Before CGI was even a thing, the only way to get fantastical creatures in live-action was through puppets, and Jim Henson of The Muppets was considered one of creature-works’ most influential figures. We may have lost him back in 1990, but his legacy endures to this day, and now Disney+ is set to release a documentary about him directed by Ron Howard.
Check out the trailer for Jim Henson Idea Man:
The official description reads:
“Jim Henson Idea Man” takes us into the mind of this singular creative visionary, from his early years puppeteering on local television to the worldwide success of Sesame Street, The Muppet Show, and beyond. Featuring unprecedented access to Jim’s personal archives, Howard brings us a fascinating and insightful look at a complex man whose boundless imagination inspired the world.
Though Henson’s muppets did start out as entertainment for children, he was able to branch out and do more visually interesting things with projects like Labyrinth and Dark Crystal.
It was certainly a shock to a lot of people when Henson died at the age of 53, but anyone who’s worked with him can attest to his brilliance when it comes to creating characters and defining the medium of puppetry for decades to come.
The Muppets may not be as big as they were now, but I imagine that generations into the future will still love characters like Kermit the Frog, Fozzy Bear, or Gonzo.
Jim Henson Idea Man starts streaming on Disney+ on May 31.
