A Labyrinth movie sequel is in the works from the Doctor Strange director

28 May 2020, 18:10

Scott Derrickson has confirmed he will direct a sequel to fantasy 1986 movie Labyrinth for studio TriStar Pictures, over 30 years since the original starring David Bowie.

A follow-up to Jim Henson's 1986 classic film starring David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly has been rumoured for several years, but with no official details until now.

Henson's daughter Lisa will produce the film, while Henson's son Brian - who also voiced and operated the giant Hoggle puppet in the original film - will executive produce.

Derrickson is best known for helming the 2016 Marvel movie Doctor Strange starring Benedict Cumberbatch, but he recently quit the sequel due to "creative differences".

Read more: Looking back at David Bowie's excellent Labyrinth soundtrack

The script for the film will be written by Maggie Levin, who also wrote TV horror anthology Into The Dark.

David Bowie's Magic Dance in Labyrinth

Levin later tweeted: "Major thanks to everyone for the outpouring of love today. It's a dream come true" is a massive understatement, but, that's truly what it is. And now, back to work."

The plot is yet to be confirmed, but IMDB says the currently untitled movie is about "a mythical princess searching for her father in a perilous labyrinth".

It has also not been revealed who will star in the movie, or whether Jennifer Connelly will return as Sarah. David Bowie passed away in 2016.

Read more: This is what baby Toby from Labyrinth looks like now

The original film told the story of Sarah (Connelly) who wished the goblins would take away her baby brother Toby. This leads to the Goblin King, Jareth (Bowie) taking her up on the offer, and she is forced to head into his magical labyrinth to find her sibling before it's too late.

The movie wasn't a huge hit at the box office at the time, but it has become a cult favourite in the decades since.