As The World Falls Down: LABYRINTH Rumors Break the Internet

News hit the internet on Friday afternoon that a reboot of Labyrinth, the 1986 Jim Henson/David Bowie collaboration that has since grown to cult classic status, would be getting the reboot treatment. Predictably, all hell broke loose.

(pictured: the internet)

The agreement between the Henson Company and Sony’s TriStar Pictures is (at the moment at least) extremely vague on particulars. But those who have grown to know and love the original have regarded the news with concern, at best.

Following the initial announcement, there was grave concern that a remake of the original was in the works. The reaction to his idea was universally negative: “As someone who is not against the idea of remakes,” Twitter user JoNoWriMoey Cruz wrote, “Labyrinth is a movie that does not require remaking AT ALL. Nothing is to be gained.” “Hoping the rumours about a reboot of the Labyrinth aren’t true,” tweeted Jo Hornby. And many others jumped on to social media to express the same or similar comments.

Eventually, Nicole Perlman, the Guardians of the Galaxy writer who has been tapped to write the new film(s), took to twitter to assuage everyone’s fears:

Not "rebooting" anything, guys.

— Nicole Perlman (@Uncannygirl) January 23, 2016

Later word comes via Entertainment Weekly that what is actually planned is a sequel. This has dampened some of the fires down somewhat: the Labyrinth is a vast and ever-changing place, one no doubt home to many more fascinating places, characters and stories. It is a setting that would lend itself well to the anthology treatment, either the occasional feature-length production or a series of short films.

Nevertheless, there was still considerable cause for concern. Many fans professed consternation that the announcement had been made so soon after Bowie’s death. “That’s uuhhhh not the best time to do this maybe?” from Twitter user Daniel Hardcastle echoed the sentiments of many fans. Not to mention the fact that many feel quite strongly that no one could ever replace Bowie as Jareth, the Goblin King (which hasn’t stopped some from throwing out suggestions. Among the more…interesting…suggestions have been Lady Gaga and Kanye West).

Another note of concern has been the possibility of CGI overload in a film famed for practical character effects. Digital characters when done right (see: Gollum) can be remarkable, but when done badly (hello, Jar-Jar), they can detract from the entire experience. Actually, it is interesting to note that Labyrinth did actually have have a computer generated character: the owl featured at the beginning and end. It was meant as a sort of proof-of-concept, the first foray of Henson & Co. into digital characters. Still, given their dedication to physical props and practical effects in the past, it is unlikely they would take the easy way with a top-shelf property such as Labyrinth has become.

As for what exactly Henson, Perlmen, et al have in mind? Nobody really knows. All the parties involved are keeping their cards very close to their chest. There are no words as to what to expect or even approximately when. So for now fans just have to wait and see, and hope for the best.