Brian Henson Reflects on the Close Relationship He Built with His Father, Jim, While Collaborating on Labyrinth
Jim Henson (left) and Brian Henson (right).
Credit :
The Jim Henson Company
Brian Henson Reflects on Relationship with Late Father Jim Henson
Brian Henson, an accomplished director, producer, writer, and puppeteer, is preparing for the re-release of the iconic film Labyrinth, directed by his late father, Jim Henson. The film will return to theaters for a special limited engagement from January 8 to 11, marking its 40th anniversary.
Henson, 62, has dedicated his career to crafting imaginative worlds that captivate audiences of all ages. He has played a pivotal role as a creative force at The Jim Henson Company, forging a reputation in storytelling, technical innovation, and leadership. Brian was not just born into the legacy of the Muppets; he has solidified his place as a distinguished artist in his own right.
Labyrinth, which features David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly, holds a special significance for Brian. “It’s a film that deserves to be seen on the big screen,” he said. “If you’re watching it on a TV, you’re not seeing half of it.”
Reflecting on his experiences, Brian shared, “It had a subconscious effect on me of feeling like… I’m here because this is what I do, not just because I’m Jim’s son.” His involvement in Labyrinth as puppeteer coordinator and voice of Hoggle, allowed him to forge a "lovely relationship" with his father, transforming their dynamic from that of parent and child to colleagues and friends.
“Those early films were about complicated animatronic characters, which became my specialty,” he explained, noting that the challenges of Labyrinth aligned perfectly with his growing expertise. Through this project, Brian gained a deeper understanding of character development, noting how Jim Henson’s unique sensibility shaped his work, often steering away from overly cute characters in favor of ones rooted in curiosity and delight.
The re-release of Labyrinth is not merely a nostalgic return to a beloved film; it serves as an opportunity for both new and devoted fans to engage with its artistic craftsmanship. "Part of the fun of making a big extravagant movie is sitting with hundreds of people watching it," Brian remarked, emphasizing the sense of shared experience a theatrical release creates.
As audiences prepare for the return of this cinematic classic, Brian Henson continues to carry forward the legacy of his father while drawing on his unique creative vision.
