Neil Gaiman is the perfect choice for the project, being known for his far-reaching work in popularizing folklore and mythology. From the mythological basis of his best-selling novel, American Gods to the African folklore of Anansi Boys, his body of work is constantly reinterpreting classic stories, while also including completely authentic collections like his recent Norse Mythology book. In the new series, The Storyteller will create a mystical world combining various fairy tales and folklore that have been passed down from generation to generation, designed for today's co-viewing audience.
Jim Henson created the original version of The Storyteller in 1987 and directed multiple episodes. He was inspired by his daughter's university studies in folklore and mythology. The series was written by Oscar-winner Anthony Minghella and earned Emmy and BAFTA awards. Henson's Creature Shop provided the characters and retold European folk tales with a mysterious elfin storyteller (John Hurt). The world of The Storyteller was inhabited by various mystical and magical characters - heartless giants, enchanted beggars, white lions, and human hedgehogs - exploring themes such as fear, desire, death and destiny, and challenging notions about good and evil.
Dante Di Loreto, President of Scripted Entertainment, Fremantle, North America, said, "There is currently nothing like The Storyteller in the television landscape and the themes these stories will explore are even more critically important today. We are honored to be working with Lisa Henson and her illustrious company to bring their esteemed property back to television, and to be yet again partnering with Neil on another project that will further showcase his brilliant narrative power."
"The Storyteller has been a longtime favorite for our fans who appreciate the beautiful artistry and faithful visualizing of these classic tales. It has always been a special project for me as well, having worked so closely with my dad on the original concept," said Lisa Henson, CEO of The Jim Henson Company. "Neil Gaiman is an expert in traditional folklore and mythology, in addition to himself being the modern ‘storyteller' for our times. It is especially exciting to have Neil's reimagining of the series brought to life by our Creature Shop, allowing us to share these classic stories with a whole new audience all around the world."
"Jim Henson was always ahead of his time," said Neil Gaiman. "He found ways to retell folk and fairy tales for a televisual generation. The original The Storyteller was a brilliantly written, directed and told set of stories. It's a terrifying and inspiring task to reinvent what Jim Henson did for the golden age of television we are in right now, and I'm honored that The Jim Henson Company would entrust me with the task of bringing back the storyteller and his magical stories, and sending him out into the world for a whole new round of tales."
Lisa Henson will serve as executive producer with Blanca Lista co-executive producing. Fremantle in association with The Jim Henson Company will produce. Gaiman, who has a long-standing relationship with Fremantle, will also serve as executive producer.
