Genndy Tartakovsky, creator of Cartoon Network’s Samurai Jack and Dexter’s Laboratory, has signed on to direct Power of the Dark Crystal, the sequel to the 1982 Jim Henson Co. puppet fantasy. Since wrapping production on Star Wars: Clone Wars, Tartakovsky has been heading up Orphanage Animation Studios, which will handle all CG elements for Power.
Power of the Dark Crystal takes place hundreds of years after the events of the first movie and follows the adventures of a mysterious girl made of fire who, together with a Gelfling outcast, steals a shard of the legendary Crystal in an attempt to reignite the dying sun that exists at the center of the planet. The screenplay was written by David Odell (The Dark Crystal) and Annette Duffy.
Like its predecessor, the sequel will star live-action, animatronic characters puppeteered by the crew at Henson Creature Shop. Legendary fantasy artist Brian Froud, designer of the original film, will return to put his stamp on the new characters.
Tartakovsky comments, ‘The original Dark Crystal was one of the most inspirational and imaginative pictures of its time, so it’s a real honor for me to be able to bring the world of The Dark Crystal to a whole new generation.”
“As an auteur of such exciting and fantastical adventure projects, Genndy is the perfect director to bring to life Power of the Dark Crystal,’ says Jim Henson Co. co-CEO Lisa Henson. “I am sure that his visualization of Brian Froud’s designs will thrill fans of the original film as well as audiences who are meeting these beloved characters for the first time.”
In addition to the sequel, The Hensons plan to further expand the Dark Crystal property with an animated television series, a manga series from Tokyo Pop and a variety of licensed products including books, apparel and collectible sculptures.
Power of the Dark Crystal will be produced by Lisa Henson and Orphanage Animation Studios Chairman Scott Stewart. Brian Henson will serve as exec producer, along with Ralph Kamp and Louise Goodsill of Odyssey Ent., which is representing worldwide sales and distribution of the film.
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