It looks like a sequel to The Muppets is a go, but star and co-writer Jason Segel may be absent from the film. Vulture reports that director James Bobin and Segel’s co-writer Nicholas Stoller will be returning for the next installment, but Segel has his plate full with the continued success of How I Met Your Mother, publicity for the upcoming films Five Year Engagement (also co-written with Stoller) and This is Forty, as well as scripts for other feature films.
What will a Muppet movie be like without the exuberance of Segel? His love of the characters and Jim Henson’s legacy brought much of the charm and nostalgia to the film. And while it was didn’t top $100 million dollars domestically, the amount grossed more than made up for the $45 million dollar budget. Not only was it a financial success in that sense, but the song “Man or Muppet” did what even “The Rainbow Connection” failed to do—it won an Academy Award. And though neither Segel nor the Muppets accepted the award, Kermit and Miss Piggy made an appearance at the event, giving the lackluster ceremony a much-needed shot of adrenaline.
I think many of us were apprehensive about The Muppets returning to the big screen after such a long absence, but the final result was worth the wait. Yes, it could’ve used more appearances by our favorite characters. But I think overall it was true to the spirit of the Muppets, and that’s what makes it so much fun to watch. I think that if Jim were able to give us his opinion on it, he would be pleased. Maybe it’s not exactly what he would have done, but Segel’s obvious love of the characters is contagious.
And it’s still possible he’ll appear in the film, even if it’s just for a cameo. As we all know, cameos abound in Muppet movies. No word on whether Walter will make a return appearance, but I think we can also assume he’s likely to have a role, even if it’s just a small one.
So go watch The Muppets if you haven’t already seen it. Or watch it again. It’s available for pre-order on Amazon as well as other retail outlets. The Disney Store is offering a set of four lithographs with a pre-order (including one of Kermit singing “The Rainbow Connection” ).
And weigh in with your opinions on the matter. Will a Muppet movie without Segel be nearly as endearing? Or is anyone else equally capable of writing the characters with as much love as he did?