Labyrinth Sequel Announced: Robert Eggers Takes the Reins Challenge!

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Following the box-office triumph and Academy Award nods for Nosferatu, director Robert Eggers has officially been commissioned to script and helm a follow-up to Jim Henson’s Labyrinth.

Over time, the 1986 movie has built up quite a devoted fanbase, often referred to as a cult, and now, it’s being revisited for a follow-up, with Eggers penning the script alongside his collaborator Sjón.

Chris Columbus, along with Eleanor Columbus, are teaming up as producers, joined by Lisa Henson, the daughter of Jim Henson and a movie producer herself, and her brother Brian Henson, who serves as the chairman of The Jim Henson Company, in his role as executive producer.

Initially, it was planned for Scott Derrickson, the director of The Exorcism of Emily Rose, to direct the follow-up movie. However, he found the project challenging and difficult to solve, as he put it, leading him to leave the project, as reported by Variety.

Lately, discussions about films have centered around Eggers following the acclaim he received for his adaptation of Nosferatu, a modern take on F.W. Murnau’s iconic 1922 silent movie.

Indeed, I must confess that Eggers doesn’t shy away from tackling complex cinematic endeavors nor adding his unique twist to well-loved films.

Regardless, supporters have been quick to voice their thoughts about Eggers directing a new Labyrinth film.

In the initial movie version, it was David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly who starred as the main characters, portraying the Goblin King and 16-year-old Sarah respectively.

In the movie, it was Sarah (Connelly) who found herself navigating a complex maze with the aim of rescuing her brother Toby from the Goblin King. However, Jareth would only guarantee Toby’s safety if Sarah could figure out his labyrinth within 13 hours.

The movie appears to be one that many consider untouchable, given the sentiment. Some enthusiasts express cautious optimism, while others label the announcement of Eggers creating a follow-up as blasphemous or sacrilegious.

One enthusiast expressed on X about the announcement: “This is undeniably incorrect, regardless of my fondness for Robert Eggers. Some movies are better off untouched entirely, and this is certainly among them.

“You simply cannot make a sequel to the Labyrinth without Jim or Bowie. Sacrilegious dare i say?”

In the same vein, here’s my take: “(I’m quite fond of Eggers) Labyrinth doesn’t call for a follow-up, let it be! The original is so enchanting and flawless that a sequel seems ill-suited, either now or in any era.

Many fans find it hard to accept the absence of the late David Bowie, as one put it: “I appreciate Eggers, but just like you can’t create another ‘Labyrinth’ without David Bowe, you can’t make another ‘Beetlejuice’ without Michael Keaton.

That movie was synonymous with Bowie. If there were ever a sequel, it wouldn’t capture the magic that Bowie embodied; it simply couldn’t measure up to his legendary status.

On the other hand, some continue to hold optimism that Robert Eggers could successfully create a sequel for Labyrinth. One user on X shared their thoughts: “I understand why people are skeptical, but I’d be intrigued to discover what a Labyrinth film directed by Robert Eggers would look like.

It might not appear to be something he typically handles, but I am confident he has the ability to make it work.

Currently, there’s no information available about the storyline for the Labyrinth sequel, but it appears that Eggers is kept quite busy in the world of film production.

This past week saw the announcement that author Eggers is planning to release his upcoming horror story, titled “Werwulf,” during the holiday season of 2026.

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2025-01-24 16:36