RIP Hayden Panettiere (1989 - 2026)

Entertainment fans around the world were shocked to learn that Hayden Panettiere died suddenly this week. 

Panettiere grew up in front of the camera, having her first role at just 11 months old in a 1990 Playskool train commercial. Her other credits include roles on the soar operas One Life to Live and Guiding Light, Ally McBeal, Malcolm in the Middle, and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, a breakout role in the hit NBC super hearo drama, Heroes and later the ABC music drams Nashville. 

Her film credits included Remember the Titans, Ice Princess, Bring It On: All or Nothing, Scream 4 and 6, the voice actress for Dot in Pixar's A Bugs' Life, Suri in Disney's Dinosaur, and Kairi in the English version of the Kingdom Hearts video game series.

In 1996, Panettiere appeared in the Henson series Aliens in the Family's 5th episode "Too Good to Be True." 

Hayden Panettiere was 36.

Jim Henson's Odyssey!

I've been hearing a lot about this new movie called "The Odyssey." Apparently, it's based on a book of stories by a guy called Homer and not even the yellow one from Springfield.

Well, as usual, this Hollywood blockbuster is years behind Jim Henson and the Henson Company.

For you see, before there was Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey," there was Henson and Hallmark's Odyssey Network.

What's a mere 3 hours when you have 24hrs a day 7 days straight!

So let's look back at the one, true original, Odyssey - The Odyssey Network!

The Odyssey Network began in 1998 after the Faith & Values Network cable channel was bought by The Jim Henson Company and Hallmark Entertainment.

In addition to airing classics like The Muppet Show, Fraggle Rock, and Muppet Babies, the network also aired lesser known show like The Ghost of Faffner Hall, Aliens in the Family, The Secret Life of Toys, and Mother Goose Stories.

It was these airing of The Muppet Show were Brian Henson's introductions first appeared. 

Henson also produced new content including a continuation of the series Donna's Day (which previously ran for two season on PBS) as well as interstitials like Muppetisms and Movie Mania that aired during commercial breaks, many of which were later released as DVD bonus features.

And while not the same story as "The Odyssey" nor having aired on The Odyssey Network, Jim Henson produced a spin off to The Storyteller titled The Storyteller: Greek Myths that followed a Greek storyteller played by Michael Gambon and his talking dog retelling classic greek myths as "Perseus and the Gorgon", "Orpheus and Eurydice", "Theseus and the Minotaur", and "Daedalus and Icarus."

Just like Nolan's "The Odyssey" had exclusive popcorn buckets, The Odyssey Network had exclusive items given out to employees like this Applause Kermit plush with Odyssey tags, and Kermit adorned luggage. 

So if you're a fan of this new epic retelling of "The Odyssey," remember Henson did it first and longer - as well as some guy named Homer too, I guess.

And you should see Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey," it's really good, even if it doesn't have any Henson connections. 

Emmet and Ma Otter Replicas Available to Pre-Order!

Plastic Meatball unveiled at San Diego Comic Con that their Emmet and Ma Otter replicas are now available to Pre-Order!

Below are the details:

Jim Henson's holiday classic comes to life with these deluxe plush photo replicas of Emmet and Ma Otter. Using premium materials, we've replicated the look and feel of the original characters to make them as authentic as possible. Make Emmet and Ma a permanent part of your holiday decor with these charming conversation starters.

Emmet Otter:

Stands 21" tall
Jointed hip articulation
Removable jacket, shirt, pants, suspenders and hat
Includes a stand for easy poseability

Ma Otter:
Stands 25" tall
Jointed hip articulation
Removable dress, bloomers, shawl, and hat
Includes a stand for easy poseability

If you thought those looked good, they also unveiled new brand new prototypes that have even more detail.

 

Both packaged in a deluxe gift box. 

You can pre-order them from Plastic Meatball. They hope to have them in your hands (and by your washtubs) by Christmas.

They also showed off the first look at wave two of the Emmet Otter actions figures featuring The River Bottom Nightmare band's Chuck and Stanley Weasel in 6" size. 

It also looks like they'll be re-releasing Emmett and Ma as 6" figures as well.  

You can see Plastic Meatball's entire Emmet Otter Jug-Band Christmas collection on their website. 

General Mills Celebrates 55th Anniversary of Monsters Cereals with Henson Encore!

General Mills is celebrating the 55th anniversary of their monsters cereals with another collaboration with the Jim Henson Company. 

General Mills is pouring a bowl of bewitching fun with the return of the limited-edition Monsters Cereals. This year marks the 55th anniversary of Count Chocula, Boo Berry and Franken Berry and to celebrate, the iconic cereals are returning with newly designed packaging and the reimagined puppets created by The Jim Henson Company, first introduced last year.

Over the years, the Monsters have become a beloved tradition — from larger-than-life mascots to sought after collectibles — always signaling the start of the haunting Halloween season. This year, super fans can score a limited-edition fuzzy Count Chocula cereal box, designed to replicate the fleece-like texture of the puppets, available exclusively on Walmart.com for $7.76 starting October 1st.

“For 55 years, the Monsters have brought a smile, and a little thrill, to cereal bowls,” said Megan Brooks, Business Unit Director for Family Favorites Cereal at General Mills. “Fans loved Count Chocula, Boo Berry and Franken Berry reimagined through The Jim Henson Company's creativity last year, so we were excited to team up again to create fresh new packaging designs that celebrate the characters and bring even more Halloween fun to store shelves.”

“Last year, our team from Jim Henson’s Creature Shop had so much fun bringing these beloved Monsters to life as puppets, and we know our fans will enjoy seeing them again this season for more memorable magic,” said Nicole Goldman, Executive Vice President of Branding for The Jim Henson Company. “And new this Halloween, we're giving cereal and Jim Henson Company fans alike the chance to put their creativity to the test by transforming each cereal box into its own Monster puppet.”

The limited-edition collection of Monsters cereals will be available in retailers nationwide later this month.

John Tartaglia Named Henson VP of Development and Production!

The Jim Henson Company promoted John Tartaglia to Vice President of Development and Production. 

In this role, Tartaglia, the Tony-nominated and Emmy-winning creator, producer, writer, director, and puppeteer, will develop and produce projects across all media, with a primary focus on television and theater, and he will continue to creatively supervise the Company's popular Fraggle Rock franchise. 

"Over the many years that John has been a key partner on projects like the Emmy-winning Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock, Splash and Bubbles, Wowsabout, and the newly released Jim Henson's Monster Dance, he has proven to be a true 'quadruple threat.' As an award-winning producer, an exceptional director, a prolific writer, and a gifted puppeteer, John makes each project better and adds a joyful creative spirit to our team," said Lisa Henson.

Tartaglia has been a long-time collaborator with The Jim Henson Company on a variety of projects, chief among them serving as an executive producer, writer, director, and puppeteer (Gobo Fraggle, Sprocket, and multiple other characters) on the Emmy-winning Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock. Other projects include directing and performing lead character Ronald in the recent PBS KIDS special Wowsabout, and co-creating and executive producing the newly released Amazon Kids+ series Jim Henson's Monster Dance. Other television projects include the TV series Splash and Bubbles for PBS KIDS (for which he served as Creator, Executive Producer, Writer, and Emmy-nominated puppeteer), and development projects like The Kissing Hand. As a puppeteer, Tartaglia has been featured in a range of projects for the Company including Word Party, Julie's Greenroom, Slumberkins, Happytime Murders, and the live show Puppet Up!.

Tartaglia has also produced, written, and directed several live shows for The Jim Henson Company. Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock LIVE is currently having its New York City premiere at The New Victory Theater through June 21st, with a second national tour launching in the fall. Other stage credits include Fraggle Rock: A Space-y Adventure for the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, and Jim Henson's Inspired Silliness for Princess Cruises, Sid the Science Kid Live, and Dinosaur Train Live.

John serves as Vice President of Development & Production for The Jim Henson Company, serving as the creative supervisor of the iconic brand Fraggle Rock, including the Emmy-winning reboot Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock, for which he is also an Executive Producer, Writer, and Puppet Captain, and performs Gobo Fraggle, Architect Doozer, Gunge, Barry Blueberry, and Sprocket the Dog. Other television credits include the upcoming Jim Henson's Monster Dance for Amazon Kids+ (Co-Creator, Executive Producer), Wowsabout (Co-Executive Producer, Director, Puppeteer of Ronald), several seasons of Sesame Street, Johnny and the Sprites (Emmy-nominated, creator, star and co-executive producer), Ugly Betty, Bear in the Big Blue House, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, Silent But Deadly, Hollywood Squares, The Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss, Animal Jam, Blues Room, Sesame English, and JoJo's Circus.

Henson Company Hires Shirley Bowers To Lead Global Distribution!

Shirley Bowers has joined The Jim Henson Company as VP of Global Distribution.

Bowers will be in charge of content sales, distribution, and driving revenue as well as developing international co-production partnerships.

She'll report to Chris Lytton, President and COO of Jim Henson who released the following statement:

“Shirley’s experience within the dynamic landscape of content distribution makes her a nimble leader, able to develop innovative content distribution ideas, embrace unique opportunities presented by emerging technologies, and identify potential partnerships,” said Lytton. “She has a proven track record of working with respected properties that can respond to emerging trends while maintaining a deep connection to their brand value.”

Before joining Henson, Bowers worked in sales, co-productions, co-financing and acquisitions for more than 20 years and was Senior VP, U.S. Sales & Distribution at Fremantle and in distribution for Fox International Channels and Nat Geo.

Coming Soon "Labyrinth" 40th Products Collection!

This year Labyrinth celebrates it's 40th Anniversary and with it The Jim Henson Company has  a "robust" line of products to celebrate.

Below is the full press release touting the line!

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Jim Henson’s fantasy musical masterpiece Labyrinth, starring David Bowie in the legendary role of Jareth the Goblin King and a young Jennifer Connelly as Sarah, the teenage girl who must face him to rescue her baby brother. An 80’s cult classic that is beloved around the world, Jim Henson’s Labyrinth remains uniquely relevant today, sitting at the intersection of iconic music, fashion, fantasy, and nostalgia. Its memorable soundtrack, distinctive style, groundbreaking creatures, and timeless coming-of-age story have continued to resonate across generations, making it a rich and enduring platform for modern products and merchandising.

The year kicked off with wildly popular screenings of the film from Fathom Entertainment held in hundreds of theaters across the U.S. Additionally, Labyrinth in Concert, featuring the film on the big screen accompanied by a live band on stage, has been playing to sold out crowds. Currently in the U.K. until April, the event will return to the U.S for another multi-city tour in September.

From consumer products licensing, fans are enjoying a robust offering from both new and existing licensees to celebrate this 40th anniversary.

New licensees include:

Bit Bot Media – latex masks and props

Bottleneck Gallery – art prints

Buffalo Games – puzzles

Bullairs – limited edition sneakers and accessories

Cinema Puzzles – movie posters and puzzles

Cosmic Beauty – cosmetics

Cosmic Group – collectible figures

Crazy Dog Tees – t shirts

EXO-6 – collectible figures

Overlord – hats

Radmojo – pet and garden products

Rubber Road – collectibles

WOLFpak – backpacks and accessories

Current licensees with new collections launching this year include:

Blank Tag Stickers – new stickers

Cavity Colors – new apparel

Insight Editions – adult coloring book and new Y/A novelization

Jade City Food – new sauces and spices

Licensed to Charm – new jewelry items

Mantic Games – advent calendar

Mighty Coconut – new digital accessories

Plastic Meatball – new wave of action figures and collector pins

RSVLTS – new featured collection

Samii Ryan – new apparel and accessories

shop.Henson.com – new featured collection

Tee Turtle x Cloudheads – co-branded plush

Trevco – new apparel and accessories

Truffle Shuffle x Loungefly – new apparel and accessories

“The Labyrinth franchise has continued to grow year over year for forty years, and it will continue to flourish. In addition to all our wonderful licensees that are creating products for this anniversary year and beyond, there are still so many opportunities around the world to bring innovative products to our dedicated fans. We’ll be announcing even more exciting new global initiatives, and we continue to be interested in adding new partners who want to join in this fun, beloved, evergreen property,” said Melissa Segal, Head of Global Consumer Products for The Jim Henson Company.

You can see some of these upcoming products in our coverage from this year's Toy Fair:

But don't loose your head! We'll keep you posted on when and where you can find these amazing Labyrinth 40th items!

Plastic Meatball Unveils New "Labyrinth" and "Emmet Otter" Items!

Plastic Meatball unveiled their 2026 lineup of Henson Company items at WonderCon over the weekend.

Get ready for wave two of their Labyrinth action figure line launching next month to celebrate the film's 40th anniversary. 

Wave two includes Sarah and Jareth in their ballroom attire, Toby with a Goblin, Sir Didymus with Ambrosius, and Ludo. 

Sarah and Jareth, Toby and Goblin, Sir Didymus with Ambrosius will be available in April, and a deluxe Ludo will be available in the Fall. 

The action figures will be $15 each while the price for deluxe Ludo has not yet been revealed. You see them in more detail in Park and Cons' video below:

But that's not all, they also unveiled they'll be releasing Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas Emmet and Ma Otter deluxe plush replicas later this year as well.  

The detail on these is incredible and they look just like they popped off the screen from the special. No price has been revealed on these yet.

Again, you see them in more detail in Park and Cons' video below:

We'll keep you posted when these are available to order/ pre-order from Plastic Meatball. 

Muppet Stuff Video: Toy Fair 2026!

Join me as I scout New York Toy Fair for all the incredible Muppet, Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, The Dark Crystal, and Labyrinth items coming in 2026. 

Highlights this year include Teeturtle's new Care Bears X Sesame Street collab Oscar and Elmo reversable plush, and Labyrinth plush. 

Super Impulse's Ernie Tator-tot:

Ty's Sesame Street Beanie Babies and Beanie Bouncers:

CreateOn: Sesame Magnetic Titles and QB's block figures:

Super7's Sesame Street ReActioin figures, blind bag figures, Cl!cky Caps, and Super Size Oscar with real sock:

Monogram's Care Bears X Sesame Street, Elmo, and Dinosaurs Blind Bag Figural Bag Clips. The Care Bears X Sesame Street will be out soon, while the Dinosaurs set should be out in May.

Alliance/ Hand Made by Robots' Kermit and Animal coming out by the end of the year. 

Diamond Art Club's Sesame Street Crafts

Insight Editions' Muppet Amisurumi Crochet Christmas Book, Labyrinth VHS style Making of book. 

Teddy Mountain's Fraggle Rock plush:

Rokimoto's Sesame Street ramen noodle blind box figures coming to Hot Topic, Box Lunch, BAM! Newbury comics, and more in May.

Bull Aires' Fraggle Rock, Dark Crystal, and Labyrinth 40th lines:

Kidrrobot's Sesame Street Snuffy, Cookie Monster, Muppets Mayhem Baby Animal plush, and Dinosaurs talking Baby plush. 

and NECA's Sesame Street Ultimate's Super Grover coming Q1 2026, and The Muppet Show Gonzo & Camilla Q4 2026, Mahana Mahna & the Snowths 3-pack, and Miss Piggy & FooFoo Q1-2027. 

You can see even more items and details in our full video report from the convention floor below:

We shared our notes with our friends at ToughPigs, who spotted a few other things including  new additions to Kids Preferred's Sesame line. Click the link to see their full report.

Be sure to check out more videos on our Youtube channel.