At SDCC 2025, the team behind the upcoming film 'Project Hail Mary' revealed their innovative depiction of Rocky, an alien with no face or features, using a blend of practical puppetry and visual effects, emphasizing empathy and creative challenges in bringing the character to life, with the film set to release on March 20, 2026.
The Netflix miniseries "Eric" stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Vincent Anderson, a Jim Henson-like children's show creator whose life spirals out of control after his son goes missing in 1980s New York City. The show blends elements of urban drama, fantasy, and psychological thriller, exploring themes of emotional abuse, family turmoil, and the darker side of puppetry. Despite its ambitious scope and occasional messiness, "Eric" remains compelling due to its unique concept and strong performances.
Marty Krofft, co-creator of popular television shows like "H.R. Pufnstuf" and "Land of the Lost," has passed away at the age of 86. Alongside his brother Sid, the Kroffts produced a range of imaginative and fantastical children's programs, as well as variety shows like "Donny and Marie." Marty's business acumen and ability to win over studio executives played a crucial role in bringing their unique and often expensive productions to life. Despite their psychedelic sets and trippy feel, the Kroffts maintained that drug references were never their intention. Their shows, which featured extravagant puppets and scenery, became beloved classics and continue to resonate with nostalgic viewers today.
The La MaMa Puppet Festival in New York showcases the power of storytelling through puppetry, with standout performances including Dan Hurlin's installation "Motel" and Tom Lee's mesmerizing puppet show "Sounding the Resonant Path." These works invite audiences to envision stories and explore themes of human vulnerability and our place in the universe. Other notable puppetry performances this fall include "Poor Yella Rednecks" at City Center and Handspring Puppet Company's adaptation of J.M. Coetzee's novel "Life & Times of Michael K." The La MaMa festival aims to support puppet artists at different stages of their careers.
A 12-foot-tall puppet named 'Little Amal' is set to visit Washington, D.C., as part of a global arts project. Little Amal, representing a young Syrian refugee girl, will travel across several countries to raise awareness about the plight of refugees and promote cultural exchange and community engagement. The project aims to highlight the resilience and strength of refugees and encourage empathy and understanding.
Bluey, the Emmy award-winning kids show, is bringing its stage show to Stranahan Theater in Toledo on September 5th and 6th. The show features puppetry, live actors, and iconic sets, and is based on an original new story written by Bluey creator Joe Brumm. Tickets go on sale on April 21st.
The Broadway adaptation of "Life of Pi" features impressive puppetry and sets, but lacks emotional depth and drama. The play follows the story of Pi, a shipwreck survivor who shares a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. While the production is visually stunning, some adults may find the pace slow and the script lacking in depth. However, children will enjoy the colorful animal puppets and imaginative staging.
The stage adaptation of Yann Martel's novel, Life of Pi, has opened at Broadway's Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre. Directed by Max Webster and starring Hiran Abeysekera, the play uses fully articulated life-size puppets to populate a lifeboat, including a massive Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. The visual appeal of the play is impressive, but the stacked-deck ending and fanciful plot may not convince skeptics.