Robert Eggers Reportedly Set to Direct ‘Labyrinth’ Sequel After ‘Nosferatu’

There has never been a sequel or remake for the 1986 cult masterpiece ‘Labyrinth’, which starred David Bowie as Jareth the Goblin King and was directed by Jim Henson, produced by George Lucas, and written by Terry Jones of Monty Python. However, rumours about a follow-up have continued over time.

According to speculations, a follow-up to ‘Labyrinth’ was being developed as early as 2016. Nicole Perlman, who co-wrote ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’, was supposedly involved in the project. It was revealed in 2017 that ‘Don’t Breathe’ director Fede Alvarez has agreed to create a spinoff, with Lisa Henson, Henson’s daughter, serving as producer. But in 2020, Alvarez left the project.

Later that year, original actor Jennifer Connelly was allegedly in talks to return to her role as Sarah, the young girl who negotiated the ‘Labyrinth’ to save her newborn brother, Toby, while Scott Derrickson, filmmaker of ‘Doctor Strange’, was brought on board to helm the film.

Image Courtesy: Yahoo

With Robert Eggers, the filmmaker of ‘The Witch’ and the ‘Lighthouse’, reportedly involved, the project now seems to have taken a different path. Hollywood insider Jeff Sneider, as reported by The Insneider, claims that Eggers has agreed to helm the follow-up film for Sony Pictures. Additionally, according to the article, Eggers will co-write the movie alongside Sjón, an Icelandic screenwriter best renowned for his work on ‘The Northman’ and his partnerships with Björk.

Chris Columbus, the director of ‘Home Alone’ and ‘Harry Potter’, is rumoured to be joining Lisa Henson as a producer. Jareth the Goblin King is supposed to be played by Alexander Skarsgård, who appeared in ‘The Northman’ and is well-known for his roles in ‘Succession’ and ‘Big Little Lies’.

Image Courtesy: Los Angeles Times

These reports have not yet been verified by Sony or any of the parties concerned.

Eggers’ most recent endeavour, a reimagining of the 1922 horror classic ‘Nosferatu’, is presently showing in theatres across the United States and is scheduled to open in the United Kingdom in January. Lily-Rose Depp, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Emma Corrin, Nicholas Hoult, and Bill Skarsgård are among the film’s actors. NME gave it a three-star rating, calling it “essential viewing for fans of gothic horror,” but warning that it might not be suitable for larger audiences unless they are looking for something really different.

–Farheen Ali