We are so delighted to share the news that Ron Howard and Brian Grazer are working on a documentary about Jim Henson! Not only that, but the project has the full blessing of the Henson family. Arguably best known the world over for his creation of The Muppets, Henson was truly a light in the entertainment world. He understood something valuable- programs for kids didn’t need to talk down to them.
The Muppets have been an enduring part of Henson’s legacy, with The Jim Henson Company still thriving 30 years after Jim’s passing. Howard will direct the documentary.
“Jim Henson transcends generations through his iconic characters, and it’s one of the many reasons why I have been a lifelong fan,” Howard said about the news. “I can’t wait to share a side of him and his career that people have never seen before. Henson’s limitless imagination and restless creativity is like few others and has influenced so much of our world as we know it. I’m humbled to be able to share a deeper look into his life and story.”
Henson of course directed classic 80s fantasy films “The Dark Crystal,” and “Labyrinth,” as well as “The Muppet Movie,” “The Great Muppet Caper,” and “The Muppets Take Manhattan.”
“The Jim Henson Company’s archive is a treasure reflecting our father’s work, personal life and inspirations, and has been carefully maintained for the last 30 years under the leadership of archivist Karen Falk,” the Henson family said. “It will be thrilling to see the story that emerges from these materials in the hands of a truly great filmmaker like Ron Howard, who has the perfect spirit and personality to tell Jim Henson’s story.”
We’ll let you know about what else we hear about this and other news.