UPDATE: Deadline is “confirming” what Jeff Sneider had previously reported on. Robert Eggers’ has signed a deal to direct what they’re calling a “Labyrinth” SEQUEL.
EARLIER: It was May 2020, and Scott Derrickson (“Doctor Strange”) had been hired to direct a sequel to 1986’s “Labyrinth” for Sony’s TriStar Pictures, penned by Maggie Levin (“Into the Dark”). In 2023, Derrickson confirmed that the sequel wasn’t happening due to creative differences with the studio.
The InSneider is now hearing that none other than Robert Eggers recently closed a deal to co-write the script and direct the dark fantasy film. The project might be co-written with Sjón, who collaborated with Eggers on “The Northman.”
Eggers’ ‘Labyrinth’ will not be a remake, and we’re not exactly sure if it’s a sequel. One thing’s for certain, this is one of the “five things” the filmmaker recently confirmed he has going on as his potential next film. The other three mentioned were “The Knight,” a Western and a Rasputin miniseries.
Directed by Jim Henson, 1986’s Labyrinth was a dark fantasy film tackling a girl’s journey through a maze to save her baby brother from the Goblin King (David Bowie). It wasn’t a hit when it came out, but has since become a cult classic with annual repertory screenings.
No surprise, Eggers, the filmmaker behind “The Witch,” “The Lighthouse,” “The Northman,” is going to have an easier time making his next film, whatever it may be; he currently has “Nosferatu” overperforming at the holiday box-office. The film grossed $11.6M on it first day of release.
Alexander Skarsgard, who played the lead in Eggers’ ‘Northman,’ was previously being eyed to play the Goblin King in Derrickson’s sequel. It wouldn’t be surprising if he’s now part of Eggers’ film.