Netflix gives a series order to The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, a prequel to a 1982 fantasy classic from Jim Henson.
The Dark Crystal first entered the pop-culture fray as a fantastical theatrical offering during the 1982 Christmas season. Directed by Jim Henson and Frank Oz, featuring then-groundbreaking animatronics and imaginative creatures from Henson’s Creature Shop, the Tolkien-esque fantasy film earned its share of fans, but was hardly a box-office smash. However, its fandom has apparently endured enough to warrant Netflix’s greenlight for offshoot series The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance.
Netflix has given a 10-episode series order for The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, which will serve as a prequel, set “many years” before the events of the original 1982 movie. While Netflix did not provide crucial details regarding when we can expect The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, it did release a teaser video, which combines a historical interview with the late Jim Henson discussing his 1982 movie with prototype creature creations for the new series. Check out the video below.
1982’s The Dark Crystal, set a thousand years ago, centers on the titular item – an artifact that maintains the equilibrium of the planet Thra – wielded by the malevolent Skeksis – a species resembling humanoid vultures – and the ordeal of the last two survivors of the elven-like Gelfling race in a desperate quest to retrieve and repair the crystal. Thus, Age of Resistance will depict the events leading to the setting of said conflict, centering on three Gelfling who discover the secret behind the power of the Skeksis – the Dark Crystal – and attempt to rally a rebellion across the land to battle their beaked oppressors.
As Netflix vice president of original content Cindy Holland states of the series:
“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.”
Netflix has tapped into major talent to handle the series in Louis Leterrier of Now You See Me, Clash of the Titans, The Incredible Hulk and The Transporter fame, who steps into The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance as director and executive producer. Leterrier’s first foray into the small screen arena will arrive later this year with the dramatic thriller Tycoon.
Lisa Henson, CEO of The Jim Henson Company chimes in stating:
“Louis Leterrier is passionate about the world of The Dark Crystal and has an incredible creative vision for the series. He brings this passion to every facet of the production as he leads the talented team of artists and writers that are bringing this entire universe to life. Netflix has a deep respect for my father’s original work and the many people it inspired. They are the perfect partners to create this next epic chapter in The Dark Crystal story for new fans and the loyal fans who have waited so long for more adventures from this world.”
The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance is currently without a release date, with the vague promise of "coming soon" left to tide fans over, for now.