Jim Henson documentary from Ron Howard coming May 31 on Disney+

Fred Topel

April 11, 2024 at 1:32 p.m.·1 min read

Kermit the Frog's creator "Jim Henson" is the subject of a Disney+ documentary. File Photo by Roger L. Wollenberg/UPI

April 11 (UPI) -- Disney+ announced Thursday that a documentary on Muppets creator Jim Henson is coming to the streaming service next month. Jim Henson: Idea Man premieres May 31.

Ron Howard directs Idea Man. Howard previously directed documentaries Pavarotti, Rebuilding Paradise and The Beatles: Eight Days a Week.

Using Henson's personal archives, the documentary traces his career from puppeteering on local television through the creation of Sesame Street and The Muppets.

Disney began plans to buy the Henson Associates in 1989. Their deal has resulted in films The Muppet Christmas Carol, Muppet Treasure Island, 2011's The Muppets and Muppets Most Wanted, several ABC TV series and movies and Disney+'s Muppets Now, Muppet Haunted Mansion and The Muppets Mayhem.

Jim Henson died in 1990 of pneumonia. His children, Brian and Lisa, continue with the company.

From left, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Walter, Fozzy, Lisa Henson, Brian Henson and Sweetums unveiled the Muppets' star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI

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