTAL, characters, names and related indicia are trademarks of The Jim Henson Company. © 2001. Visit the official website at www.henson.com.