The film adaptation of Jim Henson’s Fraggle Rock has been circulating Hollywood for years with no discernible moves forward, however today it seems like the project is starting to get it’s footing, thanks to screenwriters Jim Byrkit and Alex Manugian. Both had a hand in the great Gore Verbinski film Rango, and also worked on The Pirates of the Caribbean film as well.
Fraggle Rock was not Jim Henson’s most popular work, however it may be the most underrated. Originally airing on HBO from 1983-87, the show dealt with serious issues like the environment, under the guise of a children’s program, like much of Henson’s other work. The original show also spawned a cartoon series, which was not nearly as good.
Although it’s too early to tell at this point how the film will be made, we can only hope they’ll use Muppets and not opt for the CG or worse yet CG/Live action route. I would hate for this to turn another beloved childhood show (like The Smurfs) into an abomination (like The Smurfs).
The film is being produced by New Regency, and there’s no estimates as far as when production will begin.
