Although it didn’t make a splash when it was first released in 1986, Jim Henson’s fantasy film Labyrinth is now considered one of the most beloved films of the 1980s. Henson’s attempt at a modern Alice in Wonderland story particularly resonated with thousands of young girls who saw themselves in the film’s young heroine Sarah, played by a young Jennifer Connelly. Of course, there’s also the fact that the part of Jareth, the Goblin King is one of David Bowie’s most memorable characters of his entire movie career as well. All these things contributed to making Labyrinth endure. In fact, the film is returning to theaters on 4/29, 5/1 and 5/2 in a special Fathom Events fan screening.
And now the legacy of Labyrinth will carry on in a new way — in an interview with Forbes, Henson Company CEO Brian Henson, son of the late Jim Henson, revealed that there are early plans to bring Labyrinth to the stage as a musical. “We are working on a theatrical adaptation of the original movie for the stage,” said Henson, who also dropped the news that a movie sequel is also being developed. “Those are the two areas of excitement for the Labyrinth property that we have. We are working on both of those but I certainly don’t have a timeline for them.”
Although musical usually suggests a Broadway debut, much like Harry Potter, it is possible that Labyrinth could debut in London first. When asked where the show might potentially debut, Henson was quick to note it was “not necessarily Broadway; it could be for London’s West End, but it will be a stage show, a big theatrical version. It’s very exciting.” This all seems to be in the very early stages right now, but considering that the original film has five songs from Bowie, that’s at least something to start with. Nevertheless, a stage musical will need a lot more songs than that to succeed. Here’s hoping they can find an amazing composer that can match the original soundtrack’s style.
What are your hopes for a Labyrinth stage musical? And who would you like to see play the leads? Let us know your thoughts down below in the comments.
Images: Sony / Columbia Pictures
