Cool News
The New MUPPET Movie Now Has A Lead, And A Director (?)...
Merrick here...
Jason Segel will take the "human lead" roll in the new MUPPET movie, as well as produce the film (which he co-wrote with Nicholas Stoller). This per THR.
As previously hinted, James Bobin will indeed direct the film. Bobbin was a co-creator/writer/director on HBO's FLIGHT OF THE CONCHORDS (HERE
) .
Segel wrote and starred in FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL, which MUPPET co-writer Stoller directed.
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So it is a perfect match. But not for me because I hate him and I hate a muppets. They are stupid and for kids and I no so many people love them but fuck it. I hate them with all my heart and soul and cannot wait to get rich and get my hands on a nuclear warhead maybe and Chernobyl them or maybe just buy the rights and make sure another movies is never made
http://tinyurl.com/ykjxpll -
The Muppets need the attention of someone who "gets" them and appreciates their specific brand of humor. They just don't work otherwise.
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Fun!
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figured this site would be all over that story.
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End of story . . .
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Yeah that's why I come here, for the "cool" Muppet and Twilight news.....
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And also right on.
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i hate myself more and more for liking this dude. never watched How I Met Your Mother, but after Forgetting Sarah Marshall & I Love You Man, i am (oddly) on board for this.
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The Muppets are way cooler than you. And you're smelly.
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...He is overstayin his a fuckin the welcome... that is how he talks right?
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I hate you..... Wouldn't it be hilarious if they did this movie like that one skit on the Chappelle show where the sesame street characters were all cursing and doing heroin and shit.....I would actually watch it then
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Dracula Puppets FTW!!!
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Every time they talk about the newest Muppet movie they haven't even been mentioning Segel, and now it's his script AND he's the lead? Looks like I'm gonna pay to watch the Muppets in the theater. Haha. Didn't think I'd ever do that til I had kids.
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a poppy seed roll? or a kaiser roll?
seriously this is a movie site. how do you mix up "role" and "roll". I expect that from talkbackers. -
Segel was the one primarily responsible for getting the project off the ground, IIRC.
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I want to see a great movie that restores the muppets to their original glory.
Peace. -
Like a frog and pig getting it on wasn't funny enough!
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as oddly explanatory it seems reading it back, the muppets/jim henson (see also labyrinth,dark crystal, etc)are probably one of the biggest influences in my childhood, especially creatively. Of course im going to see this movie,regardless of whose behind the scenes. Im actually encouraged by segal and stoller's involvement.
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Not sure if that's good or bad.
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YES! He's a great writer and the Muppets are going to be fun again.
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In the muppet movies typically the human characters were not the focus of the story, but more stock characters to sometimes handle exposition. I would not want Segel to be the central figure of the film. Has anyone read the script? How big of a role will this be?
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where the fuck has he been?
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Gonzo is the Muppets Hugh Hefner.
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Orson Welles killed in that scene.
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And will produce? Wow. Talking about climbing the ladder fast. I mean, I dig the guy. But I would have though the writing and producing would be coming from inside The Jim Henson Company.
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We're talking about Merrick here.
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He gets high with the band.
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Whats next! Daniel Craig to star as Bond in the next Bond movie! This movie will suck balls compared to Muppets in Space.
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Mar 16, 2010 2:39:46 PM CDT
That Fraiser Looney Tunes movie was trying at least
by david cloverfield
Unlike fucking Space Jam and the last few muppet movies. Sure it didn't work, and it made you want to kill Steve Martin, but still.
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Because Gonzo's nose will more than satisfy the phallic quota.
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He can't date Miss Piggy for religious reasons. Or something along those lines.
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Development hell?
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is because Segel is such a huge fan of the muppets and their history. the whole reason it's getting made is because when the movie Forgetting Sarah Marshall asked the Jim Henson Creature shop to create the puppets for the Segel character's Dracula musical they found out how big of a fan he was of the muppets. He talked about it a lot and that's what got the ball rolling for these developments.Below is from a Variety article a couple years ago:
In "Sarah Marshall" Segel's character writes a "Dracula" musical performed by puppets. Those cloth creatures were custom-made by the Henson puppeteers, and the experience emboldened Segel to pitch his concept for a Muppets movie when he was invited in for a general meeting with exec Kristin Burr. Segel got a deal in the room and enlisted Stoller to co-write and direct the project.
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As long as Bryan Henson is on-board in some way, even if it's just a Krustry the Clown style "I heartily endorse this product or service".
It could be good. It could be awesome! I could also suck.
I'd like to order some pudding, and could you make sure the proof is in it? -
I hope Paul Rudd makes a cameo. I can just imagine him being emasculated by Miss Piggy.
These are the types of movies I hope to see more of... non-GG, non-animated adventure/comedy films that kids and adults can both appreciate. Seems like that kind of died in the 80s. -
I'll keep my three original muppet movies from the 80's thanks.
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Sorry, Spyhunter, but the Skeksis won.
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Won't be hard for Segel to top that.
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Lame.
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Keep your hands the fuck off.Seriously. Don't touch it. Here is someone who is passionate about the Muppets - let him make the film he wants to.Right now I am totally on board the idea of a new Muppet movie. My greatest fear is that it will be focus-tested into blandness.
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Mar 16, 2010 4:20:52 PM CDT
If I've seen your junk on the screen, you shouldn't do Muppets
by jt kirk
Something very off about making a film exposing your business and then making a kid-friendly movie.
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He's gonna end up like Will Ferrell and we are going to tire of him. psi
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Mar 16, 2010 5:10:45 PM CDT
yyeeaaahhh!!! Its time for the muppet show, movie, thing!!!!!
by lornsorrow
waves arms wildly...
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Someone should suggest doing it in 3D! Then the studios would have to wipe the jizz of the checks before signing them
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What a concept. The kids'll just eat it up. Seriously this Muppet movie deal is just so frickin screwed. Jason Segal, the Ding-Dong Man, producing and starring in a Muppet Movie. An Avenue Q movie, I could see; but a movie with Kermit the Sesame Street Frog, I don't. Well, if this tanks ("if"?) at least Disney won't lose its shirt over it, unless there's a world-wide shortage of felt and foam rubber prior to the film's production. Uncle Walt, where are you when we need you?
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... I'd be excited about a Muppet Movie? I was a kid when the holy trilogy of Muppet Movie/Caper/Take Manhattan came out, and of course when the genius Muppet Show was on, but I haven't actually wanted to watch a new Muppet movie, ever. Glad to see that this is in the hands of guys who are clearly fans of the original Muppet show and movies. My old school love aside, Pepe the Prawn had better be in this movie, okay?
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You have absolutely no idea what you're talking about.
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... okay...
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The Muppets seem kind of sacred to me and to a lot of people of my generation plus the generation above and below mine. Jason probably has the best of intentions. However, not just anybody has the credibility to spearhead a muppet project. The muppets are bigger than Jason, and will always bigger than Jason. I hope that he got the blessing from the Henson estate. The muppets aren't the kind of thing that you can take a risk, and fail at. It better be a home run Jason. Otherwise, everyone should get a shot at the Muppets.
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Even when Sarah Marshall came out he talked about doing the Muppets movie. It's clear from his Muppet Dracula bit he's a huge fan, and they obviously saw he would treat the material with respect. Muppets are kick ass though, so here's hoping he does actually pull out something watchable.
On a side not, I can't believe a talkbacker would actually say "peace" on an AICN talkback. Where the fuck does he think he is? -
Mar 16, 2010 8:02:55 PM CDT
I wish they would make that Robocop movie already
by joker gordon levitt
Aronofsky is one of my favorite directors, but I think Alex Proyas would be a better fit. Benicio Del Toro as Alex Murphy?
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will share a scene where they compare appendage size? "Hi kids. Today we're going to learn about measurements."
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Will they get any of the original performers to come out of retirement? (i.e. Frank Oz and Jerry Nelson). That would instantly make this 50x better.
P.S. Pepe is the only post-Henson death Muppet I can stand. Give him lots to do Segel. -
Mar 16, 2010 8:15:18 PM CDT
I don't think the Henson Company owns the Muppets anymore
by sifodyasjr.
If I'm not mistaken, they sold it in full to Disney a few years back.
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The Great Muppet Caper in all its bizarre and hilarious glory. And then shut the fuck up.
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But I got over the Muppets when I hit puberty. Yeah, you do get over these things dude. Believe it or not. And when you finally do, you'll discover that the grownup world isn't all that damn bad because: GIRLS!
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"No honey, that's a frog. Bears wear hats."
That line cracks me up to this day...and I'm 43. -
The voices are waaayyyyy off, anyway, off from what I remember. And every single TV appearance the Muppets have made recently has been cringe-worthy. Some things just need to die. I can't believe some few here WANT another Muppet movie after that Wizard of Oz debacle. You think they can do better than that? Then why didn't they? Oh right, Jim Henson died in 1990 (looked it up). The Muppets have been trying to make a comeback for like 20 years but they can't do it without him - as that Oz thing should have proven to anyone with sense.
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Mar 16, 2010 10:18:34 PM CDT
They'll make it crap. I liked Jason when Freaks
by beyondthunderdome2girls1cupbillcosby
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Mar 16, 2010 10:18:59 PM CDT
and geeks was on but it's gonna be a mess.
by beyondthunderdome2girls1cupbillcosby
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The guy is a big Muppet fan so that bodes well for me. Rather than someone like the Rat looking at a paycheck.
The Muppets "Scrub" episode was pretty cool so I'm onboard. -
You're not the hand puppet expert I am. And seeing as how you're in a talkback filled with Muppet fans yapping about how you "got over" the Muppets, like a guy who "got over" a breakup with his girlfriend, it's quite clear that you have absolutely no idea what you're talking about, as I said earlier.
And when YOU finally grow up, you'll discover something far better than girls. They're called women. Now get your ass back to Boystown. -
...is a woman I'd probably have a chance with, given the competition. Heh.
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The movie had more rainbows than a Jessie Jackson rally. Given that he died 'mysteriously' of double-pneumonia (aka THE AIDS), am I seriously the only person who sees a massive 'Im coming out of the closet' subtext in The Muppet Movie?
yeah, I knew I wasn't the only one. -
Mar 16, 2010 11:12:31 PM CDT
"Any woman interested in a guy who still likes puppets..."
by professor falcon
Spoken like a tool who ain't seen a real pussy since he leaked out of his momma's.
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BOO-shay BOO-shay BOO-shay.
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Mar 16, 2010 11:25:24 PM CDT
Henson was boning Daryl Hannah at one point
by beyondthunderdome2girls1cupbillcosby
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they got to sesame street-ized. The OG Muppets were irreverent and totally random in their comedy. They need to go back to basics. I could watch the Swedish Chef for hours!
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You sad fucking bastard.
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I doubt you've even spoken to a girl. And you're all 'grown-up'. You dud.
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the real film industry is over
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Go fuck yourself.
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Remember when the director of FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL was "definitely" going to do this movie? Preproduction? Brooke Shields? Script? HA HAHAHAHA HAHA! This is a joke. Anyone who thinks the muppets will EVER star in anything ever again beyond a themepark waiting in line movie or a direct to video "feature" ("See? The muppets are taking on the great legends of our time like JANE AUSTEN!") is kidding themselves hard. There was so much hype about the SARAH MARSHALL version. SO much hype. HYPE REFUTED!
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...is not exactly an indication of virility. Just because some of you here still stuff 'em into your crotches to impress the ladies doesn't make them a true measure of manhood. Sorry to break it to you.
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I mean hell why not. Make a movie starring Pez dispensers! They're retro, they've got funny-looking faces, and when they're waved around they're just as convincingly alive as the Muppets. Plus the obligatory product placement is already taken care of. And Pez dispensers have something the Muppets don't: tooth-rotting brick-like candy. Score! If the movie toys are made part of a McDonald's tie-in, the result will be the closest thing to edible food ever included in a Happy Meal. Man, this idea is gold! Forget Jason Segal's dong, it's ideas that drive Hollywood! Especially ideas invented over 50 years ago! Yeah, I can definitely see a movie being made about Pez dispensers. And after that, Play-Doh will want ITS shot!
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No he's a-not. He's a-wearin' a neck-a-tie.
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Something for the day of green, appropriate for this article:
http://tinyurl.com/ybwdy4d -
Perhaps the most famous Scientologist circumvented any chance of another nude scene from Katie Holmes. Not impressed.
The Muppets and Jim Henson were alright imho. -
Lady at the bar: "yes?"
I already mentioned the rainbow stuff and how he died abruptly - the best argument for the Henson liked the pen0r is Bert and Ernie, which insiders say were puppet versions of Henson himself and his live-in boytoy. Seriously, if those muppets aren't gay, then this site is a professional news venue. -
It was supposedly Christian Science, not Scientology, though I don't think that's been proven either.
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Mar 17, 2010 1:33:03 PM CDT
Segal's probably gonna slip in a muppet penis somewhere...
by mrmysteryguest
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Rainbows?? Welcome to the 70's, man. Everything had fucking rainbows back then. And Ernie and Bert gay? Hack stand-up comics realized that bit wasn't cutting it back in the 80's.
While I applaud your devotion to your notion, Henson wasn't gay. He was a total poon hound. It was a pretty poorly kept secret, too. There was a code phrase they used over the intercom at Henson Studios back in the day to alert him when his wife was on the premises because he was always shagging some young hippie tail.
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Big Bird was totally androgynous. I still don't know exactly what sex he/she is supposed to be.
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Oh my blessed GOD: http://io9.com/5496171/george-lucas-wants-to-make-jedi-babies-kids-series
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...that a lot of us basically grew up on Jim Henson projects, from Sesame Street to the Muppet Show, from Fraggle Rock to the incredible spectacles of Labyrinth and the Dark Crystal. (Fine, Cameron created Pandora from pixels-- isn't it more impressive to make whole ecosystems out of foam rubber & latex?) I'm not as crazy about the Muppets as I was as a kid, but there's still a soft spot in my heart for Henson's works. And IMHO, when Henson died, Muppet movies lost the sense of wonder and innocence that so many of us cherished. If Segal can bring that back, more power to him. Is it likely to happen? No, but if Segal is truly as passionate about Muppets as he says he is, he's got a better shot at it than whoever's been doing some of those films. (I still shudder at the memory of Scooter dancing around in a go-go cage in the Muppet Christmas Carol. Seriously, WTF?!? Haven't seen another one since.) And I don't give a rat's ass whether Henson was gay or straight, or what religion he believed in. The world lost a creative genius when he died, a person who put great effort into teaching children with kindness and fun. Isn't that the important thing to remember about him? I think so. If that's "uncool," then oh well, I don't wanna be cool. :^P
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Look him up!
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