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Nosferatu’s Robert Eggers To Helm ‘Labyrinth’ Film Sequel

Following the success of his critically acclaimed films like The Witch, The Lighthouse, and Nosferatu, Robert Eggers is now confirmed to write and direct a sequel to Jim Henson’s 1986 cult classic Labyrinth for TriStar Pictures, per Deadline.

Nosferatu’s Robert Eggers To Helm ‘Labyrinth’ Film Sequel

The original Labyrinth starred Jennifer Connelly as Sarah, a teenager navigating a magical labyrinth to rescue her kidnapped brother from Jareth, the Goblin King, played by David Bowie. Though the film underperformed at the box office, earning US$34 million against a US$25 million budget, its enduring appeal grew over decades through home video and television broadcasts. It became a beloved cult classic, prompting long-standing calls for a sequel. Despite several past attempts to revisit the world of Labyrinth, previous projects, including those led by Fede Álvarez and Scott Derrickson, failed to materialise.

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Eggers will co-write the sequel with Icelandic poet Sjón, his collaborator on The Northman and the upcoming Werwulf. Plot details are being kept tightly under wraps, though the new movie is confirmed to be a sequel rather than a remake. Speculation surrounds how Eggers will handle the legacy of Henson’s film, particularly with its blend of whimsy and underlying darkness. Adapting Labyrinth poses unique challenges. Bowie’s iconic performance as Jareth will be impossible to replicate, as the legendary artist passed away in 2016. Henson, the film’s creator and another integral figure, died in 1990.

However, Eggers seems uniquely positioned to carry the film’s legacy forward. His films often delve into European folklore, a source that aligns with the mythical roots of the original Labyrinth. His commitment to practical effects over CGI could also enhance the film’s visual authenticity, staying true to Henson’s approach.

As production begins, anticipation builds for how Eggers will bring his vision to one of the most iconic fantasy films of the 1980s. Fans of the original will undoubtedly keep a close eye on how Eggers reimagines this world while maintaining its distinct charm.