> At a Glance
> – Labyrinth returns to theaters January 8-11 in a special re-release
> – Brian Henson, 62, served as puppet captain and voiced Hoggle in the 1986 film
> – The Jim Henson Company partners with Fathom Entertainment for the event
> – Why it matters: Fans can experience the fantasy classic’s intricate puppetry on the big screen
Nearly four decades after its release, Labyrinth is returning to theaters so audiences can rediscover why the fantasy epic remains a masterpiece.
A Personal Journey
Brian Henson was just 22 when his father, Jim Henson, asked him to coordinate puppeteers for Labyrinth. The assignment went beyond family ties-Brian’s expertise in complex animatronics made him the right person for a film packed with intricate characters.
His responsibilities included:
- Training local British puppeteers
- Coordinating the expanded puppet team
- Voicing Hoggle, the film’s central goblin
Learning from a Master
Working daily alongside his father, Brian absorbed lessons about character development rather than storytelling. Jim Henson avoided traditionally cute characters, preferring quirky creations he found personally delightful. This trust in curiosity shaped the film’s unique creatures.
Brian observed his father completely immersed in work mode for the first time:
> “He became a child,” Brian recalls. “I hadn’t really seen up until then… when he’s completely out of his ‘dad mode.'”
Trusting the Creative Team
Jim Henson believed in empowering his artists. When asked if final films matched his original vision, he always answered “No,” explaining that 300 artists contributing fully created something greater than one person’s plan.
Key principles Brian learned:
- Trust collaborators to exceed expectations
- Allow creative freedom over micromanagement
- Embrace the unexpected contributions of team members
The Big Screen Experience
The January re-release lets viewers appreciate details invisible on television. Brian emphasizes that theatrical viewing transforms the movie into a shared event rather than solitary entertainment.
| Release Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Event Dates | January 8-11 |
| Partners | The Jim Henson Company & Fathom Entertainment |
| Format | Limited theatrical re-release |
| Target | Both new viewers and longtime fans |
Key Takeaways
- Labyrinth‘s puppetry artistry deserves theatrical presentation
- Brian Henson’s role combined technical skill with creative performance
- The production strengthened father-son creative partnership
- Jim Henson’s leadership philosophy prioritized trust over control
The four-day engagement offers a rare chance to experience the painstaking craftsmanship behind one of fantasy cinema’s most enduring achievements.
