New Delhi: Directed by Ron Howard, Jim Henson Idea Man is an American documentary film on puppeteer Jim Henson. The film follows Jim Henson through his life and career, documenting his early years as an artist and his work with his wife Jane Henson on projects such as Sesame Street, The Dark Crystal, and The Muppets. Members of the Henson family and friends, as well as employees like Frank Oz, are interviewed for the film.
Premiering on May 18, 2024, in the Cannes Classics sections of the 77th Cannes Film Festival, it will have its global debut on May 31, 2024, on Disney+.
About the Documentary
Immersed in this documentary are interviews with Jim Henson admirers, intercut with archived clips from his works, including the long-lost Wilkins and Wontkins commercials.
Along with regular archival footage and talking head interviews, there are some quite ingenious animations. These animations mostly function as scene transitions or show how the iconic Muppets were created, such as the jacket and ping pong balls that became Kermit or the basketball that was cut in half to become Rowlf’s head.
Rita Moreno, Jennifer Connelly, and Henson’s children all share stories, but Frank Oz—whom Henson has worked with and mentored for a long time—is the most featured interviewee.
Official trailer for Jim Henson: Idea Man.
Premieres May 31st on Disney+ pic.twitter.com/ZHuDdQG7g0
— The Disney Beat (@DisneyBeat101) April 24, 2024
About Jim Henson
Henson, who grew up in rural Mississippi without ever having laid eyes on a puppet, was captivated by television, as were many youngsters of his day; in fact, he went into puppetry as a way to work on television.
A part of him felt trapped by his own success; as “Sesame Street” grew in popularity, he wanted to utilize it to fund unrelated projects like ballets, amusement parks, and Broadway productions.
Tragically, Henson passed away just as he was at the pinnacle of his creative and commercial achievement.
Had the honor of watching JIM HENSON IDEA MAN.
A fantastic & fascinating look into the life & career of Jim Henson. Told by the folks who knew him best! It’s a tremendous and insightful documentary that both fans new and old should love.
The doc streams May 31 on Disney+. pic.twitter.com/46D3IqXvX2
— Zach (@TripleZ_87) May 18, 2024
When and Where to Watch?
On May 31, 2024, the documentary film is scheduled to be made available on Disney Plus Hotstar for your viewing pleasure.
Nunca es tarde para dejar de crear.
Jim Henson Idea Man, un nuevo documental original, disponible 31 de mayo en #DisneyPlus. pic.twitter.com/uGzC8GZktq
— Disney+ LATAM News (@MyDisneyNewsLA) May 26, 2024
Cast and Crew
The Jim Henson Company and Walt Disney Pictures have been working on a biographical film on Jim Henson’s life called Muppet Man since 2010. The script had been created by Aaron and Jordan Kandell until Michael Mitnick was reportedly brought in to rework it in April 2021.
Frank Oz, Karen Prell, Kagga Jayson, Jim Henson, Brian Henson, Jennifer Connelly, Dave Goelz, and Fran Brill are also featured in the film.