Is the world ready for another Muppet movie?

When we last left the Muppets, they were singing in last year’s Christmas special on NBC. Since Disney’s acquisition of the Muppets franchise in 2004, there has been a series of low budget bombs (Muppets’ Wizard of Oz, Studio DC: Almost Live!) that make the public wish Jim Henson were still alive. A recent report is now creating a buzz about the newest Muppet film currently in production. The working title for the film, “The Best Muppet Movie of All Time,” is slated to hit theaters sometime next year.

The script is being written by Jason Segal and Nick Stoller. You might remember them as the star and director of Forgetting Sarah Marshall,  respectively. Jason is said to have been the motivation behind this project, actually approaching Disney and the Henson Company with his idea. I’m all for someone with a passion for puppets! The new script is rumored to be heavy on celebrity cameos including Rachel Ray, Anne Hathaway, Vince Vaughn, Bob Saget, Lisa Lampenelli and others.

The report goes on to describe how the writers are hard at work trying to respectfully tie-in the plots from previous Muppet films, including cameo by Charles Grodin, whose character was incarcerated in The Great Muppet Caper. There are also efforts to incorporate the story of the original Muppet Show by having the main characters struggle to save the vaudeville-style theater the series took place in. All of the main Muppets are slated to be in the upcoming film, including the new addition of  Walter, a brown nondescript puppet.

Call me weary, but almost all of the most recent attempts to reinvigorate the Muppet franchise have been weak. I’m not sure if its Disney’s fault for trying to play it safe or if the talent to pull it off just isn’t there. While Segal and Stoller are funny guys, it has yet to be seen if they have the comedic chops to pull it off. The Muppets have always thrived on strong character acting. The classic characters are so memorable because the actors made these puppets come “alive.” Despite the recent bombs, I’m going to remain optimistic. Seeing Miss Piggy, Kermit, Fozzie, Animal, Rolf, and the rest of the gang on the big screen is refreshing even if its a stinker.

Who knows, maybe Jason Segel is the one to resurrect the Muppets. Watch this clip as some Muppets interrupt Jason’s appearance on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. He’s on to promote his new film, I Love You Man.

(Photo: Stars Wars Blog)

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