Netflix cancels The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance
David Farnor | On 22, Sep 2020
Netflix has cancelled The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance after only one season.
The series, a prequel to the classic Dark Crystal film, takes us back into the world created by Jim Henson and his team. An epic quest to find hope in darkness, it sees three Gelfling discover the horrifying secret behind the Skeksis’ power and set to save their dying world. The adventure is brought to life by a star-studded cast that includes Lena Headey, Benedict Wong, Awkwafina, Sigourney Weaver, Taron Egerton, Anya Taylor-Joy, Helena Bonham-Carter, Natalie Dormer, Eddie Izzard, Toby Jones, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Alicia Vikander and Mark Hamill.
“Jim Henson himself would be proud of this entertaining, emotionally resonant prequel,” we wrote in our review of the series.
The show went on to win the Primetime Emmy award for Outstanding Children’s Programme. Nonetheless, Netflix has now confirmed that will not be any further seasons.
“We know fans are eager to learn how this chapter of The Dark Crystal saga concludes and we’ll look for ways to tell that story in the future,” said Lisa Henson, executive producer, in a statement. “Our company has a legacy of creating rich and complex worlds that require technical innovation, artistic excellence, and masterful storytelling. Our history also includes productions that are enduring, often finding and growing their audience over time and proving again and again that fantasy and science fiction genres reflect eternal messages and truths that are always relevant. We are so grateful to Netflix for trusting us to realise this ambitious series; we are deeply proud of our work on Age of Resistance, and the acclaim it has received from fans, critics and our peers.”
“We are grateful to the master artists at The Jim Henson Company for bringing The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance to life for fans around the world,” added Netflix. “We’re thankful to the executive producers Lisa Henson and Halle Stanford, and Louis Leterrier, who also directed all episodes, as well as the writers, cast and crew for their outstanding work and thrilled they were recognised with the Emmy this weekend.”
Watch: The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance gets stunning new trailer
13th August 2019
Nothing will ever be the same, promises the new trailer for Netflix’s The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance.
The series, a prequel to the classic Dark Crystal film, is a tantalising prospect precisely because it is offering some of the same, taking us back into the world created by Jim Henson and his team – and hiding by the latest stunning video in a string of stunning videos, the show is set to do that and then some.
An epic quest to find hope in darkness, it sees three Gelfling discover the horrifying secret behind the Skeksis’ power and set to save their dying world. The adventure is brought to life by a star-studded cast that includes Lena Headey, Benedict Wong, Awkwafina, Sigourney Weaver, Taron Egerton, Anya Taylor-Joy, Helena Bonham-Carter, Natalie Dormer, Eddie Izzard, Toby Jones, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Alicia Vikander and Mark Hamill.
The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance premieres on 30th August. Here’s the new video:
See behind-the-scenes of The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance with new teaser
20th July 2019
“The idea is you watch the show and you forget you’re watching puppets.” That’s director Louis Leterrier talking at Comic-Con 2019, where Netflix dropped a new trailer for The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance.
Based on Jim Henson’s groundbreaking 1982 movie, the series tells a new epic story, set many years before, and realised using classic puppetry with cutting edge visual effects. It returns to the world of Thra with an all new adventure. When three Gelfling discover the horrifying secret behind the Skeksis’ power, they set out on an epic journey to save their dying world.
The cast list is as star-studded as they come, including Lena Headey, Benedict Wong, Awkwafina, Sigourney Weaver, Taron Egerton, Anya Taylor-Joy, Caitriona Balfe, Helena Bonham-Carter, Harris Dickinson, Natalie Dormer, Eddie Izzard, Toby Jones, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Mark Strong, Alicia Vikander, Mark Hamill, Simon Pegg and Andy Samberg. The footage we’ve seen has been equally stunning, combining classic puppetry with cutting edge visual effects.
Netflix screened the first episode of the show at Comic-Con, but rather than drop another trailer, Netflix’s panel – which included Mark Hamill, Taron Egerton and producer Lisa Henson – also unveiled a new video giving us a look behind the scenes of the production. A clip, to be precise, from an upcoming making-of documentary aptly called The Making of The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance.
“This is the proudest thing that I’ve done since my siblings and myself started running the company,” said Henson.
Age of Resistance premieres on 30th August 2019, when the behind-the-scenes documentary is likely to land too. Here’s the video:
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Lena Headey, Sigourney Weaver join Netflix’s Dark Crystal series
27th June 2019
Just when you think the cast list for Netflix’s Dark Crystal series can’t get any more impressive, more star names are added to the list.
Today, the streaming giant confirmed that new additions to the voice cast include Lena Headey (Game of Thrones) as Maudra Fara,
Benedict Wong (Avengers: Endgame) as The General, Awkwafina (Crazy Rich Asians) as The Collector, Sigourney Weaver as The Myth-Speaker, Hannah John-Kamen (Ant-Man and The Wasp) as Naia and Dave Goelz (The Dark Crystal) as Baffi, a Fizzgig.
They join an absurdly star-studded line—up of talent that includes the vocals of Taron Egerton (Kingsman) and Anya Taylor-Joy (The Witch), Caitriona Balfe (Outlander), Helena Bonham-Carter (The King’s Speech), Harris Dickinson (forthcoming Maleficent 2), Natalie Dormer (Game of Thrones), Eddie Izzard (Ocean’s Thirteen), Toby Jones (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy), Gugu Mbatha-Raw (The Cloverfield Paradox), Mark Strong (Kingsman), Alicia Vikander (Tomb Raider), Mark Hamill (Knightfall, Star Wars), Jason Isaacs (The OA) and Simon Pegg (Mission Impossible). Oh, and Andy Samberg (Brooklyn Nine Nine).
Based on Jim Henson’s groundbreaking 1982 movie, The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance tells a new epic story, set many years before, and realised using classic puppetry with cutting edge visual effects. It returns to the world of Thra with an all new adventure. When three Gelfling discover the horrifying secret behind the Skeksis’ power, they set out on an epic journey to save their dying world.
You can see – or, more accurately, hear – all of the above in action on Friday 30th August, when the show premieres on Netflix. Read on below for the trailer.
Watch: Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance gets a stunning trailer
31st May 2019
The 1982 fantasy The Dark Crystal may not be the most talked-about blockbuster of 2019, but Netflix is gearing up to make it the unlikely hit o the summer, with its new series, Netflix’s Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance.
Based on Jim Henson’s groundbreaking movie, The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance tells a new epic story, set many years before, and realised using classic puppetry with cutting edge visual effects. It returns to the world of Thra with an all new adventure. When three Gelfling discover the horrifying secret behind the Skeksis’ power, they set out on an epic journey to save their dying world.
It certainly has a star cast worth of Hollywood, with the vocals led by Taron Egerton (Kingsman) and Anya Taylor-Joy (The Witch), and including Caitriona Balfe (Outlander), Helena Bonham-Carter (The King’s Speech), Harris Dickinson (forthcoming Maleficent 2), Natalie Dormer (Game of Thrones), Eddie Izzard (Ocean’s Thirteen), Toby Jones (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy), Gugu Mbatha-Raw (The Cloverfield Paradox), Mark Strong (Kingsman), Alicia Vikander (Tomb Raider), Mark Hamill (Knightfall, Star Wars), Jason Isaacs (The OA), Simon Pegg (Mission Impossible) and Andy Samberg (Brooklyn Nine Nine).
Now, we’ve got our first look at the visuals to back those voices up, with a stunning two-minute trailer released by Netflix. You can see the whole thing on Friday 30th August, when Age of Resistance premieres. Until then, here’s the video:
Netflix’s Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance gets August release date
21st May 2019
Fans counting down the days until The Dark Crystal returns to our screens, courtesy of Netflix, finally know what they’re counting to, because the streaming giant’s new series, Age of Resistance, has at last got a confirmed release date.
Based on Jim Henson’s groundbreaking 1982 feature film, The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance tells a new epic story, set many years before the events of the movie, and realized using classic puppetry with cutting edge visual effects. It returns to the world of Thra with an all new adventure. When three Gelfling discover the horrifying secret behind the Skeksis’ power, they set out on an epic journey to save their dying world.
The Crystal of Truth is at the heart of Thra, a source of untold power. But it is damaged, corrupted by the evil Skeksis, and a sickness spreads across the land. Together, the three Gelfling light the fires of rebellion and an epic battle for the planet begins.
Leading the voice cast are Taron Egerton (Kingsman), Anya Taylor-Joy (The Witch), and Nathalie Emmanuel (Game of Thrones), as Rian, Brea and Deet, three Gelfling heroes. Other Gelfling characters are voiced by Caitriona Balfe (Outlander), Helena Bonham-Carter (The King’s Speech), Harris Dickinson (forthcoming Maleficent 2), Natalie Dormer (Game of Thrones), Eddie Izzard (Ocean’s Thirteen). Theo James (The Divergent Series), Toby Jones (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy), Shazad Latif (Star Trek: Discovery), Gugu Mbatha-Raw (The Cloverfield Paradox), Mark Strong (Kingsman) and Alicia Vikander (Tomb Raider).
The Skeksis & Mystics are voiced by Harvey Fierstein (Torch Song), Mark Hamill (Knightfall, Star Wars), Ralph Ineson (Game of Thrones), Jason Isaacs (The OA), Keegan-Michael Key (Key and Peele), Ólafur Darri Ólafsson (True Detective), Simon Pegg (Mission Impossible) and Andy Samberg (Brooklyn Nine Nine), while Aughra will be voiced by Donna Kimball (The Happytime Murders).
You can see all of them in action this summer, with Age of Resistance officially set to debut on Friday 30th August. In the meantime, get a fresh look at the series with these new pictures:
Netflix’s The Dark Crystal reveals star-studded voice cast and first images
17th December 2018
In case the prospect of Netflix bringing back The Dark Crystal didn’t have you excited already, the show has unveiled its voice cast – and to say it’s star-studded would be understatement.
Leading the voice cast are Taron Egerton (Kingsman), Anya Taylor-Joy (The Witch), and Nathalie Emmanuel (Game of Thrones), as Rian, Brea and Deet, three Gelfling heroes. Other Gelfling characters are voiced by Caitriona Balfe (Outlander), Helena Bonham-Carter (The King’s Speech), Harris Dickinson (forthcoming Maleficent 2), Natalie Dormer (Game of Thrones), Eddie Izzard (Ocean’s Thirteen). Theo James (The Divergent Series), Toby Jones (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy), Shazad Latif (Star Trek: Discovery), Gugu Mbatha-Raw (The Cloverfield Paradox), Mark Strong (Kingsman) and Alicia Vikander (Tomb Raider).
The Skeksis & Mystics are voiced by Harvey Fierstein (Torch Song), Mark Hamill (Knightfall, Star Wars), Ralph Ineson (Game of Thrones), Jason Isaacs (The OA), Keegan-Michael Key (Key and Peele), Ólafur Darri Ólafsson (True Detective), Simon Pegg (Mission Impossible) and Andy Samberg (Brooklyn Nine Nine), while Aughra will be voiced by Donna Kimball (The Happytime Murders).
Additional characters will also be voiced by puppeteers from the production, including Alice Dinnean, Louise Gold, Neil Sterenberg and Victor Yerrid.
Based on Jim Henson’s groundbreaking 1982 feature film, The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance tells a new epic story, set many years before the events of the movie, and realized using classic puppetry with cutting edge visual effects. The world of Thra is dying. The Crystal of Truth is at the heart of Thra, a source of untold power. But it is damaged, corrupted by the evil Skeksis, and a sickness spreads across the land. When three Gelfling uncover the horrific truth behind the power of the Skeksis, an adventure unfolds as the fires of rebellion are lit and an epic battle for the planet begins.
Cindy Holland, VP of Original Series, Netflix, says: “To match the stunning visual world of The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, we knew we had to entice some incredible voice talent to add dimension to the exquisite artistry of the puppeteers who bring the characters to life. I am proud to say that this may be one of the finest casts assembled from the world’s favourite TV shows and movies, and I am now even more excited for fans to come back to Thra with us, and for new viewers to discover this world for the very first time.”
Lisa Henson, CEO of The Jim Henson Company adds: “It is humbling to see so many truly gifted actors join The Dark Crystal universe by adding their voices to Age of Resistance. As with the original film, we are now adding a voice cast of the highest caliber that will provide textures and range to the puppetry performances that are the heart of the series. It is thrilling to see this assembled team of artists, puppeteers and now voice actors, many inspired by my father’s original film, work together to realize this unique world – through performance and craft – at a scale that is rarely seen today.”
Here are the first pictures of those characters in action:
The Dark Crystal prequel series in the works at Netflix
17th March 2017
Netflix is working on a TV series inspired by the Jim Henson classic, The Dark Crystal.
Titled The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, the 10-episode series will see the 80s fantasy return to our screens. Taking place many years before the events of the film, the show will be shot in the UK, and will star an ensemble of fantastical, state-of-the-art creatures created by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop and Brian Froud, the original feature’s conceptual designer.
The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance returns to the world of Thra with an all new adventure. When three Gelfling discover the horrifying secret behind the Skeksis’ power, they set out on an epic journey to ignite the fires of rebellion and save their world.
Louis Leterrier (Now You See Me, The Incredible Hulk) will executive produce the series and direct. The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance will be a Netflix original series produced by The Jim Henson Company and executive produced by Letterier, Lisa Henson and Halle Stanford. Longtime Henson collaborator Rita Peruggi will also serve as producer and Henson’s Blanca Lista will serve as a co-executive producer. Leading the writing are co-executive producers Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews (Life in a Year), and Javier Grillo-Marxuach (Lost, The 100).
“The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance will combine the art of puppetry perfected by The Jim Henson Company, with Louis’ vision, powerful storytelling and a mix of cutting-edge digital imagery and visual effects,” says Cindy Holland, Vice President of Original Content at Netflix. “I can’t wait for families around the world to see how we bring these unique characters to life.”
“Louis Leterrier is passionate about the world of The Dark Crystal and has an incredible creative vision for the series. He brings this passion to every facet of the production as he leads the talented team of artists and writers that are bringing this entire universe to life,” adds Lisa Henson, CEO of The Jim Henson Company. “Netflix has a deep respect for my father’s original work and the many people it inspired. They are the perfect partners to create this next epic chapter in The Dark Crystal story for new fans and the loyal fans who have waited so long for more adventures from this world.”
The series starts shooting this autumn.