
The Jim Henson Studio Lot, originally established as Charlie Chaplin Studios, stands as a landmark in Hollywood’s entertainment history. With its roots tracing back to the silent film era, the property has been a creative hub for numerous iconic productions. The Henson Company acquired this five-acre lot in 1999 for $12.5 million, transforming it into the vibrant home for beloved characters and productions, most notably The Muppets. This acquisition represented a significant chapter in the studio’s ongoing legacy, interweaving the art of puppetry with mainstream culture.
Throughout its history, the lot has witnessed the creation of several notable works that have shaped family entertainment. Under Jim Henson’s stewardship, the studio flourished, giving rise to memorable productions such as The Muppet Show and Fraggle Rock. This culturally rich backdrop underscores the importance of the lot not only as a physical space but as a significant contributor to Hollywood’s artistic narrative.
Recently, rumors have circulated regarding a potential sale of the Jim Henson Company Lot, with reports indicating that the Church of Scientology is a likely buyer. These claims have emerged from various sources, asserting that negotiations for the sale are nearing completion. The potential acquisition of this storied site by a controversial organization has raised eyebrows, prompting discussions about the future of the creative legacy associated with the Jim Henson Studio Lot.
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In response to the mounting speculation surrounding the Jim Henson Studio Lot’s future, the Henson family has publicly refuted any claims of a sale. A representative for the family has confirmed that they are not engaged in any business dealings with the Church of Scientology.
In a statement to Variety, they emphasized:
“In regards to recent rumors about the sale of the La Brea studio lot, the Henson family is not in any business dealings with the Church of Scientology, and that organization is not in consideration as a potential buyer of the property,” a spokesperson for the Jim Henson family said in a statement. “It is still the family’s intention to move The Jim Henson Company to a new location it can share with Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, but at this time the family is not in escrow with any buyer.”
Furthermore, the family reiterated their intention to relocate The Jim Henson Company, aligning its operations with Jim Henson’s Creature Shop.
However, they clarified that, as of now, there are no current deals or escrow arrangements with any buyer. This denial has helped mitigate some fears surrounding the purported sale, offering reassurances to fans and industry stakeholders.
Should the sale rumors persist, concerns about the future use of the Jim Henson Studio Lot have emerged. Many speculate on how the Church of Scientology might utilize the space if it were to acquire it. While no specific plans have been disclosed, such changes might significantly alter the creative essence of the site.
This is not the first time that The Muppets have made headlines in recent months. During this year’s D23 Expo, Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro announced that the city of Monstropolis would be coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
This news sent Muppets fans into a panic. Rumors started swirling that Disney was planning on tearing down Muppet*Vision 3D to make way for the new land. However, Disney never confirmed that the new land would mean the destruction of the beloved attraction. Fans then began to hope that Disney would instead tear down the Star Wars Launch Bay and use that area for Monstropolis instead.
Are you happy to hear that The Jim Henson Studio Lot is not being sold to The Church of Scientology? Should Disney buy the lot? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!