The Jim Henson Company’s studio lot on La Brea Avenue will not be sold to the Church of Scientology, as confirmed by the estate of the famed puppeteer. The estate stated that the Henson family is not engaged in any business dealings with the Church of Scientology, and that organization is not being considered as a potential buyer of the property. The family still intends to relocate The Jim Henson Company to a new location that can accommodate Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, but they are not currently in escrow with any buyer.
Rumors about the potential sale were originally reported by The InSneider, who referenced The Wrap’s reporting on a potential sale of the lot back in June. Film critic Jeff Sneider mentioned that the sale process is wrapping up and that the Church of Scientology is the rumored buyer, although there is no official word on its plans for the space.
The studio lot, originally completed in 1919, was purchased by the Henson family in 1999 and has served as the base of operations for the Jim Henson Company ever since. The 80,000 square foot facility was originally home to the Charlie Chaplin Studios, where many of Chaplin’s most beloved movies, including “The Kid,” “The Gold Rush,” “Modern Times,” and “The Great Dictator,” were filmed. Over the years, it has changed ownership several times and has been home to A&M Records as well.
The lot is known for its unique and quirky spaces, described by Lisa Henson, CEO of the Henson Company, as a “lovable hodge-podge of quirky, unusual spaces,” with unexpected elements such as original vaults and fish-tank-like bathrooms. The front gate of the lot features a 12-foot Kermit the Frog dressed as the Tramp, a famous Chaplin character, complete with top hat and cane.
Earlier this year, the Henson family was in negotiations with director and producer McG to base his Wonderland Sound and Vision production company there, but the deal ultimately did not materialize.
