Fans livid as Doctor Strange director set to helm Labyrinth sequel

Fans of David Bowie’s iconic film Labyrinth have not minced their words as they fumed at the news of a sequel being directed by Doctor Strange’s Scott Derrickson.

We don’t think they’re angry at the fact the Marvel director is said to be helming the project, more at the notion we have another sequel coming our way.

Some accused the sequel of ‘ruining’ their childhoods, as others feared it’s going to be another ‘half-baked’ attempt to bring back a classic.

The fantasy film, which starred Bowie and Jennifer Connelly, may have disappointed at the box office when it was released in 1986, but has since gained a cult status among fans.

The tale which centres on Connelly’s Sarah, who is searching for her baby brother Toby (who has been captured in the Labyrinth by Bowie’s Goblin King Jareth), even has its own fan masquerade ball which pays annual homage.

But the love of fans has been tested this week when Deadline reported Derrickson will be directing and a script will be penned by Maggie Levin.

And fans are, quite frankly, miffed.

Reacting to the news on social media, one didn’t leave much to the imagination as they wrote: ‘Just leave it alone you f**king monsters.’

‘THE WHAT IS HAPPENING???’ another caps lock-loving non-fan wrote. ‘I have no idea how to feel about this.’

As one asked: ‘Is literally nothing sacred in this world?’ another Twitter user chimed in: ‘Absolutely no need for a sequel, leave this classic alone…please.’

To be honest, some fans were working with the sequel and not against it (after all, it’s not a reboot, so we should be thankful) as they suggested potential casting and plotlines.

One proffered: ‘Ok here’s how you do this while getting around the Nobody Can Replace Bowie thing; bring back Jennifer C as 40something Sarah trying to save her teenage SON from being seduced by the Goblin QUEEN, Jareth’s daughter, played by Lady Gaga.’

Not bad.

Author Caitlin Moran also had some ideas, as she wrote: ‘Anyway, there IS one story more important than All That – WHO COULD REPLACE BOWIE? Genuine question. Who could be properly dangerous and charismatic AND work with puppets? Phoebe Waller-Bridge? Andrew Scott? Adam Driver? Donald Glover?’

According to reports it will continue the story from The Muppets creator Jim Henson’s original film.

Jim’s children, Lisa and Brian Henson, will both serve as producers on the flick for The Jim Henson Company, and Derrickson will executive produce with C. Robert Cargill.

The director previously helmed Marvel’s Doctor Strange and was set to oversee the sequel, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, but turned down the chance due to ‘creative differences’ with the studio.

Despite the dispute, he will remain as an executive producer on the film, which stars Benedict Cumberbatch in the titular role.

A Marvel statement previously said: ‘Marvel Studios and Scott Derrickson have amicably parted ways on ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ due to creative differences.

‘We remain grateful to Scott for his contributions to the MCU.’

He went on to be replaced by Spider-Man director Sam Raimi, and he backed the move after it was formally announced.

He tweeted: ‘I’ve worked with Sam Raimi. One of the nicest people I’ve known in the film business, and as a director, a true living legend.

‘What a great choice to take over Doctor Strange.’

Labyrinth is available on Netflix now.