On another planet in the distant past, a Gelfling embarks on a quest to find the missing shard of a magical crystal and restore order to his world, before the grotesque race of Skeksis find and use the crystal for evil.
Practical Effects
Every creature is tangible puppetry magic, zero CGI.
Production
Fully realized alien ecosystem built from foam and obsession.
Direction
Henson and Oz directing puppets like they're Brando.
Director
Jim Henson
Jim Henson
Jen / High Priest, Ritual Master
Kathryn Mullen
Kira, a Gelfling
Frank Oz
Aughra, a Keeper of Secrets / Chamberlain
Dave Goelz
Fizzgig, a Friendly Monster / General, Garthim Master
Steve Whitmire
Scientist (voice)
Louise Gold
Gourmand
Lisa Maxwell
Kira (voice)
Billie Whitelaw
Aughra (voice)
Barry Dennen
Chamberlain / Podling (voice)
Deep Roy
Additional Performer
Kiran Shah
Additional Performer
Jack Purvis
Additional Performer
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The film bombed hard in 1982; Henson was devastated and considered it a failure until cult revival saved its legacy.
Henson originally wanted the Gelflings to have no dialogue — the studio forced spoken lines, but he kept Jen and Kira's communication minimal and dreamlike.
US
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