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.