It’s hard to think of entertainers more universally beloved than the late Jim Henson. Filmmaker Ron Howard has an upcoming documentary all about the creator of The Muppets- “Jim Henson Idea Man.” It looks to be a gripping expose of just how wholesome Henson really was. (Spoiler warning; the answer is very)
“Idea Man,” will showcase glimpses into the groundbreaking puppeteer’s life and career. This is a pretty tall order when you consider he is responsible for properties like “The Muppets,” “Sesame Street,” “The Dark Crystal,” and “Labyrinth.” The documentary is also being done with the cooperation of Henson’s family. Allowing access to never-before-seen materials from his personal archives including home movies, photographs, sketches, and diaries.
The trailer for the film shows various snippets throughout Henson’s life. All fittingly backed by Kermit the Frog singing “Rainbow Connection” from 1979’s “The Muppet Movie.” “Idea Man,” will also feature interviews with Rita Moreno (“West Side Story”), Jennifer Connelly (“Labyrinth”), Henson’s four children, along with his collaborators Frank Oz and Michael Firth.
Howard’s documentary seeks to take us into the mind of this singular creative visionary. We will follow Henson’s life from puppeteering on local television to the worldwide success of “Sesame Street,” “The Muppet Show,” and more. “Idea Man,” provides an entertaining and insightful look at a man whose boundless imagination changed the world.
Howard’s Thoughts
“As a documentary subject it immediately felt incumbent upon me to try to infuse the audience’s experience with as much of Jim’s creative flavor, originality, energy, fun and creativity as I possibly could,” Howard said in a statement.
Henson passed away in 1990, but his work continues to delight viewers of all ages. In 2004 Disney purchased the rights to “The Muppets” characters from the Jim Henson Company.
“Jim Henson Idea Man,” will premier on Disney+ May 31st. You can check out the heartwarming trailer below:
