Welp, I'm going to need the day off of work come August 30th, because my Jim Henson-lovin' ass is going to be parked in front of my flat screen, drinking in the hybrid effects-driven splendor that is Netflix's THE DARK CRYSTAL: AGE OF RESISTANCE.
Today Netflix has unveiled a new trailer for the upcoming high-fantasy series from director Louis Leterrier, that transports fans of directors Jim Henson and Frank Oz's 1982 masterpiece back to the world of Thra for an all new adventure. When THE DARK CRYSTAL: AGE OF RESISTANCE arrives, the 10-episode, 1 hour series will tell the tale of when three Gelfling discover the horrifying secret behind the Skeksis’ power, and must set out on an epic journey to ignite the fires of rebellion and save their world.
Produced by Ritamarie Peruggi, with executive production by Lisa Henson, Louis Leterrier, Halle Stanford, and co-executive producers Jeffrey Addiss & Will Matthews, Javier Grillo-Marxuach, Blanca Lista, the latest trailer for Leterrier's vision sets us up for a tour de force of special effects spectacle and metaphysical mayhem.
Based on the film that helped make 80s fantasy cinema a highlight of the era, THE DARK CRYSTAL: AGE OF RESISTANCE boasts an all-star cast that have gathered to help bring the world of Jim Henson back for another visually-stunning and technically-marvelous display. Leading the voice cast are Taron Egerton, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Nathalie Emmanuel, as Rian, Brea and Deet, three Gelfling heroes. They will be joined by Caitriona Balfe, Helena Bonham Carter, Harris Dickinson, Natalie Dormer, Eddie Izzard, Theo James, Toby Jones, Shazad Latif, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Mark Strong, and Alicia Vikander as other Gelfling kin.
As for the nightmarish Skeksis: Harvey Fierstein, Mark Hamill, Ralph Ineson, Jason Isaacs, Keegan-Michael Key, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, Simon Pegg, and Andy Samberg will provide the voices of the main assembly. Meanwhile, Donna Kimball will voice Aughra, with additional characters being voiced by puppeteers from the production, including Alice Dinnean, Louise Gold, Neil Sterenberg and Victor Yerrid as Hup.
Wow! I can hardly breathe, you guys. Does this TV series not look completely insane? Do you see the artistry on display here? Do you not feel the awesome power of both practical and CGI effects coming together like long lost lovers ready to make some love to the small screen? I'm shaking. THE DARK CRYSTAL is among my favorite films of all time, and I feel as if I've been waiting for this series to hit since 1982. August 30th is going to be one hell of day, what with this and the new Tool album dropping and all. Do yourself a favor and take the day off, really soak it all in. I'll see you on the other side.
THE DARK CRYSTAL: AGE OF RESISTANCE will launch on Netflix this August 30th.