Disney+ And Ron Howard Debuts Compelling Jim Henson Documentary Trailer

If you think about the Muppets, smiles appear on your face. Yet, following the Jim Henson documentary trailer, “Jim Henson Idea Man,” that just dropped, tears my show up first.

The Ron Howard-produced doc about the brilliant puppeteer is surprisingly emotional. Opie takes us on a journey through archival footage of Henson’s other greatest hits–The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth (with David Bowie), and Sesame Street. (And shout out to the Fraggle Rock fans out there.)

And then, Kermit starts singing “Rainbow Connection” from 1979’s The Muppet Movie. Sigh.

To develop this Jim Henson documentary, Howard worked closely with the “Idea Man’s” family. The trailer features current and past interviews with some of Henson’s dearest friends and colleagues including Michael Firth, the great Frank Oz, and EGOT winner Rita Moreno.

In what has been labeled as “unprecedented footage,” we get an intimate glimpse into the multi-faceted Emmy, Grammy, and Peabody-award winner’s life and staggering 36-year career. Some of the most endearing memories from childhood for most people involve something Jim Henson performed.

Most of those emotional triggers are in this trailer, which Ron Howard weaves into our subconscious.

Jim Henson Idea Man takes us into the mind of this singular creative visionary, from his early years puppeteering on local television to the worldwide success of Sesame Street, The Muppet Show, and beyond. Featuring unprecedented access to Jim’s personal archives, Howard brings us a fascinating and insightful look at a complex man whose boundless imagination inspired the world.

Official Synopsis, “Jim Henson Idea Man”

Produced with longtime partner, Brian Grazer, Ron Howard debuts this compelling Jim Henson documentary on Disney+ on May 31.

Now watch the emotional trailer and prepare for…a frog in your throat. (Sorry.)