Bad Passphrase
Hollywood seems determined to profit from remakes and sequels that motion-picture show makers accept no business concern writing, producing or releasing. Rather than working difficult to generate new films — ones with novel plot devices, leads and stories from underrepresented communities and compelling cinematic visions, for example — the bigwigs of the American film industry are on a mission to quickly ruin whatsoever remnant of millennial childhood nostalgia.
So, it is with a heavy heart — and in recognition that January 10, 2021, marks 5 years since the passing of the absolutely legendary and unequalled David Bowie — that I am forced to address the proclamation of a Labyrinth sequel. Now, does the original film require, necessitate or even hint at a sequel? Is the lead actor from the original movie prepared to make an appearance? Is the original managing director still available? The answer to these questions is a single, resounding "NO." And yet, here we are. Sigh.
Allow me to accept a brief moment to discuss why a Labyrinth sequel is an awful, terrible, no-good idea.
A Bowie-Less Labyrinth Sequel Will Be a Travesty
The upcoming Labyrinth sequel faces some tough challenges. For starters, it's going to be missing its eternal, androgynous Jareth the Goblin King — a.1000.a. the incomparable David Bowie. In 2016, the iconic genre- and gender-bending rock star lost a long battle with liver cancer. His declining health was a well-kept secret, and fans and admirers from all over the world mourned his untimely passing.
If yous believe that Bowie'south absence from a Labyrinth sequel is more a casting challenge than a reason to abolish the unabridged project, I'd recommend that yous go back and lookout man the original 1986 film. Bowie's presence extends beyond his insanely flustered hairdo, gigantic codpiece and absurd charismatic demeanor — the man also wrote and performed more than half of the pic's soundtrack.
Seeing Bowie perform equally Jareth is much like watching him as Ziggy Stardust. Information technology can be challenging to divide the truth from the fiction of these performances, every bit Bowie becomes so engrossed in his characterization that he simply ceases to be himself. Even as an adult, it's hard to lookout Jareth the Goblin Rex prance, dance and sing without occasionally stopping to call up, "Wow. That really is David Bowie. And, yes, I will 'Dance the Magic Dance' down my hallway."
I'm sorry, but it's impossible for a casting director to find a multitalented role player/musician to fill Bowie's shoes in an upcoming sequel. It's likewise a claiming to imagine any viable reason why the original — seemingly immortal — Goblin King would have suddenly changed form. This type of defoliation only deepens when because what might go of the Labyrinth'due south creatures.
Jim Henson, the mastermind backside the Muppets, directed the original Labyrinth film. His masterful puppetry showed a depth of skill unmatched by rival puppeteers, and in a time without impressive CGI graphics, he was one of the go-to guys for practical special furnishings. Sadly, Henson passed away in 1990. Since that time, in that location take been no less than five theatrical releases with his charming Muppet characters — and they've all been awful.
Some might have those movies as a sign that Henson'southward absence is no big deal when attempting to make a sequel. They would be incredibly incorrect. A Labyrinth sequel without Bowie AND Jim Henson would be similar a Mrs. Doubtfire sequel without Robin Williams. (Don't you lot dare, 20th Century Play a trick on!) Merely stop thinking about information technology and capeesh this magic for what it is!
Making a sequel to the Labyrinth picture show without using Henson'south puppets would be like George Lucas abandoning practical puppetry from his Star Wars franchise in favor of poorly-generated computer graphics. Oh…that's already happened, and the response has been less-than-stellar. Fans who have grown up watching a specific film are bound to feel slighted, misunderstood or but plain cheated when that motion-picture show ends upward lost in technological translation.
Not convinced that fans don't want a CGI-heavy Labyrinth remake? Take a look at how The Lion Male monarch fanbase (and critics) reacted to the CGI "live-action"' Disney remake. Here's a spoiler: They didn't like it.
A Project Fueled by Profits, Non Passions
All of this begs the question, "Why are these executives dark-green-lighting so many '80s remakes and sequels right now?" Unfortunately, the answer lies in nostalgia-based profit. Academics have long studied consumer behavior, and it seems that recent studies accept not fallen on deaf ears.
In 2014, the Periodical of Consumer Research published findings on the connection between nostalgia and money-spending habits. They discovered that people are more willing to spend coin when they're feeling sentimental or nostalgic. Advertising executives and film producers have taken this tidbit of data and run with it.
That'southward why our current film manufacture is flooded with remakes and unasked-for sequels, especially to icons from the 1980s and 1990s. Children from that era are at present full-fledged adults with existential dread well-nigh the future as climatic change, pandemics and political chaos get out generations clamoring for familiar, comforting nostalgia.
But rather than re-releasing original footage on updated media (think Blu-ray and 4K downloads), the moving picture industry would rather take existing intellectual belongings and rebrand it for the younger generation. In almost cases, the effect is an alienated original audience and a disinterested youth. This is all done in the proper name of and for the sake of profit.
So Please, Leave This Jewel of a Flick Alone
A movie shouldn't exist pre-judged equally good or bad, of course, but should instead be judged by its merit, reception and lasting impact. Still, even the most avant-garde hologram technology could non revive Bowie's onscreen presence (NOR SHOULD IT). And no amount of CGI could replace the authenticity and wonder of Henson's creations.
The just thing that could remain consistent betwixt the original Labyrinth flick and its proposed sequel is its chief screenwriter, Terry Jones (of Monty Python fame and glory). But as of this moment, there'southward no word from the aging Brit equally to his possible involvement in writing a sequel.
Equally a issue, there's piffling promise that a Labyrinth 2 would be anything more a shameless, soulless cash grab aimed at adults who long for the simpler, stranger world that lay before them during the '80s. Any project based on profit, not passion, is doomed to neglect, and that's why I'thousand not looking forrad to the mess of a sequel that undoubtedly lies alee.
Source: https://www.ask.com/entertainment/labyrinth-sequel-bad-idea?utm_content=params%3Ao%3D740004%26ad%3DdirN%26qo%3DserpIndex