A new muppets movie, The Dark Crystal sequel (allegedly, hopefully), maybe a new Labyrinth movie? It seems that after 20 years of CGI excess (in no small part due to Henson’s untimely death, I’d guess) special effects are finding some ground in practicality again. At least somewhat, thanks to the efforts of those like Peter Jackson, Sam Raimi, Guillermo del Toro, who generally make the best of all effects techniques.
So, I would love a Labyrinth sequel, and I’ve been thinking about what one could be. The first one dealt with adolescence, so to avoid retelling the same story with just a different kid, there should be some conceptual evolutions. Maybe the main character would be between 18 and 22, and instead of learning to leave behind (but never forget) childhood fantasies, dealing with the excitement that is the cusp of adulthood, where one’s passions and energies are endless and aimless. Where the original was more about the raw power of a young mind and its fantasies, this one would be about how and where to direct that imagination; finding one’s purpose.
Since the original was about nostalgia, and this one would be more forward-thinking (for lack of a better word), the style should reflect this. High fantasy and the faeirie aesthetic wouldn’t really fit the themes. Maybe this protagonist’s labyrinth is an amalgam mess of all things modern; sleek and techno. Tying all of this together would of course be the resident pop star, and I can honestly think of none better than Lady Gaga; she would be the focal point of these fantasies, and like Bowie/Jareth, the maze’s destination.
One last thing, I’m aware of the manga sequel “Return to Labyrinth,” and also aware that it is canon. If another Labyrinth film is to be made, it shouldn’t be an adaptation of that. Although I quite like the idea of the protagonist being male. Also, I realize that Mirrormask was in some ways a spiritual successor to Labyrinth, but it was really closer to a retelling/reimagining. Plus it wasn’t great.
Seth Farmer
A new muppets movie, The Dark Crystal sequel (allegedly, hopefully), maybe a new Labyrinth movie? It seems that after 20 years of CGI excess (in no small part due to Henson’s untimely death, I’d guess) special effects are finding some ground in practicality again. At least somewhat, thanks to the efforts of those like Peter Jackson, Sam Raimi, Guillermo del Toro, who generally make the best of all effects techniques.
So, I would love a Labyrinth sequel, and I’ve been thinking about what one could be. The first one dealt with adolescence, so to avoid retelling the same story with just a different kid, there should be some conceptual evolutions. Maybe the main character would be between 18 and 22, and instead of learning to leave behind (but never forget) childhood fantasies, dealing with the excitement that is the cusp of adulthood, where one’s passions and energies are endless and aimless. Where the original was more about the raw power of a young mind and its fantasies, this one would be about how and where to direct that imagination; finding one’s purpose.
Since the original was about nostalgia, and this one would be more forward-thinking (for lack of a better word), the style should reflect this. High fantasy and the faeirie aesthetic wouldn’t really fit the themes. Maybe this protagonist’s labyrinth is an amalgam mess of all things modern; sleek and techno. Tying all of this together would of course be the resident pop star, and I can honestly think of none better than Lady Gaga; she would be the focal point of these fantasies, and like Bowie/Jareth, the maze’s destination.
One last thing, I’m aware of the manga sequel “Return to Labyrinth,” and also aware that it is canon. If another Labyrinth film is to be made, it shouldn’t be an adaptation of that. Although I quite like the idea of the protagonist being male. Also, I realize that Mirrormask was in some ways a spiritual successor to Labyrinth, but it was really closer to a retelling/reimagining. Plus it wasn’t great.
Thoughts? I think this could really work…