The 1982 film The Dark Crystal was a groundbreaking endeavor for many reasons — not the least of which was its reliance on the puppet wizardry of Jim Henson to tell its fantastic story. And now, more than three decades after the film arrived in theaters, it’s getting a prequel.
So what’s new on Netflix? The first trailer for The Jim Henson Company’s upcoming series The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, that’s what. The series will return audiences to the world of Thra in a 10-episode arc set years before the events of the original film.
The Incredible Hulk and Now You See Me director Louis Leterrier directed the series and executive produced Age of Resistance along with Lisa Henson and Halle Stanford. Lost and The 100 writer Javier Grillo-Marxuach teamed with Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews (Life in a Year) on the series’ script.
A teaser for the series released by Netflix a year ago offered a reminder of the artistry and imagination that made the original film such a hit.
The 1982 film followed an elf-like creature known as a “Gelfling” on a quest to restore a powerful gem that can bring balance to his dying world. The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance will turn back the clock and follow three Gelflings who discover the horrifying secret behind the power of the cruel creatures known as Skeksis years before the events of the original film, and attempt to spark a rebellion.
“Louis Leterrier is passionate about the world of The Dark Crystal and has an incredible creative vision for the series,” said Lisa Henson, CEO of The Jim Henson Company, in the official announcement of the series. “He brings this passion to every facet of the production as he leads the talented team of artists and writers that are bringing this entire universe to life. Netflix has a deep respect for my father’s original work and the many people it inspired. They are the perfect partners to create this next epic chapter in The Dark Crystal story for new fans and the loyal fans who have waited so long for more adventures from this world.”
The project will utilize a new cast of creatures created by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop and Brian Shroud, the conceptual designer for the original film.
The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance will premiere August 30 on Netflix.
