The World of ‘Dark Crystal’ May Not Be as Finished as We Thought

Jim Henson’s incredible fantasy film, The Dark Crystal, is returning to theaters next week, but that may not be the last time audiences see it on the big screen. Speaking to io9 about the Fathom re-release, filmmaker Brian Henson teased that even though Netflix’s prequel series The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance is unlikely to come back, that isn’t necessarily the end of the franchise.

“I can’t really comment on development, but what I will say is we will continue to create within this universe,” Henson said. “We’ve looked at several potential tracks and a movie might be one of them… You still have a lot of moving parts in the world of Dark Crystal that can create drama and conflict that can generate another story in that world.”

So what exactly does that mean? Could we be getting a new Dark Crystal movie? As Henson said, he wouldn’t comment on development. But that there’s more story to be told in the world of The Dark Crystal is simultaneously obvious and unexpected.

It was back in 2019 when Netflix released its incredible prequel series, Age of Resistance. That series took everything fans knew and loved about the 1982 original and made it bigger, better, and more engrossing. It was clear the world of Thra was ripe for further explanation, especially when the story begged for a second season. Unfortunately, that second season is unlikely to happen, and Henson admitted he wasn’t surprised.

“Netflix [was] really great,” he said. “They allowed the money to be spent that was needed to really do it right, and [Age of Resistance] is a beautiful, beautiful piece. But… they’re a streamer. Their whole point is to get a whole bunch of subscribers that we wouldn’t otherwise get. So they knew by making Age of Resistance that we’re going to get all of the hardcore fantasy fans who weren’t subscribed to subscribe. Season two? It’s the same group. So I was disappointed but not at all surprised that they didn’t want to drop that much money again for another season.”

So who might drop money for more Dark Crystal, if not Netflix? Again, there’s no comment. But clearly, if you look at the rumors surrounding another big Henson fantasy film, Labyrinth, you see that there is certainly interest out there. Fingers crossed we get back to Thra sooner rather than later.

And, as we mentioned, you can go back next week. Fathom Events is rereleasing the film in 4K on October 12 and 13 with a special new introduction by Henson. Get tickets and showtimes here. Then, check back next week for more Dark Crystal.

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