Friday, May 30, 2008

Corey Edwards Sheds Some Light on Fraggle Film

Earlier this month, the Jim Henson Company announced that Cory Edwards has signed a deal to write and direct the forthcoming "Fraggle Rock" feature film. Edwards is already preparing the script, based on an extensive studio-approved outlined. While much of the production details are cloaked in secrecy, Edwards has shed some light on his role in the upcoming Fraggle film on his personal website.

Edwards is hard at work writing the screenplay, and has already completed more than 50-pages of his first draft. And while Edwards is contractually obligated not to reveal any major details, he has mentioned that the story will take the Fraggles on an adventure outside of Fraggle Rock where they will interact with the "silly creatures" of "outer space" (also known as humans). Reportedly this was the idea Henson always wanted to do, and Edwards has promised fans that Gobo, Red, Wembley, Boober, Mokey and Uncle Matt are all a part of the story. The film will be a musical adventure, featuring a slue of original songs created just for the film.

Edwards commented on the overall story stating that "there will be elements of a classic fantasy 'quest' movie with some traditional high-energy Muppet hijinks thrown in." Edwards says that his goal is to make a film that is "more than just a 'cute' movie that occupies a kid's attention span for 90 minutes" and wants to create a fulled developed film, and not simply a super-sized episode of the TV show. "It will deliver much more," Edwards wrote, "I want to create something that will stay true to the spirit of the original show, but also go way beyond it. This is going to be a big fantasy adventure film that stands up to anything else at the multiplex today. Everyone involved in this project wants the same thing."

The project will star a mix of human characters and the famous Fraggle Rock puppets. Edwards reassured fans that these will be the real puppets (and not computer generation creations), stating "It's my goal to do everything the 'old school Muppet way.' I do believe there are many Henson fans who would have my head on a platter if I attempted anything else. If it is possible to do something physically, on set and 'in camera,' we will do it. But it's also fair to say that I will use today's effects to enhance or help any scene. I will just keep asking myself, WWJD? ('What Would Jim Do?')"

The Jim Henson Company is set to produce the film while The Weinstein Company is lined-up to distribute. And while official word on when to expect the theatrical release of the Fraggle Rock film have yet to surface, previous statements from those involved have pointed at a possible 2009 or 2010 release. I will be sure to keep you up to date as soon as details on this exciting project develop.

3 comments:

frogboy4 said...

While not initially thrilled at the choice of writer/director, it appears this guy has the right intentions. So reportedly this will be a full-fledged film version of Fraggle Rock with minimal CG (only used for minor enhancements) and based on an original idea by Jim Henson. I look forward to this very much.

A lot has been said about Hoodwinked, but I happened to like it. The film is plagued with many amateurish problems - from video game quality CG to dependence on derivative pop culture references, but it is funny the characters are memorable and the story is a good effort. I'm glad that Cory Edwards has squashed the idea of "Shreking up" the humor in the Fraggle Movie right from the beginning. I am certain that was a concern all around.

I have faith in this Fraggle film. I don't think the performers will let the movie slide - it has 4 very solid seasons behind it and could have had many more. The Fraggles aren't done yet and the world needs them and their message now more than ever!

Vaughn Michael said...

This sounds great and it sounds like we've got another man behind Jim's creations that care for what he did and have both Jim and us fans in mind.
And he's darn tootin' we'd have his head if he made them all cgi lol

Anonymous said...

Hi there, this wasn't going to be a comment but I can't get the 'Contact' form to display the word verification. I just wanted to let you know that I've now published the transcript of a Fraggle Rock interview I carried out last year and I've added a link to yourselves - enjoy!

http://adventuresinprimetime.wordpress.com/2008/06/01/return-to-fraggle-rock/