Fun Facts About Jim Henson’s Labyrinth
Labyrinth is a cult classic fantasy film, directed by Jim Henson, that blends puppetry and music to create an imaginative world of magic and adventure. The 1986 film stars a young Jennifer Connelly and the legendary David Bowie as the Goblin King.
As we prepare to take a trip to the weird and wonderful world of Labyrinth this November, we’re taking a look at some of the most intriguing and interesting fun facts about the film. From puppet wizardry to behind-the-scenes magic, here are five fun facts about Labyrinth that reveal just how groundbreaking and imaginative this film truly is.
5 Fun Facts About Labyrinth (1986)
1. Crystal Ball Juggling
David Bowie doesn’t actually do the juggling himself in the crystal ball manipulation scene, but it’s also not a camera trick or special effect.
They are actually done by choreographer and accomplished juggler Michael Moschen. Moschen performed the tricks crouched behind David Bowie, hidden from view, with his arms replacing Bowie’s.
2. CGI Owl
The owl that appears in the title sequence is computer-generated. This is the first attempt at a photo-realistic CGI animal character in a feature film.
3. Baby Toby
The baby that was taken to the goblin kingdom was played by Toby Froud, who is the real-life son of the conceptual designer, Brian Froud, who helped shape the visual world in Labyrinth.
A crew member used a Sooty glove puppet to distract Toby during filming to keep him quiet, resulting in the fixed and hypnotised stare when David Bowie murmurs in his ear. Toby is now a puppeteer himself.
4. Alternative Cast
Labyrinth went through multiple script changes, with different writers providing their input on the direction for the storyline. As well as changes to the script, there were also multiple possibilities for casting the main characters.
Many other actors were considered for the roles of Jareth and Sarah. Both Michael Jackson and Mick Jagger were considered for the role of the Goblin King before David Bowie agreed to the part.
Helena Bonham Carter auditioned for the role of Sarah along with nineteen other actresses. Jane Krakowski, Ally Sheedy, and Maddie Corman were top candidates, but Jennifer Connelly won Jim Henson over.
5. Complex Puppet
Hoggle was the most complicated puppet made for the film and required multiple people to operate the 18 motors needed to change his facial expressions.
The puppet was then lost in transit after filming and is now on display at the unclaimed baggage centre in Alabama, after being found abandoned in a suitcase.
There are so many fun facts and impressive scenes in Labyrinth that are admired and appreciated to this day. It’s more than just a film to many people; it’s a strange and beautiful dream that lives on through its music, puppetry, and imaginative world-building. Whether you're drawn to the incredible practical effects, David Bowie's mesmerising presence or the timeless coming-of-age story, there’s always something new to discover.
See it Live in Concert
For the first time ever, Labyrinth is touring the UK in concert. This November, experience the wonders of the full movie in concert with a live band at The Forum in Bath. The fantastical world comes to life in full glory, accompanied by a live band performing in sync with Bowie’s original vocals, playing the songs and the score from the soundtrack composed by Bowie and Trevor Jones.