UPDATE; After seeing these reports the Henson family released the following statement:
“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. 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.”
The Church of Scientology’s real estate portfolio just got a controversial potential upgrade, and it’s setting off alarms all across Tinseltown. The organization is reportedly in talks to purchase the historic Jim Henson Studios—a cultural gem that has served as a creative home for beloved Muppets like Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy. If the deal goes through, it won’t just be a new address for Scientology—it could be a power move that changes the landscape of Hollywood forever.
A Historical Icon at Risk?
Jim Henson Studios isn’t just another piece of real estate. Originally built by Charlie Chaplin in 1919, the 80,000-square-foot studio has been a cradle of creative genius for over a century. Chaplin used the lot to produce his most famous works, including The Kid, The Gold Rush, and The Great Dictator. The studio remained in the Chaplin family’s hands until the 1950s, when it was sold and became a hub for TV production.
But it wasn’t until the Jim Henson Company acquired the property in 1999 that the studio found its new identity. Jim Henson Studios became home to the whimsical world of the Muppets. From The Muppet Show to Fraggle Rock, this was where Henson’s team pushed the boundaries of puppetry, blending humor with heart and cementing his place in pop culture history. The lot’s iconic Tudor-style buildings and Kermit the Frog statue on the roof became symbols of creative freedom and artistic innovation.
Scientology’s Pattern of Influence
The Church of Scientology isn’t new to real estate investments, but this one would be different. Unlike their other holdings, Jim Henson Studios is a cultural landmark. In Clearwater, Florida, they’ve acquired more than 200 properties over the years, transforming the city into a Scientology stronghold. Many fear a similar fate could befall Jim Henson Studios if the sale goes through .
Hollywood insiders have reason to worry. Scientology has used its properties to shield itself from criticism, creating secluded hubs that are off-limits to the public. What happens when that strategy is applied to a lot known for creativity and openness? Will the property still serve as a meeting place for collaboration and innovation, or will it be closed off from the entertainment community?
What Jim Henson Accomplished at the Studio
Jim Henson didn’t just make the studio his company’s headquarters—he turned it into a sanctuary of imagination. It was here that the Henson team developed some of their most ambitious projects, including The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth. These films pushed the envelope in visual effects and storytelling, proving that puppetry could transcend its limitations. Henson’s Creature Shop, which operates on the lot, became a go-to resource for film and TV productions seeking lifelike creatures and advanced puppetry techniques.
The studio wasn’t just about business. It served as a creative workshop where Henson and his team nurtured talent and experimented with new ideas. The Muppet characters evolved here, gaining depth and personality that extended beyond their TV appearances. For fans, Jim Henson Studios is more than a workplace—it’s a symbol of artistic excellence and a tangible reminder of Henson’s legacy.
Why This Purchase Would Be Controversial
The potential acquisition has stirred up a wave of backlash among fans and industry insiders. For many, the idea of Scientology controlling such a beloved piece of Hollywood history is hard to swallow. The Church’s reputation for secrecy, combined with its aggressive tactics against critics and defectors, stands in stark contrast to Henson’s legacy of openness and innovation .
Critics argue that Scientology’s ownership could turn the studio into another fortress of silence and exclusivity. Some fear that the Church could implement changes to the lot, erasing its unique charm. The Muppet characters and Jim Henson’s other creations stand for creativity and kindness—qualities that seem at odds with the Church’s controversial public image.
“Imagine walking past what used to be a joyful place of creation, only to see it shrouded in mystery and exclusivity,” commented one long-time Henson fan. “It’s like losing a piece of childhood to a corporation that doesn’t care about the memories it holds.”
What’s Next for Jim Henson Studios?
While the ink isn’t dry yet, the rumor alone has rattled Hollywood. If the deal goes through, Jim Henson Studios could become yet another notch in Scientology’s ever-expanding belt. But this time, it’s not just property at stake—it’s a piece of pop culture history that may never be the same again.
The Jim Henson Company has not confirmed or denied the rumors, adding fuel to the fire of speculation. Until there’s an official statement, all Hollywood can do is watch and wait. But if the past is any indicator, the Church of Scientology isn’t making this move without a plan. And whatever that plan is, it’s bound to make waves—like only Scientology can.