Disney to produce biopic about "The Muppets" creator Jim Henson

Writer: Heidi Hsia

Many of us grew up with the beloved characters from The Muppets and Sesame Street

23 Apr – Disney is set to collaborate with The Jim Henson Company to produce a biopic about the legendary puppeteer Jim Henson, most known to many for the variety sketch comedy, "The Muppets".

The upcoming project, which is currently in development, will be written by Michael Mitnick ("The Giver") and will revolve around Henson's journey in convincing broadcasters to produce the aforementioned show that is still around until today.

Richard Hunt, Jim Henson and Frank Oz performing as Ernie and Bert on the set of "Sesame Street"

It is noted that Disney has owned the rights to the Muppets since 2004 and has been discussing a possibility of a Henson biopic since 2010.

Aside from creating beloved shows like "The Muppets", "Fraggle Rock" and many of the characters on "Sesame Street", Henson was also known for cult films such as "Labyrinth" and "The Dark Crystal".

He passed away in 1990 following severe pneumonia caused by a rare complication from a bacterial infection.

Jim Henson with his most popular creation, Kermit the Frog

Henson also directed the Jennifer Connelly and David Bowie-starrer, "Labyrinth"