Disney Original Documentary has announced its next project will be a definitive portrait of beloved Muppets creator and visionary Jim Henson, which will most likely find a home on Disney+.
Academy AwardⓇ-winning director Ron Howard will helm this documentary that will have the full participation and cooperation of the Henson family.
“Jim Henson transcends generations through his iconic characters, and it’s one of the many reasons why I have been a lifelong fan,” said Howard in a press statement. “I can’t wait to share a side of him and his career that people have never seen before. Henson’s limitless imagination and restless creativity is like few others and has influenced so much of our world as we know it. I’m humbled to be able to share a deeper look into his life and story.”
In his 36-year career, Jim Henson created some of the world’s most cherished characters, including classic Muppets like Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy and all of “Sesame Street”’s iconic residents, including Big Bird, Grover, Cookie Monster, and Bert and Ernie.
He also created beloved fantasy films like “The Dark Crystal” and “Labyrinth,” which included iconic characters and technological advances that pushed the boundaries of the time.
Tracing his life and work, the film will give audiences an exciting first-person view into Henson’s life through exclusive home movies, photographs, sketches, and Henson’s personal diaries.
In the press statement, Jim Henson’s family also said, “The Jim Henson Company’s archive is a treasure reflecting our father’s work, personal life and inspirations, and has been carefully maintained for the last 30 years under the leadership of archivist Karen Falk. It will be thrilling to see the story that emerges from these materials in the hands of a truly great filmmaker like Ron Howard, who has the perfect spirit and personality to tell Jim Henson’s story.”
This Jim Henson doc will be produced by Ron Howard. Brian Grazer, Margaret Bodde, and Imagine Documentaries’ Sara Bernstein, and Justin Wilkes will also produce the film for Disney Branded Television under the Disney Original Documentary banner.
The film will be executive produced by Imagine Entertainment’s Michael Rosenberg and Disney Original Documentary’s Marjon Javadi. Mark Monroe will serve as writer/producer, and Paul Crowder will edit/executive produce.