Netflix has released the official trailer for its upcoming fantasy adventure series The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, according to Variety. The show is based on Jim Henson’s 1982 film and is prequel to its epic events. The story focuses on three Gelfing heroes who embark on an epic journey to “ignite the fires of rebellion” and save their magical world. The mysterious purple crystal gives power to the Skeksis who want to spread darkness through the realm. The three courageous Gelfings discover the evil plan and want to warn all the other creatures that can be reached by the Skeksis. Louis Letterier (Now You See Me, The Incredible Hulk) directs the 10-episode series.
Jim Henson co-directed The Dark Crystal 37 years ago utilizing animatronic technology that merged machines and puppetry. Even though this series implements CGI characteristics, the goal is to have the creatures designed as more practical creations, while maintaining the original vision. This new series is able to expand the original world. It looks like there will be a lot of movement with battle scenes, courageous dives from cliffsides, and swirling gyroscopes.
“As a filmmaker, one of my earliest influences was Jim Henson’s masterpiece The Dark Crystal, a movie that brought to life a universe rich in detail and teeming with incredible characters. The creativity in the film was limitless and groundbreaking for that time, restricted only by the special effects tools of its day,” Letterier said.
“As I envision Age of Resistance, I am most excited about joining today’s film techniques with the practical visual effects that are such an integral part of The Dark Crystal – the artistry, the craftsmanship, the performances, and of course the puppets! It is a gift and an honor to work alongside the teams at The Jim Henson Company and Netflix, the artists at Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, and the Frouds, as we begin this new adventure, diving deeper into the world of Thra and working hard to bring fans all they have hoped for,” Letterier added.
“Louis Leterrier is passionate about the world of The Dark Crystal and has an incredible creative vision for the series. He brings this passion to every facet of the production as he leads the talented team of artists and writers that are bringing this entire universe to life,” said Lisa Henson, CEO of The Jim Henson Company.
“The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance will combine the art of puppetry perfected by The Jim Henson Company, with Louis’ vision, powerful storytelling and a mix of cutting-edge digital imagery and visual effects,” said Cindy Holland, Vice President of original content at Netflix. “I can’t wait for families around the world to see how we bring these unique characters to life.”
The Gelfings are voiced by Taron Egerton, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Nathalie Emmanuel. The cast includes Alicia Vikander, Helena Bonham Carter, Eddie Izzard, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Mark Strong, Harvey Fierstein, Mark Hamill, Ralph Ineson, Jason Isaacs, Keegan-Michael Key, Simon Pegg, Andy Samberg, Caitriona Balfe, Toby Jones, Shazad Latif, Harris Dickinson, Natalie Dormer, Theo James and Ólafur Darri Ólafsson.
The series premieres August 30, 2019, on Netflix.