Jim Henson biopic!
Jim Henson, America's most famous puppeteer is getting his own film biopic some 18 years after his sudden death at the way too young age of 53. An official press release went out today from the Empire Film Group, who are financing the $30 million budgeted re-telling of one of America's favourite personality's with the help of presales and other consortium's. The project will begin filming in the summer and the hunt is now on for an actor who could fill Henson's huge shoes.
An extract from today's big announcement..."This is a major project about an entertainer of legendary stature and worldwide acclaim," said Dean Hamilton-Bornstein, CEO of Empire Film Group. "The script is superb and should provide a terrific road-map for a completed film that will satisfy both mainstream audiences and critics. We're very excited about this acquisition and the commercial caliber of this project." "Jim Henson is one of the best known and most beloved entertainers of all time," said Parkinson. "His story is inspiring, tragic, heartwarming and epic, and will make for an important and entertaining motion picture. This is the sort of movie that Empire will be pursuing as we build the company into a leading independent studio."The script comes from Robert D. Slane, the writer of COME AWAY WITH ME, a 2005 film I have never heard of. The film is expected to cover the major achievements of Henson's life, of which there were plenty. Henson was the mastermind behind The Muppets, Sesame Street, the fantasy movies LABYRINTH and THE DARK CRYSTAL and so much more. His sudden death in 1990 left the world shocked and a less magical place. He is one of the most inspiring and loving figures in film history. A biopic of his life should be a warm, interesting and magical film which hopefully will be a tribute to a great man. Coming Soon say Empire want to attract a director of the caliber of Penny Marshall (BIG, RIDING IN CARS WITH BOYS) but it's unclear by their wording if she is actually in the frame to direct this or not. Marshall hasn't directed a film in seven years. Any thoughts on who should star in the movie? My girlfriend has just given the great shout of Jason Lee. You know... that's pretty amazing casting if he brings his A-Game. Here's a news report from Entertainment Tonight on the day of Henson's death which gives you a great run-down of how great this man truly was.