Earlier this year it was announced that The Jim Henson Company would be selling its iconic studio lot, which also served as Charlie Chaplin Studios. We’ve now learned that musician John Mayer and filmmaker McG are going to buy it.
The lot was originally built in 1919 and it has one of the richest histories of any studio in Hollywood. It was purchased by the Henson family in 1999.
Brian Henson, chairman of the Jim Henson Company, said at the time: “When we heard the Chaplin lot was for sale, we had to have it. It’s the perfect home for the Muppets and our particular brand of classy but eccentric entertainment.”
When the family acquired the lot, Lisa Henson, CEO of the Jim Henson Company, described the space as a “lovable hodge-podge of quirky, unusual spaces. There are unexpected elements in some of the offices, like original vaults and fish-tank-like bathrooms. It’s not your typical corporate space, but it’s ideal for the Muppets.”
The Charlie Chaplin Studio Lot has a rich history that reflects the evolution of Hollywood. Built in 1917 by Chaplin, the studio was designed to give Chaplin full control over his films, from writing and directing to production and editing.
The property included sound stages, editing rooms, and even Chaplin’s residence, creating a self-contained world where he could bring his iconic characters to life, like the Little Tramp.
Chaplin produced many of his most celebrated films at this studio, including The Kid (1921), The Gold Rush (1925), City Lights (1931), and Modern Times (1936).
In the 1940s, Chaplin’s influence waned due to political pressures and controversies, leading him to be kicked out the United States in 1952, at which point the studio was sold.
Chaplin sold the property to real estate development firm Webb and Knapp, who ultimately rented to feature productions like George Reeves’ Adventures of Superman.
Red Skelton purchased the lot in 1960 and it was eventually purchased by A&M Records in 1969, transforming it into a popular recording studio where artists like The Carpenters, Pink Floyd, and Soundgarden recorded iconic albums.
In 2000, the property was acquired by the Jim Henson Company, which restored it and honored Chaplin’s legacy while adapting it to their production needs.
Source: Deadline
