The Dark Crystal is getting a Netflix prequel

Video by The Skinny | 19 May 2017

A prequel to Jim Henson’s 1982 fantasy film The Dark Crystal is coming to the streaming platform 

The Dark Crystal haunted many an 80s kid’s childhood, with its tale of Gelflings and Skeksis, and other eerie creatures created by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop. Now it's back to creep out a new generation with a ten-episode prequel series coming to Netflix.

The streaming service announced the new project with the above teaser trailer, which features behind-the-scenes archival footage of Jim Henson, who died in 1990. In the clip, Henson – who also created the Muppets, Fraggle Rock and Labyrinth – discusses The Dark Crystal, which he describes as being “the most work, it was the most difficult, but it was the most fun, most rewarding, and of all projects it’s the one I’m most proud of.” Anyone worried this prequel will replace Henson’s beautifully crafted and detailed puppets with CGI characters will be reassured with the latter half of the teaser, which shows new footage of creatures being designed and created in Henson’s Creature Shop using the puppet master's old-school techniques.

Now You See Me director Louis Leterrier will lead the production, which is scheduled to appear on Netflix sometime in Autumn next year. Lisa Henson, CEO of The Jim Henson Company, said “Louis Leterrier is passionate about the world of The Dark Crystal and has an incredible creative vision for 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.”

Take a look at the teaser in the player above and the original trailer for The Dark Crystal below.