The Dark Crystal is a 1982 dark fantasy film directed by Jim Henson and Frank Oz. It stars the voices of Stephen Garlick, Lisa Maxwell, Billie Whitelaw, Percy Edwards, and Barry Dennen. The film was produced by ITC Entertainment and The Jim Henson Company and distributed by Universal Pictures. The plot revolves around Jen and Kira, two Gelflings on a quest to restore balance to the world of Thra and overthrow the evil, ruling Skeksis by restoring a powerful broken Crystal.
Theatrical release poster by Richard Amsel
The original Skeksis costume skekUng on display at the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta, Georgia.
Mystic puppet, Smithsonian Institution National Museum of American History.
Gelfling costumes displayed at the British Library (2024)
James Maury Henson was an American puppeteer, animator, actor, and filmmaker who achieved worldwide notability as the creator of the Muppets. Henson was also well known for creating Fraggle Rock (1983–1987) and as the director of The Dark Crystal (1982) and Labyrinth (1986).
Henson in 1979
Reproductions built in the Muppets Workshop of the Wilkins (left) and Wontkins (right) Muppets
Henson with Miss Piggy and Fozzie Bear in 1979
Henson and producer George Lucas working on Labyrinth in 1986
