If you grew up in the 1980's you childhood was largely populated by the creations of Jim Henson. If it wasn't Big Bird, Cookie Monster, and Burt and Ernie from Sesame Street, it was Kermit, Piggy and Gonzo from The Muppets. Then there was Fraggle Rock. A quirky show about an other-worldly realm populated by creatures called Fraggles who were primarily represented by the show's main characters Gobo, Mokey, Red, Wembley, and Boober.
Fraggle Rock was also populated by Doozers, tiny little construction workers that made intricate creations that were ultimately eaten by Fraggles. Then there were the furry giants called Gorgs who were always trying to catch the Fraggles. All of this happens just behind the wall of Eccentric inventor Doc's workshop where he tinkers and creates with his dog Sproket.
Fraggle Rock was a show that was generally geared towards kids but was accessible for all ages as it used the interaction of it's cute and cuddly creatures to tackle deeper subject matter like Social Conflict, Environmental Issues, Prejudice, Spirituality, and Personal Identity. It was because of this thoughtful and whimsical kind of storytelling that Fraggle Rock left an indelible impression upon generations of kids. Which is why it isn't all that surprising that The Henson Company and New Regency are looking to Joseph Gordon-Levitt to produce and star in a live action film of Fraggle Rock. Below is the full story from Variety.
This Article Was Originally Posted On Variety.com
Joseph Gordon-Levitt will produce and star in the live-action “Fraggle Rock” movie for New Regency, The Henson Co. and Lisa Henson.
The bigscreen adaptation of the musical puppet series created by the late Jim Henson has been in the works for nearly a decade, but the attachment of Gordon-Levitt constitutes a major boost.
“Fraggle Rock” debuted on TV in 1983 as a co-production by British TV company Television South, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp., HBO and Henson Associates. It centered on the adventures of cave-dwelling creatures called Fraggles who have to deal with the industrious Doozers and furry giants called Gorgs.
The property was set up at New Regency in 2011. Montecito Pictures is no longer involved with the project.
“The first screen personas I ever loved were Henson creations, first on ‘Sesame Street,’ and then on ‘Fraggle Rock,'” Gordon-Levitt said. “Jim Henson’s characters make you laugh and sing, but they’re also layered, surprising, and wise. From Oscar the Grouch, to Yoda, to the Fraggles. I’ve never stopped loving his work, even as a young frisky man, and on into adulthood. Collaborating with Lisa Henson makes me confident we can do something that Jim would have loved. I’m grateful and excited to be working with New Regency on this project.”
Gordon-Levitt has been cast as Edward Snowden in Oliver Stone’s upcoming thriller “Snowden,” which Open Road Films will release in the U.S. on Christmas.
He’ll be seen next as the host of “Hit Record on TV With Joseph Gordon-Levitt,” which has its second-season premiere on June 12.
Gordon-Levitt is also starring in Robert Zemeckis’ “The Walk” as Philippe Petit and in an untitled Christmas comedy with Seth Rogen, Anthony Mackie, Lizzy Caplan and Jillian Bell.
Written by Dave McNary, Film Reporter For Variety
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