The Happytime Murders: concept art for a puppet film noir

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Got back from the city and there was an email about some new Henson project called The Happytime Murders. It’s a proposed noir picture done with puppets. Think Roger Rabbit, but plush instead of paint.

It looked Dillinger, like a couple fingers of the good stuff, served up neat by gal who’s all gams, smiles, and steel. The picture was penned by Todd Berger. Brian Henson is set to direct, and Katherine Heigl is said to have a role. It remains in the development/pre-production stages, but this concept art gives a glimpse of what might be if some investor-types fork over the necessary lettuce. I’m thinking this thing could be a real kick. Collider’s got a synopsis, which I’m sticking here for you because you’ve got grace, kiddo:

In a world where puppets co-exist with humans as second-class citizens, puppet private eye and disgraced ex-cop, Phil Phillips, is hot on the trail of the serial killer who murdered his brother and is now targeting the cast members of the famous 80s television show, The Happytime Gang. As the killings continue, Phil’s former flame, Jenny, is next on the list. It’s up to Phil and his ex-partner, Detective Edwards, to find the culprit, but as bad blood and old resentments resurface, the clues start pointing to the only viable suspect: Phil himself. Now he’s on the run with only his wits and hard-headed determination as he tries to solve The Happytime Murders.

You mugs can get your peepers on the concept art in the gallery. These images come courtesy of some birdy, but that’s all you need to know about it. So get that nose out of our business and slap it back on that sour-looking puss of yours before I break it.

[IM Global Via Collider; some little bird what be sqawkin’ to us real nice like]

Hubert Vigilla
Brooklyn-based fiction writer, film critic, and long-time editor and contributor for Flixist. A booster of all things passionate and idiosyncratic.