Upper Deck Lands Jim Henson License, Reveals First-Ever Labyrinth Trading Cards

Upper Deck is adding the worlds of Jim Henson to its entertainment trading card lineup, beginning with the first-ever card set based on the 1986 fantasy classic Labyrinth. The company announced a new licensing agreement with The Jim Henson Company on Thursday that will eventually bring Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal, Fraggle Rock and Farscape to trading cards, along with tabletop games based on select Henson properties.

First up will be Skybox Labyrinth, scheduled for release in early 2027 as part of the movie’s 40th anniversary celebration. It will also mark the first time Labyrinth has received its own trading card release, giving the movie starring Jennifer Connelly and David Bowie a dedicated card set four decades after its theatrical debut.

Upper Deck is building considerably more into the product than a straightforward collection of movie stills. The set will include serial-numbered cards limited to 1,986 copies, a nod to the film’s release year, along with one-of-one Diamond parallels and one-of-one Canvas Art Gold parallels.

Several insert sets will dig further into the movie and its production. “Journey of the Labyrinth” will explore behind-the-scenes material, while “Not What It Seems” will use lenticular cards to play off the film’s shifting appearances and illusions.

Upper Deck has also revealed three rarer chase insert themes: “I Move the Stars for No One,” “This is a Gift” and “It’s Only Forever.” Autographs and original art will be another major part of the checklist. Skybox Labyrinth will include sketch cards and signed cards from comic book artists, puppeteers, voice actors and members of the film’s cast. Jennifer Connelly is among the confirmed autograph signers, and Upper Deck says dual-, triple- and quad-autograph cards will also be included.

The agreement goes well beyond Labyrinth. Later in 2027, Upper Deck plans to release The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance trading cards, with the company already confirming exclusive autograph cards from cast members of the Netflix series. Additional trading card products based on The Dark Crystal, Fraggle Rock and Farscape are also in development.

Upper Deck plans to take some of the properties beyond trading cards as well, with tabletop games based on select Jim Henson films. Labyrinth and The Dark Crystal are among the properties specifically named for future games.

The Jim Henson Company said the resurgence of nostalgia-driven trading cards helped make the timing right for the partnership.

“With the massive comeback of nostalgia-based trading cards recently, the timing is perfect to partner with renowned market leader Upper Deck to bring to market several of our favorite legacy Jim Henson properties. The first drop featuring Labyrinth is the first time ever that trading cards based on this beloved 80’s film featuring David Bowie will be released and it’s a great way to celebrate the 40th anniversary of this fantasy classic,” states Melissa Segal, head of Global Consumer Products at The Jim Henson Company.

Labyrinth has remained a significant source of merchandise since its 1986 release, with everything from figures and statues to apparel and prop-inspired collectibles appearing over the years. A premium trading card set adds a category that has been noticeably absent.

Upper Deck’s Skybox Labyrinth trading cards are scheduled to arrive in early 2027.