The long-awaited sequel to the Jim Henson cult favorite 1982 sci-fantasy “The Dark Crystal” has finally been financed and greenlighted for production in 3D.
Australia-based Omnilab Media‘s production arm Ambience Entertainment will produce “Power of the Dark Crystal,” once again a mix of live-action, puppetry, and visual effects, for The Jim Henson Company.
Next step is to secure worldwide distribution.
Peter Spierig and Michael Spierig, writers and directors of “Undead” and “Daybreakers,” will direct from a screenplay by Australian Craig Pearce based on an original script by Annette Duffy and David Odell. Brian Froud will reprise his role as conceptual designer of the film.
“Peter Spierig and Michael Spierig are sure to create a film that will continue the legacy of the original and exceed the expectations of our loyal fans,” said Lisa Henson, CEO of The Jim Henson Company.
“Power” will be set hundreds of years after the events of the first movie when the world has once again fallen into darkness, and 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.
Peter Spierig said the sequel gives he and the other filmmakers a chance to meld the world of traditional puppetry and animatronics with new processes such as motion-capture CGI …”to create a 100% real world that is unique to ‘The Dark Crystal’.”
Visual and special effects produced entirely in Australia, where Omnilab-affiliated Iloura has
already begun work on the film’s CGI elements.
“The Jim Henson Company has consistently delivered an amazing range of entertainment over generations and is an iconic creative studio that we are proud to have partner with us,” said Omnilab Media’s Christopher Mapp.
— By Scott Hettrick