Why Labyrinth 2 Needs a Crucial Casting Change to Succeed
Labyrinth 2's future hinges on this important casting alteration. Without it, the sequel may be headed for failure.
Now that it has been confirmed that Labyrinth 2 has not been shelved, it is essential for the legacy sequel to make a crucial casting decision. Directed by the renowned puppeteer and filmmaker Jim Henson, Labyrinth follows the journey of a teenage girl named Sarah (played by Jennifer Connelly) as she navigates an otherworldly labyrinth to rescue her baby brother from the sinister Goblin King Jareth (portrayed by David Bowie). Despite not being a major commercial success upon its release in 1986, Labyrinth has garnered a dedicated cult following over the years.
In light of Labyrinth's enduring impact, a sequel entered development in 2016, with Fede Álvarez set to direct and Nicole Perlman writing the script. Following Álvarez's departure in April 2020, Scott Derrickson, known for his work on Doctor Strange, took over as director. While Derrickson expressed doubts about the sequel's progress in October 2023, the recent revelation by Brian Henson, son of the late Jim Henson, confirms that Labyrinth 2 is still moving forward. With this updated confirmation, a critical casting decision must be made to ensure the success of the legacy sequel.
Jim Henson passed away on May 16, 1990, only four years after the release of Labyrinth.
Labyrinth 2 Needs Jennifer Connelly To Return As Sarah
Connelly's appearance in the Labyrinth sequel is crucial
David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly in Labyrinth - Connelly's appearance in the Labyrinth sequel is crucial - Labyrinth 2 Needs Jennifer Connelly To Return As Sarah
Jennifer Connelly reprising her role as Sarah in Labyrinth 2 is crucial for the film to succeed as a legacy sequel. Connelly, along with David Bowie as Goblin King Jareth, were the main human actors in the original film, while the rest of the characters were brought to life by Henson's puppets. Although it would be exciting for the voice actors and puppeteers to return, Connelly and Bowie hold the most significance in the sequel.
Connelly's return as Sarah is the only meaningful link to the original movie that Labyrinth 2 could establish through its cast.
Since David Bowie passed away in 2016, the original actor for Jareth the Goblin King in Labyrinth, sadly won't be able to return for the sequel. The role may potentially get recast in Labyrinth 2, depending on the direction of the sequel's story. Without the original iconic actor and with few human actors in Labyrinth, Jennifer Connelly remains the only original cast member whose presence in Labyrinth 2 would offer a meaningful link to the first movie. If Connelly does not return for Labyrinth 2, it would not be able to fulfill its role as a true legacy sequel.
Jennifer Connelly portrayed 16-year-old Sarah in Labyrinth when she was only 14 years old.
Will Jennifer Connelly Return For Labyrinth 2?
The status of Connelly's involvement in Labyrinth 2 is uncertain but promising
Jennifer Connelly as Sarah in Labyrinth - The status of Connelly's involvement in Labyrinth 2 is uncertain but promising - Will Jennifer Connelly Return For Labyrinth 2?
Whether Labyrinth 2 is a continuation set years after the original film or an expansion of the Labyrinth universe, Jennifer Connelly's return is crucial. In 2021, it was disclosed that Connelly had discussions about reprising her role for the sequel. Despite director Derrickson being on board, the uncertainty of the project's development suggested limited advancements had been achieved.
Although her involvement in Labyrinth 2 remains uncertain, Connelly spoke fondly of her experience working on Labyrinth alongside Henson and Bowie. "For me, working on it was such a joy," Connelly recalled. "It was a really joyous experience in my life, so it’s a really special movie for me." She even remarked that many fans of hers rank Labyrinth at the top of Connelly's best movies. The fact that Labyrinth clearly remains close to Connelly's heart is an encouraging sign that she might still be on board for the legacy sequel.
Source: Collider
Editor's P/S:
The article makes a compelling case for Jennifer Connelly's return in Labyrinth 2. As the only surviving human lead from the original film, her presence would provide a crucial link to the past and establish the sequel as a true legacy project. Connelly's enthusiasm for Labyrinth and her positive memories of working on it suggest that she may be open to reprising her role.
While the article acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding Connelly's involvement, it highlights promising signs. Her discussions about the sequel in 2021, despite the project's development challenges, indicate her interest. Furthermore, her fondness for Labyrinth suggests that she values the film and may be willing to return to the world she helped create. Ultimately, the decision rests with Connelly and the filmmakers, but the article provides strong arguments that her return would significantly enhance the sequel's authenticity and emotional resonance.
