Here’s what you need to know about the sequel to cult movie Labyrinth which is now in the works

This is what you need to know about the sequel that's in the works (Photo: The Jim Henson Company)

A follow up to the 1986 cult film Labyrinth, which starred David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly, has been rumoured for years - but now firm details about the project have been released.

This is everything you need to know about the Labyrinth sequel that’s in the works.

Who is the director of the sequel?

Casting for the project has yet to be announced, but the big news about the new Labyrinth sequel is that a director has now been attached.

Scott Derrickson has confirmed he will be directing the sequel for studio TriStar Pictures.

He is best known for directing Marvel’s 2016 movie Doctor Strange, but earlier in 2020 he passed on the opportunity to return as director of its sequel due to “creative differences”.

Derrickson also directed Deliver Us from Evil (2014), Sinister (2012), The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008) and The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005).

The original Labyrinth was directed by Jim Henson, who became a household name as the creator of The Mupperts and Fraggle Rock.

Henson passed away in 1990.

It has been revealed that Henson’s daughter, Lisa, will produce the sequel, and his son Brian will executive produce.

The official BAFTA account tweeted: “We hear that a sequel is on the cards for Jim Henson’s BAFTA-nominated Labyrinth! We will miss Bowie so much, but who should take his crown as the new Goblin King/Queen?”

People responded to the tweet suggesting the following actors for the main role:

Tilda Swinton (The Dead Don’t Die, What We Do in the Shadows)
Jemaine Clement (Moana, Flight of the Conchords)
Janelle Monae (Hidden Figures, Moonlight)
Jennifer Connelly, who played Sarah in the original (A Beautiful Mind, Only the Brave)
Eddie Redmayne (Les Miserables, The Danish Girl)
Gillian Anderson (Sex Education, The Fall)
Tim Minchin (Upright, Californication)

What will it be about?

Details about the plot of the second film have also yet to be announced, but it has been revealed that Maggie Levin will write the Labyrinth sequel. Levin also wrote the TV horror anthology Into The Dark (2020).

After the news was announced, Levin tweeted: “Major thanks to everyone for the outpouring of love today. “It’s a dream come true” is a massive understatement, but, that’s truly was it is.

“And now, back to work.”

How have fans reacted?

Labyrinth fans have responded to the news with mixed feelings, with many concerned that a sequel without David Bowie - who passed away in 2016 - as The Goblin King wouldn’t work.

Taking to Twitter to express their feelings, one fan wrote: “Labyrinth sequel without David, that’s a no from me.”

Another tweeted: “I will cry if a Labyrinth sequel is made and not in a good way.”

However, some fans were excited to hear the news, with one Twitter user writing: “LABYRINTH IS GETTING A SEQUEL I COULD FAINT.”