Summary
Nosferatudirector Robert Eggers will be directing a sequel to the cult classicLabyrinthfor Tri-Star Pictures. After years of development, with filmmakers such as Fede Álvarez and Scott Derrickson previously attached, it appears that the visionary behind acclaimed genre films includingThe Witch, The LighthouseandThe Northmanwill reintroduce audiences to the original fantasy world created by Jim Henson.
Released in 1986,Labyrinthwas a passion project by Jim Henson, whose previous directorial credits includedThe Great Muppet CaperandThe Dark Crystal.It starred David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly in the lead roles. Given his work in popularizing puppetry as a legitimate art form to mainstream audiences thanks to the success ofSesame Street,The Muppet ShowandFraggle Rock,Henson immersed audiences into his original musical fantasy world with innovative puppetry and in-camera visual effects. Although the film under performed at the box office at the time, it gained a cult following through subsequent home video sales and television broadcasts. Nearly 40 years after its original release, Tri-Star is looking to bring a long-awaited sequel to life, and withRobert Eggers at the helm, it is clear that they made the most exciting creative choice in hiring one of the most exciting directors working today.
An Impeccable Track Record
Robert Eggers first burst onto the scene in 2015 with his horror film,The Witch.The film starredAnya Taylor-Joy, in her breakthrough role. Released by A24 in the U.S. and Elevation Pictures in Canada, the film was critically acclaimed and grossed $40.4 million on a budget of only $4 million. The film’s success immediately turned Eggers into one of the most exciting new filmmakers, particularly within the horror genre.
With the momentum ofThe Witchon his side, Robert Eggers’ next projectThe Lighthouseboasted some exciting prospects. ActorsRobert PattinsonandWillem Dafoeboth approached Eggers for future collaborations, thanks to their admiration forThe Witch.The two would then take on the lead roles inThe Lighthouse,delivering some of their most acclaimed performances in their respective careers. Released by A24 in the U.S. and VVS Films in Canada in 2019, the film was critically acclaimed, grossing $18.3 million on an $11 million budget, and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Cinematography.
Robert Eggers’ third film,The Northman,would be his biggest creative endeavor at the time of its release in 2022 by Focus Features. Led by Alexander Skarsgård, featuring a supporting cast that includes Nicole Kidman, Anya Taylor-Joy, Ethan Hawke, and Willem Dafoe among others, the film was a massive leap in scale for Eggers, with major action sequences and produced on a budget that cost more than his previous two films combined. Much like his previous two films, the film was critically acclaimed but under performed at the box office. However, the film found its audience thanks to successful streaming numbers.
NosferatuChanges Everything
With three acclaimed genre films under his belt, Robert Eggers has already proven himself as one of the most exciting filmmakers of the modern landscape. However, it is his most recent film,Nosferatu,that serves as perhaps his most undeniable calling card as a creative force in the industry. Released by Focus Features in 2024, featuring an ensemble cast that includes Bill Skarsgård, Nicholas Hoult, Lily-Rose Depp, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Willem Dafoe, the film was a critical success, andby far Eggers’ most successful film, grossing $166.4 million on a budget of $50 million. The film is also nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Production Design, and Best Makeup and Hairstyling.
The critical and commercial success ofNosferatuis undeniable proof thatRobert Eggers is becoming a recognizable creative forcefor critics and genre audiences alike. An R rated gothic horror film performing as well as it has not only signifies audiences’ appetite for the genre on the big screen, but also a desire to see visionaries like Eggers be granted opportunities to bring stories of this scale for theatrical release.
Like Henson, Like Eggers
While one might look at Robert Eggers’ filmography and not immediately make any comparison to Jim Henson, perhaps they should avoid their signature respective creative tones, and pay closer attention to their respective craftsmanship. Of course, Eggers’ films do not project a tone that mirrors any of the colorful,playful energy seen in The Muppets, but the attention to detail and meticulous filmmaking is similar to the legendary Henson, and would make the perfect fit forLabyrinth 2.
In all four of his films,Robert Eggersshowcases a knack for in-camera practical effects regardless of what the budget allows. InThe WitchandThe Lighthouse,Eggers effectively utilizes his resources for enthralling, singular cinematic endeavors on a smaller scale. In particular,The Lighthousemakes a case of showcasing his relentless creativity in which its small, intimate scale is integral to that film’s artistic integrity.
InThe NorthmanandNosferatu,Robert Eggers’ resources are significantly expanded, and he thrives with such epic scale. Whether it is through the battle sequences inThe Northman,or the elevated production design inNosferatu,Eggers’ creative imagination proves that the massive canvas of a bigger budget allows him to immerse audiences into his stunning worlds, which isas Jim Henson as it gets.
Timeless Filmmaking
Overall, Tri-Star could not have picked a more exciting filmmaker than Robert Eggers to bringLabyrinth 2to life. Although plot details regarding the upcoming sequel remain unknown, there is no doubt that Eggers’ previous filmography proves that he is the type of strong visionary that can truly honor the passion and vision first introduced to audiences by Jim Henson in 1986, and above all, Eggers being at the helm can make this more than just another run-of-the-mill legacy sequel and be something more.
Robert Eggers’ career is still young, but with four acclaimed films under his belt and an undeniable skill behind the camera, his filmmaking sensibilities reflect the same love for genre worldbuilding and immersion that Jim Henson had. Regardless of howLabyrinth 2turns out, with Eggers at the helm, it will at least be a film with some exciting creative flair.
