In an age dominated by CGI blockbusters, Netflix is looking to return to a simpler time with the new upcoming series “The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance.” The series will be a prequel to Jim Henson’s innovative 1982 feature film “The Dark Crystal.” As the creator of beloved shows such as “The Muppets” and “Fraggle Rock,” Henson applied his genius in puppetry to create an ambitious fantasy adventure, which was significantly darker than his previous work.
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The upcoming 10-episode Netflix series will explore the world of Henson’s fantasy film. The series will be directed by Louis Leterrier (“Now You See Me,” “Clash of the Titans”) and will feature the voices of Taron Egerton (“Kingsman: The Secret Service,” “Rocketman”), Anya Taylor-Joy (“The Witch,” “Glass”), and Nathalie Emmanuel (“Game of Thrones,” “The Fate of the Furious”). Other voices include Helena Bonham Carter, Mark Hamil, Keegan-Michael Key, Andy Samberg, and more.
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As “The Dark Crystal” was simultaneously one of the creepiest and most creative things that Jim Henson ever created, it seems like an odd choice for a prequel series, especially considering it was released more than 35 years ago. However, the new images that have been released look spectacular, with remarkable attention to detail and beautifully done practical effects.
The most notable aspect of this upcoming series is the absence of CGI. While the majority of current films are completely dependent on CGI (upgraded animation is the main driving force behind Disney’s recent rebooting of all of their old films), Leterrier has insisted that the series will be entirely based on puppetry, only using green screen technology to remove the puppeteers. If nothing else, this return to old-school practical effects and puppetry looks like it will completely honor Henson’s legacy and original vision.
The series will premiere on Netflix, August 30 and it looks fantastic. Watch the trailer below.
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