Jim Henson’s FRAGGLE ROCK Adaptation Lands RANGO Writing Talent

Dance your cares away, the big screen adaptation of Jim Henson’s classic series, Fraggle Rock, has landed a pair of writers.  Mining talent from Rango, the New Regency project has tapped Jim Byrkit and Alex Manugian to script the musical puppet feature.  Fraggle Rock was an 80s series that followed a group of puppet creatures who lived underground in caves.  The musical Muppet-like characters coexisted peacefully alongside the miniscule and industrious Doozers, but are regarded as pests by the giant, furry Gorgs who live above-ground.   There also happens to be an anthropomorphic trash pile named Marjory and a puppet sheepdog named Sprocket.  I miss the 80s.  Hit the jump to see more on Fraggle Rock, including the catchy theme song and intro.

Heat Vision reported on the writing duo coming on board for Fraggle Rock. Byrkit was listed as a co-writer alongside Rango’s John Logan and Gore Verbinski, while Manugian did some voice work on the picture.   I’m just excited to see the Fraggles coming to the big screen.  They’ve basically been the family from the wrong side of the tracks as far as The Muppets and Sesame Street are concerned.   I happened to like Fraggle Rock more than either of the other two franchises, but I know I’m clearly in the minority.   Sesame Street always came across as too academic while The Muppets just seemed too rigid to me.  Fraggle Rock is completely insane and there are tons of characters for Byrkit and Manugian to play with.  For once I’m thrilled that Hollywood is mining my childhood.   You may disagree, but seriously, watch the opening and tell me that’s not one of the catchiest tunes in television history!