There is a new documentary in the works that is promising to be the “definitive portrait” of Jim Henson, creator of The Muppets. The film is coming from Ron Howard and Brian Grazer who are teaming up with Disney Original Documentary.
The film is being made with the “full participation and cooperation of the Henson family, and will present a fascinating and intimate look at Jim’s illustrious career creating treasured characters and revolutionizing television and film.” This came from a statement announcing the project. The documentary will utilize never-seen-before personal archives including home movies, photographs, sketches, and Henson’s personal diaries. This will give a personal look into the life of Jim Henson in a way that has never been done before.
Henson’s family said, “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. 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.”
A description of the project shared the following:
In his 36-year career, Jim Henson created some of the world’s most cherished characters, including classic Muppets like Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy and all of “Sesame Street”’s iconic residents, including Big Bird, Grover, Cookie Monster, and Bert and Ernie. He also created beloved fantasy films like “The Dark Crystal” and “Labyrinth,” which included iconic characters and technological advances that pushed the boundaries of the time. Tracing his life and work, the documentary will follow how the brilliant innovator came to shape the childhoods of generations to come.
“Jim Henson transcends generations through his iconic characters, and it’s one of the many reasons why I have been a lifelong fan,” said director Howard. “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.”
“Jim Henson has impacted our culture for generations, and his creative legacy continues to live on,” said Disney Original Documentary Vice President Marjon Javadi. As iconic storytellers in their own right, Ron Howard, Brian Grazer, Sara Bernstein and Justin Wilkes are the best auteurs to share Jim Henson’s story with the world. We’re thrilled to be partnering with the team at Imagine Documentaries and the Henson family on this undoubtedly inspirational film.”
Currently, there is no title for this project. Ron Howard is set to both produce and direct. He will be joined by Brian Grazer, Margaret Bodde and Imagine Documentaries’ Sara Bernstein and Justin Wilkes who will produce the film. It will be executive produced by Imagine Entertainment’s Michael Rosenberg and Disney Original Documentary’s Marjon Javadi. Mark Monroe will serve as writer/producer and Paul Crowder will edit/executive produce.At this time, it is unknown when this documentary will be released.
What do you think of a documentary from Ron Howard about Jim Henson? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
