ROTTEN TOMATOES: Empire Film Group Basing Movie on Muppet Mastermind

Empire Film Group Basing Movie on Muppet Mastermind

Statler, Waldorf said to be in discussions for cameo appearance.

by Jeff Giles | February 05, 2008

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It's time to play the music, and it's time to light the lights -- a Jim Henson biopic is on its way.

Empire Film Group has announced the acquisition of motion picture production and distribution rights to Robert D. Slane's screenplay, appropriately titled Henson. The studio has earmarked a $30 million budget for the project, and plans to begin production this summer. Empire CEO Dean Hamilton Bornstein predicts great things:

"This is a major project about an entertainer of legendary stature and worldwide acclaim. The script is superb and should provide a terrific roadmap for a completed film that will satisfy both mainstream audiences and critics. We're very excited about this acquisition and the commercial caliber of this project."

According to Empire's press release, the film will cover Henson's life "from his early fascination with television as a teenager, through his spectacular career and life achievements." The studio says it "anticipates hiring a major director, such as Penny Marshall," and would like it very much if a major star or two decided to sign on the dotted line.

Though Empire hasn't made many waves in the marketplace yet (the first result Google gives you for the studio is a Marketwire article, curiously titled "Empire Film Group CEO Issues Update on Successful Colombian Trip"), and although it bears mentioning that the studio was responsible for the unfortunate Pam Anderson/Denise Richards movie Blonde and Blonder, everybody has to start somewhere, right? Anything paying tribute to Henson can't be all bad...

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(1-12 of 12 posts) | Reply

bethehero7404 writes:
on Feb 05 2008 05:33 AM

For some reason when I read this and thought of who would be a great actor to play Jim Henson, Paul Giamatti came to mind. He would be a fabulous choice. He would have to learn the voice but they could dub that in like many of the movies with singing and such.

I remember the day he died because both Jim Henson and Sammy Davis Jr died on the same day BTW.

Good idea for a biopic.

(Reply to this)

Elixor writes:
on Feb 05 2008 06:46 AM

Jim Henson was an artistic genius. One person who's influence is sorely missed in today's cinema.

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bethehero7404 writes:
on Feb 05 2008 09:05 AM

I'm sorry...how cool is this? I re-read this and I still can not believe how cool this idea is. I am in full support of this film getting made.

Jim Henson was a huge loss and the world has not been the same since. Granted Kevin Clash has done well as has Jim's son. But who has gotten tired of Elmo?

No one can hold the perverbial candle to Jim Henson.

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teh suck writes:
on Feb 05 2008 09:09 AM

I love the idea, but hate to think about what they'll do to him.

I also agree, hero, death to Elmo. Grover 4 Lyfe.

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whiskeyriver writes:
on Feb 05 2008 09:26 AM

In reply to this comment (#1554680)
Nah, Giamatti looks/feels more like a Frank Oz to me. On a superficial level, Henson was more...handsome? You also need somebody who can have a full head of hair and a big ole beard.

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Ruckas356 writes:
on Feb 05 2008 12:10 PM

maybe they can sign kirmit to reprise his role. And Miss piggy for sex appeal! Pleeeasse this sounds stupid. They should sign jim carey, he did a perfect job with man in the moon.

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jpotter writes:
on Feb 05 2008 12:21 PM

could be cool.

jim carrey = no.

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Marineboy writes:
on Feb 05 2008 04:26 PM

what happened to Dark Crystal 2?

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UselessRob writes:
on Feb 05 2008 04:54 PM

Finally a biopic I'd pay to see!

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rt_hire_me writes:
on Feb 05 2008 09:21 PM

Ryan Gosling. It's got to be someone who can do low key. Was it Henson who did the muppets for Return of the Jedi? That laughing minion of Jabba's deserved his own prime time network spinoff, he was that good.

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TheIceGhost writes:
on Feb 06 2008 02:27 AM

YES!!

Best biopic idea I've heard in years. Jim Henson was a marvel and is easily one of the biggest influences I had growing up.

They better do him justice...

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I_like_ike writes:
on Feb 06 2008 09:23 AM

Jim Henson was a damn genius. Hopefully this movie will renew some mainstream intrest in the Muppets.

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