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For nearly 40 years, Disney has brought Jim Henson’s iconic Muppets to life through a series of unforgettable films and TV shows. Timeless classics like The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) and Muppets Haunted Mansion (2021) continue to be fan favorites. At Walt Disney World Resort, visitors still flock to Disney’s Hollywood Studios to see Kermit and the gang in action during the fun-filled Muppet*Vision 3D experience.
Disney officially acquired the rights to The Muppets in 2004, but The Jim Henson Company remains an independent entity.
Credit: Jim Henson Foundation
Related: Disney Fans in Tears as Studios Team Up to Honor Jim Henson
The Henson family continues to lead the company today. After Jim Henson’s tragic passing in 1990, his children — Brian, Lisa, Cheryl, Heather, and John Henson (who also passed away in 2014) — took the reins. The company is now based in Los Angeles.
Earlier this year, fans were saddened to hear that the historic studio lot purchased by The Jim Henson Company in 2000 was being put up for sale. Originally built by silent film legend Charlie Chaplin and named Charlie Chaplin Studios, the property retained that name until 1953, when Chaplin sold it and left the U.S. amid political persecution.
Credit: The Jim Henson Company
Earlier this year, news broke that the family was putting the property up for sale, a move that sent shockwaves through the entertainment world.
As rumors swirled about potential buyers — including claims that the Church of Scientology was in talks to purchase the space — the Henson family quickly clarified that those reports were unfounded. In fact, a spokesperson clarified that the sale was part of the company’s decision to relocate, allowing for a better workspace to accommodate the ever-growing needs of the Creature Shop.
The Sale to John Mayer and McG
Fast-forward to today, and it’s been confirmed that John Mayer and McG — two figures from completely different spheres — have teamed up to purchase the lot.
Credit: Disney Dining
Mayer, the Grammy-winning musician behind hits like “Daughters” and “Waiting on the World to Change,” has long had a connection to the Henson legacy. In fact, he recorded his 2021 album Sob Rock at Henson Recording Studios, which is part of the very same lot now under his ownership. Mayer also filmed a performance video for his hit single “Last Train Home” there.
McG, a filmmaker known for directing Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle (2003) and producing the hit TV series Supernatural, sees the acquisition as an exciting new chapter.
While the specifics of their plans for the studio remain under wraps, it’s clear that the duo is committed to preserving the lot’s legacy while likely infusing it with new creative energy.
What’s Next for the Henson Family?
One of the conditions of the sale is that The Jim Henson Company will remain on the property until 2025, giving the family time to transition and find a new location. The company has confirmed that it plans to relocate its operations, including the Creature Shop, to a new space that will continue to uphold Jim Henson’s legacy while also allowing for growth.
As for Mayer and McG, they have yet to announce what they plan to do with the historic lot once the Henson family vacates the space. Given its rich history, it’s possible that the duo will seek to revitalize the property, perhaps even turning it into a creative hub for filmmakers, musicians, and other artists.
This sale marks a poignant moment in entertainment history, signaling the end of The Jim Henson Company’s time in its iconic studio.
Credit: The Jim Henson Company
As for The Jim Henson Company, they remain committed to carrying forward their father’s legacy of creative excellence, ensuring that his influence on the entertainment world endures for generations to come.
What are your thoughts on the sale of this historic studio? Do you think John Mayer and McG will keep the legacy alive or bring in a new vision? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
