If I could make a list of the ten greatest minds in entertainment during the 20th century, Jim Henson would undoubtedly make the cut. The quality of Jim Henson Co. movies and shows has declined since his passing - they just don’t have the brilliant artistic edge anymore - but hopefully the quality can be raised significantly with Jason Segel taking on the new Muppet movie.

But I digress.

Some people forget that the Jim Henson Co. hasn’t always stuck to the toddler-friendly Kermit and Sesame Street. Back in the 80s, Henson put together the amazing and somewhat darker The Dark Crystal and the twisted nightmare inducing Labyrinth. While managing to stay light enough that kids could still watch it, these movies appealed to a much older and broader audience than Big Bird ever could. So, it is pretty exciting to see that they are delving back into something darker and different once again, this time a puppet-heavy comedic film noir called The Happytime Murders. The Hollywood Reporter has the scoop:

“The Happytime Murders” is a comedic film noir murder mystery that will fall under the company’s Henson Alternative banner, a division that develops projects not intended for children. Brian Henson is on board to direct. Written by Todd Berger from a story by Dee Austin Robertson and Berger, the story takes place in a world where humans and puppets co-exist, with the puppets viewed as second-class citizens. When the puppet cast of an ’80s children’s TV show called “The Happytime Gang” begins to get murdered one by one, a disgraced LAPD detective-turned-private eye puppet - with a drinking problem, no less - takes on the case.

Heh. Awesome. The whole puppets as second class citizens will be a very interesting spin on this. It will make for some great moments seeing this movie take on all the detective movie cliches - including the alcoholic (and probably chain-smoking) puppet protagonist. While Brian Henson doesn’t exactly inspire confidence, hopefully he can keep his father’s legacy living by creating something so surprisingly original and whacky. I hope so.