Forty years after its release, Jim Henson's dark fantasy film Labyrinth is celebrated as a cult classic of 1980s high camp. But upon its debut in 1986, the film bombed at the US box office and received mixed reviews. It was only later, through home video and DVD releases, that the film gained its devoted following.
The film starred David Bowie as the charismatic Goblin King Jareth and a young Jennifer Connelly as Sarah, a teenager who must navigate a treacherous maze to rescue her baby brother. The story blends elements of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland with a coming-of-age narrative, featuring an array of groundbreaking animatronic puppets from Henson's Creature Shop.
According to cast and crew, Henson originally wanted a major rock star for the role of Jareth, considering Sting, Michael Jackson, and David Bowie. Bowie was eventually cast and brought his own flair to the part. Brian Henson, who voiced the dwarf Hoggle, recalled being a 'big cheerleader' for Bowie, having seen him on stage in The Elephant Man.
The five-month shoot at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire involved complex puppetry. Puppeteer Karen Prell described the challenges of operating multiple versions of the Worm character, while Dave Goelz, who played Sir Didymus, noted the extensive rehearsals needed for precise puppet movements. Hoggle required four puppeteers to operate his face and one performer inside the costume.
Despite its initial failure, Labyrinth has endured as a beloved classic, thanks to its unique blend of music, fantasy, and Henson's 'joyful magic' as remembered by the team.
