Template:Future film
| The Power of the Dark Crystal | |
|---|---|
| File:Queenkira.jpg | |
| Directed by | Genndy Tartakovsky |
| Written by | Annette Duffy David Odell |
| Music by | Trevor Jones |
| Distributed by | Odyssey Entertainment |
The Power of the Dark Crystal is the sequel to the 1982 fantasy film The Dark Crystal scheduled for 2007. Veteran animator Genndy Tartakovsky (creator of Dexter's Laboratory and Samurai Jack) will direct and produce the movie through the Orphanage Animation Studios. The film will incorporate CGI backgrounds with animatronic muppets. Legendary fantasy artist Brian Froud, designer of the first film, will return to design the creatures and characters.
Jen and Kira, having lived for many years as the rulers of their world since the reunification of the crystal, welcome an unexpected visitor to their castle; from him they learn that the existence of the U-mun people, who live in the blazing center of the planet, are threatened by the death of their sun. There is only one thing powerful enough to heal the star - a shard of the crystal.
Remembering what happened last time, the Gelflings refuse and the visitor in desperation shatters the crystal, and steals a shard deep underground into the tunnels under the castle. Immediately the crystal beings split into the Ur-sol and the Skeksis, and the gelfings begin a quest, aided by Aughra, to restore the crystal and escape the violent Garthim soldiers who pursue them once again.
Incorporating a hybrid of live action animatronic characters and CG animation, production is expected to commence in summer of 2006. Lisa Henson and Kristine Belson will produce with Brian Henson, Ralph Kamp and Louise Goodsill serving as Executive Producers. Odyssey Entertainment will represent the worldwide sales and distribution of the film, beginning at the Cannes Film Festival.
Except for the character of "The General", all the original cast members from the 1984 original will be back to reprise the voices of the characters.
The original screenplay by Annette Duffy and David Odell (the original Dark Crystal, The Muppet Show) is set many years after the events of the first movie.
Other projects include an animated television series, a manga series from Tokyo Pop, and licensed products such as books, "interactive games", apparel and collectible sculptures.
Fan reaction to the return of the Dark Crystal has been almost universally positive; the original movie has remained a fan favorite with strong worldwide home video and DVD sales for many years, as is shown by its continual re-release on DVD. The addition of Genndy Tarkakovsky was also applaused by many prominent reviewers, since he has gained a strong reputation among fans of animation for his Clone Wars and Samurai Jack TV shows.