[5][6] In April 2021, it was reported that Michael Mitnick was hired to rewrite the screenplay, previously written by Aaron and Jordan Kandell.

The website's consensus reads: "A rich and warm overview of Jim Henson's life and career that avoids simplistic hagiography, Ron Howard's documentary will give audiences a much clearer idea of the pioneering puppeteer's artistry.

[10] Michael Nordine of Variety felt Idea Man is a conventional documentary "whose feel-good charms are undercut only slightly by its adherence to the tried-and-true nonfiction formula ...

"[12] For The Hollywood Reporter, Daniel Feinberg wrote Idea Man "delivers less perspective on Henson's personality and motivations than sheer evidence of his drive.

"[13] Kate Erbland of Indiewire graded the film a B+, writing despite the star-studded interview appearances, "Howard leans into honesty.