May 13 2008 'Fraggle Rock' to Stop Being Fond Memory, Become Sad Future

A Fraggle Rock movie is not inherently a bad idea. The characters are varied and lovable, it tells a fairly complex story of inter-species relationships, and there is definitely potential to make something that would attract both new fans and the old ones who had parents rich enough to afford HBO. Giving the property to the guy who made Hoodwinked though? Kind of a bad idea.

Oh, good, that's what happening:

The Weinstein Co. will turn the Jim Henson series "Fraggle Rock" into a live-action musical feature.

Cory Edwards, who directed the animated "Hoodwinked!" for TWC, will helm the picture and write the screenplay. The Jim Henson Co. will produce and TWC will distribute.

Weinstein Company, you will be receiving a package soon. Inside, you will find what remaining memorabilia I've saved from my childhood. Because you (and almost every other studio, of course) have taught me nothing can or should be cherished, they are now your property, royalty-free. I trust you'll know what to do with them: give them to someone who will mercilessly destroy them. Maybe a pack of wild dogs? A wood chipper? The voice of Mike Myers? Whatever. It's up to you now. I only ask that you not remind me of them with talking CGI reproductions or too many unnecessary sequels to my blankie.

Weinsteins roll with 'Fraggle Rock' [Variety]

Feb 5 2008 Jim Henson Biopic Might Not Be Half Bad

Do you like Jim Henson? If you said no, you're most likely evil or unreasonably afraid of felt puppets. Who doesn't like Jim Henson, besides evils and puppet-fearers? That being said, I'm not entirely sure how interesting of a biopic his life will make, but Empire Film Group has plans to do it anyway:

The company's press release says they have a screenplay by Robert D. Slane and that they're hoping to secure a high profile director "like Penny Marshall".

I'm curious to see how this develops, but as Empire notes, it would definitely be more interesting of a concept with someone like Michel Gondry at the helm--who would likely skew the lines of reality and Muppetdom--rather than, say, Penny Marshall. Seriously, they're hoping for Penny Marshall? It's like praying for a Ford Taurus--reasonably reliable and able to get you where you need to go, but pretty sad if that's your highest aspiration.

Jim Henson Biopic In The Works [Empire]