From the time of its 1982 release, the late Jim Henson dreamed of expanding the fantasy world of The Dark Crystal, and that vision is finally coming to life via the Netflix prequel series, The Dark Crystal: Age Of Resistance.
Taking place long before the events that played out in the film, this 10-episode series will be produced in the UK with myriad beings to be created by Jim Henson's Creature Shop, which will be overseen by the film's conceptual designer, Brian Froud. Additionally, [Louis Leterrier](http://www.empireonline.com/people/louis-leterrier/
), director of The Incredible Hulk and Now You See Me, serves as executive producer and director.
Jim Henson Company CEO Lisa Henson says, "Louis Leterrier is passionate about the world of The Dark Crystal and has an icnredible creative vision for the series. He brings this passion to every facet of the production."
Adds Netflix's Cindy Howard, "The Dark Crystal: Age Of Resistance will combine the art of puppetry perfected by the Jim Henson Company, with Louis' vision, powerful storytelling and a mix of cutting-edge digital imagery and visual effects. I can't wait for families around the world to see how we bring these unique characters to life."
The streaming service describes the show as a reeturn "to the world of Thra with an all new adventure. When three Gelfling discover the horrifying secret behind the Skeksis’ power, they set out on an epic journey to ignite the fires of rebellion and save their world."
In an interview with rayhemachandra.com, Froud reflected on the original Dark Crystal, noting, "The film itself grew slowly. We had the luxury of that. It took five years, from start to finish, of exploring the possibilities and literally creating a world. Then, near the end, we said, 'Well, what’s the story we want to tell?' We chose a mythic story that I think got misunderstood at the time. We weren’t trying to tell any big, dramatic new story. The Dark Crystal was supposed to feel like something that we’ve seen before or experienced before, as you do in myth."
He describes working with Henson on that film as a wonderful experience, though, admittedly, a difficult one. "Then," he reflected, "having said to myself, 'Never, ever again,' Jim said, 'Perhaps we can do another one?' And I said, 'Oh, why not?'"