Nosferatu filmmaker Robert Eggers is set to make another genre film by writing and directing the sequel to Labyrinth for TriStar Pictures, according to the InSneider newsletter. The upcoming movie will serve as the follow-up to the 1986 cult fantasy feature, which was helmed by Jim Henson.
Eggers is penning the project with his writing partner Sjón, his collaborator on his 2022 Viking action film, The Northman. Plot details for Eggers’ version of Labyrinth are under wraps, but it will reportedly be a sequel to, rather than a remake of, the original movie.
Chris Columbus and Eleanor Columbus are producing the sequel alongside Lisa Henson. Brian Henson will serve as an executive producer.
Efforts to make a Labyrinth follow-up have been ongoing since at least 2017. Scott Derrickson was previously set to direct the sequel. When asked about the status of the project for TriStar Pictures and Jim Henson Pictures last year, the Doctor Strange scrie-helmer told SlashFilm that it was “a tough nut to crack.” He seemingly left the project after that.
The script was to be written by Maggie Levin at the time. At that point, the story was being described as a sequel.
The original Labyrinth starred David Bowie as the Goblin King. He starred alongside Jennifer Connelly, who played 16-year-old Sarah as she navigates a vast, otherworldly maze to rescue her infant brother, Toby (Toby Froud).
Sarag set out to save her young brother after she inadvertently wished away to the realm of the Goblin King . Throughout her journey, Sarah encounters a variety of magical creatures and challenges that test her resolve and maturity.
The movie, which was a imaginative musical fantasy, was not a financial success at the box office upon its initial distribution. In its theatrical release through TriStar, the film only grossed around $34 million against a reported budget of $25 million.
But the musical still earned nominations at the Hugo Awards and the BBAFTA Film Awards. It also eventually found a generation of fans on home video and television, and became a beloved cult movie. As a result, it spawned tie-in novels and comic books, video games, retrospective screenings and a fan masquerade ball.
The news of Eggers signing on to scribe and direct the Labyrinth sequel comes after his Nosferatu remake received four Oscar nominations, including in the Cinematography, Costume Design, Production Design and Makeup and Hairstyling categories
Still playing in theaters, Eggers’ take on gothic vampire tale Nosferatu is the highest-grossing film of his career, having passed $156 million worldwide since it was released in theaters on Christmas Day. Heading into its eighth weekend at the box office and recently premiering on PVOD, the movie also is Focus Features’ second highest-grossing title in the U.S. behind Downton Abbey.
The plot of Werwulf hasn’t yet been divulged. Produced and financed by Focus Features, the film is scheduled to debut in North American theaters on Christmas Day 2026. Eggers and Sjón will produce alongside Focus, with Maiden Voyage’s Chris and Eleanor Columbus executive producing.
Eggers told Indiewire recently that he was also interested in making a Western and a medieval project, The Knight.
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