Fraggle Rock: The Movie...

The Jim Henson Company now confirms what millions of internet fans have speculated: the Company is in development on a full-length feature about the Fraggles, stars of the 1980’s television show “Fraggle Rock.” The announcement was made today by Lisa Henson who serves as co-CEO of The Jim Henson Company with her brother Brian Henson.

The untitled film will for the first time take Gobo, Wembley, Mokey, Boober and Red on an adventure outside of Fraggle Rock where they will interact with the strange beings in “outer space” (also known as humans).

The treatment is being written by author Ahmet Zappa (The Monstrous Memoirs of a Mighty McFearless) who will also executive produce the project with Brian Henson and Jason Lust. Lisa Henson will produce.

Lisa Henson said, “’Fraggle Rock’ has remained a favorite project at our Company and has certainly continued to be loved by its many devoted fans, so we are thrilled to begin work on this project. With its message of celebrating diversity and its ambitious goal of promoting world peace, now is the perfect time to embark on a new Fraggle adventure.”

“I’m very excited to be working with The Jim Henson Company on this project,” said Ahmet Zappa. “So much of my childhood was spent watching ‘Fraggle Rock’…I never missed an episode! I’m also really looking forward to using music to tell the story; it played such a central role in the original series and truly helped create the ‘Fraggle Rock’ that we know and love today.”

“Fraggle Rock” premiered on HBO in 1983 and over five seasons garnered multiple awards and a global fan following. The show was created by Jim Henson as an international co-production and was adapted for each territory to meet the needs of its audience.

By showing cooperation and conflict resolution among the different inhabitants of the Rock (the Fraggles, the Doozers and the Gorgs), the show taught the concepts of mutual respect and peace. Recently, devoted fans petitioned online for a DVD release of the series. The season one box set exceeded expectations and its incredibly strong consumer response led to the successful season two release.

Movie Update...

Back in October I shared the news that Ahmet Zappa was chosen to pen the screenplay for the upcoming Fraggle Rock feature film. MTV News recently caught-up with Zappa to discuss the Fraggle flick and Zappa shared some juicy information on the big screen plans. Here's the scoop from MTV:

As previously announced, Zappa's script will follow the Fraggles (Gobo, Wembley, Mokey, Red and Boober) as they journey into "Outer Space" (or as we know it, the real world). The film will also include several new characters (both humans and puppets). Zappa also eased concerns, stating that the film will follow the tradition of the series and will feature tons of original music.

Zappa also affirmed that Traveling Matt and Marjory the Trash Heap will be in the movie. However when discussion moved towards the Gorgs, Zappa got suspiciously tight-lipped. "I can't say too much about the Gorgs right now," he stated. "That stuff is top secret."

Henson plans to keep CGI to a minimum, and want to return to the magic of the original Muppet productions. "There's going to be human interaction with Fraggles," Zappa said, adding that the film will feature several celebrity cameos. Zappa also said that they are looking in involve well-known songwriters and performers to give aide to filling the film with great new Fraggle songs. He stated that "I've been inundated with calls from famous bands, songwriters, different actors, who are just huge fans of 'Fraggle Rock' that they're just like, 'I'll do anything.' There's a certain religious fervor with Fraggles."

Zappa also said the famous Fraggle theme song will not be changed (or replaced); however a new updated recording will most likely be made for the film.

Zappa closed the interview stating that "The Fraggles need to be here sooner, rather than later" and said the filmmakers are hopeful for a late-2008 early-2009 release date. He also hinted that some major "Fraggle Rock" details should be released after the holidays.