New Labyrinth movie in the works
Project described as a new story from the world of the original film
A new film will return to the world of Labyrinth, the puppet-populated realm from the beloved 1986 film starring Jennifer Connelly and David Bowie.
Fede Alvarez, who helmed the sleeper suspense-thriller hit Don't Breathe, has signed on to direct and co-write a script with screenwriter colleague Jay Basu. Lisa Henson, CEO of The Jim Henson Company created by her famed puppeteer father, will produce.
"Labyrinth is one of the seminal movies from my childhood that made me fall in love with filmmaking," Alvarez told industry publication Deadline.
"I couldn't be more thrilled to expand on Jim Henson's mesmerizing universe and take a new generation of moviegoers back into the Labyrinth."
Rather than a remake or direct sequel, the project is being described as a new story from the world of the original film.
One of Oscar-winner Connelly's first roles, Labyrinth told the story of a teenager who must rescue her infant brother after first wishing him away and, in horror, realizing that a Goblin King (Bowie) granted her request.
Featuring extended musical segments by Bowie and a parade of puppet supporting characters, Labyrinth was a cult hit and a favourite of filmmakers.
Labyrinth, executive-produced by George Lucas and penned by Monty Python member Terry Jones, was the last film directed by the Muppets creator and early Sesame Street contributor Henson before his sudden, unexpected death in 1990.
The project will follow Alvarez and Basu's current collaboration: The Girl in the Spider's Web, a continuation of of the Lisbeth Salander/Millenium series that started with The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and is slated to begin production this fall.