SYDNEY — The Jim Henson Company is to partner with Australian production outfit Omnilab Media to make “Power of the Dark Crystal,” a sequel to Henson’s 1982 fantasy hit “The Dark Crystal,” the companies confirmed Wednesday.
“Daybreakers” helmers Peter and Michael Speirig will direct the film to be made in stereoscopic 3D with a mix of live action and Henson puppetry, and is being billed as one of the most ambitious projects ever to be made here.
“Power of the Dark Crystal” will be produced by the Australia-based production arm of Omnilab Media, Ambience Entertainment, while Omnilab-owned special effects house Illoura will work on the CGI elements of the film.
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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.
The screenplay has been written by Australian Craig Pearce based on an original script by Annette Duffy and David Odell. Fantasy artist Brian Froud will reprise his role as conceptual designer of the film.
The Jim Henson Company’s executive producers are Brian Henson, Lisa Henson and Jason Lust. Omnilab Media’s executive producers are Christopher Mapp, Matthew Street and David Whealy. Cinemarket Films’ Peter D. Graves rounds out the executive producer team.
” ‘Power of the Dark Crystal’ is an exciting and ambitious undertaking and, having worked on previous projects with the top-notch talent and crews that Australia offers, we know we have assembled the right team to deliver the sequel to one of the most enduringly popular titles in the Henson library,” said Lisa Henson, CEO of The Jim Henson Company. “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,”
Omnilab CEO Christopher Mapp added, ” ‘Power of the Dark Crystal’ will showcase the depth of talent Australia has to offer up on the international stage. 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.”
