The Sinister Version of 'Labyrinth's Goblin King We Never Got

While the 1980s certainly saw the science fiction genre boom in popularity thanks to the blockbuster success of Star Wars, the fantasy genre experienced a similar renaissance. This was an era where studios were willing to invest in the extensive world building and practical effects needed to produce a memorable fantasy epic. The decade saw the release of numerous classics, including Conan the Barbarian, Dragonslayer, Legend, Clash of the Titans, and Willow, many of which remain cult hits to this day. Among the most memorable films of this era was 1986’s Labyrinth, a more serious take on the genre from The Muppet Show creator Jim Henson. Although the film is best remembered for the memorable performance by David Bowie as the villainous Jareth, the Goblin King was originally a much more sinister character played by a different actor.