What type of film is "The Muppets" (2011), and who directed it?

"The Muppets" (2011) is an American musical comedy film, a genre that combines musical numbers with comedic storytelling. It was directed by James Bobin.

Who wrote the screenplay for "The Muppets" (2011)?

The screenplay for "The Muppets" (2011) was written by Jason Segel and Nicholas Stoller, who collaborated on the film's story.

Who produced the 2011 film "The Muppets"?

The 2011 film "The Muppets" was produced by David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman, working under Mandeville Films.

Which human actors starred in "The Muppets" (2011)?

The human actors starring in "The Muppets" (2011) included Jason Segel, Amy Adams, Chris Cooper, and Rashida Jones, who played key live-action roles alongside the Muppet characters.

Who was responsible for the music in "The Muppets" (2011)?

Bret McKenzie served as the music supervisor for "The Muppets" (2011) and wrote four of the film's five original songs. Christophe Beck composed the film's instrumental score, which provides the background music.

What is the running time and budget of "The Muppets" (2011)?

The running time for "The Muppets" (2011) is 103 minutes, and the film had a production budget of $45 million.

What is the central premise of "The Muppets" (2011) according to the plot summary?

The film's central premise involves devoted Muppet fan Walter, his human brother Gary, and Gary's girlfriend Mary, who must help Kermit the Frog reunite the disbanded Muppets. Their mission is to raise $10 million to save the Muppet Theater from Tex Richman, a greedy businessman who plans to demolish it to drill for oil.

How did the development of "The Muppets" (2011) begin?

The development of the film began in March 2008 when Jason Segel and Nicholas Stoller pitched a concept for a new Muppets film to Walt Disney Studios executive vice-president of production Karen Falk, leading to a deal for them to develop the script with Mandeville Films co-producing.

What were some of the early working titles for "The Muppets" (2011)?

Some early working titles for the film included "The Greatest Muppet Movie of All Time!!!" and "The Cheapest Muppet Movie Ever Made!", the latter being a title from an unused script written by Jerry Juhl in 1985.

Who was initially reported to direct "The Muppets" (2011), and who ultimately took on the role?

Although early reports indicated that Nicholas Stoller would direct the film, James Bobin was announced as the director in January 2010.

What specific plot details emerged during the development phase of the film?

In February 2010, additional plot details surfaced, indicating that the film would be about a villain who wanted to drill for oil underneath the old Muppet Theater, and that the only way to stop him would be to put on a show that draws ten million viewers.

Did any other animation studios contribute to the script development of "The Muppets" (2011)?

Reports from the summer of 2010 revealed that the production team had met with the creative heads at Pixar Animation Studios to fine-tune the script, indicating a collaborative effort in shaping the story.

When were Amy Adams, Chris Cooper, and Rashida Jones confirmed to star in the film?

Amy Adams, Chris Cooper, and Rashida Jones were confirmed to be starring in the film in October 2010, completing a significant portion of the human cast.

Which celebrities were initially considered for cameos but were ultimately omitted from "The Muppets" (2011) due to time constraints?

Ricky Gervais, Billy Crystal, Beth Broderick, Kathy Griffin, Ed Helms, Sterling Knight, Mila Kunis, Ben Stiller, Eric Stonestreet, Wanda Sykes, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, and Danny Trejo were among the celebrities whose planned cameo appearances were completely omitted from the film due to time constraints during editing.

Who was brought in as the music supervisor for "The Muppets" (2011)?

Bret McKenzie, known for his work with the band Flight of the Conchords, flew to Los Angeles during the summer of 2010 to serve as the music supervisor for "The Muppets."

When did principal photography for "The Muppets" (2011) begin?

Principal photography for "The Muppets" began in September 2010, marking the start of the main filming period.

What were some of the notable filming locations for "The Muppets" (2011)?

Notable filming locations included Hollywood Boulevard for a musical number, Universal Studios' Soundstage 28 for the interiors of The Muppet Theater, and the El Capitan Theatre (with a digitally changed marquee) for its exterior. Scenes set in Smalltown were filmed at the Warner Bros. Studios' backlot and Disney's Golden Oak Ranch, while the fictional "Muppet Studios" used exterior shots at the Jim Henson Company Lot and interior shots at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank. Other locations included Greystone Mansion, Pink Palace Mansion, Crossroads of the World, Grauman's Chinese Theatre, and City National Plaza in downtown Los Angeles.

What visual effects techniques were extensively used in "The Muppets" (2011)?

The film required extensive blue-screen shots and matte backgrounds. For example, in a scene where Walter runs atop a dresser, puppeteers performed his movements while wearing blue costumes against a blue screen, allowing them to be digitally removed from the final shot during post-production. Look Effects was responsible for these visual effects, and Legacy Effects designed the mechanics for the '80s Robot.

What were Bret McKenzie's contributions to the film's music, and who composed the score?

Bret McKenzie wrote the majority of the songs for "The Muppets," with one song, "Pictures in My Head," being produced by him and written by Jeannie Lurie, Aris Archontis, and Chen Neeman. Christophe Beck composed the film's score, which he described as providing emotional glue by blending various musical styles, notably incorporating instruments like the banjo.

When was the original soundtrack for "The Muppets" (2011) released?

The film's original soundtrack was released by Walt Disney Records on November 22, 2011, followed by a Spanish version titled "Los Muppets: Banda Sonora Original de Walt Disney Records" on December 6, 2011.

When and where did "The Muppets" (2011) premiere and have its North American theatrical release?

"The Muppets" premiered at the 2011 Savannah Film Festival on November 4, 2011, and held its world premiere on November 12, 2011, at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood. It was then released theatrically in North America on November 23, 2011.

What short film accompanied "The Muppets" (2011) in theaters?

The film was accompanied by Pixar's "Toy Story Toons" short titled "Small Fry," which played before the main feature.

What unique marketing strategy did "The Muppets" (2011) employ using spoof trailers?

The marketing campaign for "The Muppets" included several spoof trailers that parodied popular films. These included "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" (released as "Green with Envy"), "The Hangover Part II" ("The Fuzzy Pack"), "Green Lantern" ("Being Green"), "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" ("The Pig with the Froggy Tattoo"), "Paranormal Activity 3" ("Abnormal Activity"), "Happy Feet Two" ("Dancing on Happy Feet"), "Puss in Boots" ("Fuss in Boots"), and "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1" ("Breaking Prawn").

What music albums were released as part of the film's promotion?

As part of the film's promotion, Walt Disney Records released "Muppets: The Green Album" on August 23, 2011, which was a tribute album featuring popular Muppet songs performed by contemporary artists. Additionally, the 2006 Christmas album was reissued on November 1, 2011.

How did the Muppets promote the film on television?

The Muppets promoted the film through various television appearances, including performing "Life's a Happy Song" on "Dancing with the Stars," appearing as guests on "Saturday Night Live" (with Kermit on the Weekend Update segment), and guest-starring on WWE Monday Night RAW and the UK version of "The X Factor."

When was "The Muppets" (2011) released on home media, and what special event coincided with it?

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment released "The Muppets" on Blu-ray Disc, DVD, and digital download on March 20, 2012. This release date coincided with the Muppets receiving a collective star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a significant honor in the entertainment industry.

How did "The Muppets" perform in home media sales?

"The Muppets" performed well in home media sales, debuting at No. 2 in Blu-ray and DVD sales in the United States according to Nielsen's sales chart, and generating an additional $58.3 million in sales.

What was the box office performance of "The Muppets" (2011)?

"The Muppets" was a commercial success, accumulating a worldwide box office gross of over $171 million against a $45 million budget. It debuted in second place on its opening day, behind "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1," and ultimately became the highest-grossing puppet film of all time.

What was the general critical response to "The Muppets" (2011)?

The film received universal acclaim from critics for its humor, music, and successful revitalization of the Muppet characters. Rotten Tomatoes reported a 95% approval rating with a critical consensus describing it as "clever, charming, and heartfelt," while Metacritic assigned it a score of 75 out of 100, indicating "generally favorable reviews."

Which aspects of "The Muppets" (2011) were specifically praised by film critics?

Film critics praised various aspects of "The Muppets." Roger Ebert commended the revitalized Muppets and their distinctive personalities. Justin Chang noted the film's effortless blend of "wised-up, self-reflective humor with old-fashioned let's-put-on-a-show pizzazz." Todd McCarthy praised it as a "mostly winning return" that pleased both old and new fans. Alonso Duralde highlighted its "brilliant absurdity, anarchic humor, subtle uplift and ensemble comedy." The Los Angeles Times and Entertainment Weekly specifically praised the screenplay's self-referential humor, the supporting roles of Jason Segel and Amy Adams, and the film's clever employment of cameos.

What was Frank Oz's initial reaction to the script for "The Muppets" (2011)?

Prior to the film's release, retired Muppet performer Frank Oz initially disapproved of the script, stating that he thought the early version was disrespectful toward the characters he had helped create and perform.

How did Frank Oz's opinion of "The Muppets" (2011) change after its release?

After the film's release, Frank Oz modified his earlier statements, describing the film as "really sweet and fun," though he also found it "a little too safe" and "a little retro." He expressed happiness that it brought people back to appreciating The Muppets.

What Academy Award did "The Muppets" (2011) win, and what was its significance for the franchise?

Bret McKenzie won an Academy Award for Best Original Song for his song "Man or Muppet." This was a significant achievement as it marked the first time a Muppet film had won an Academy Award, despite being the fourth Muppet film to receive an Oscar nomination.

Besides "Man or Muppet," which other songs from the film were shortlisted for Best Original Song at the Academy Awards?

In addition to "Man or Muppet," the songs "Life's a Happy Song" and "Pictures in My Head" were also included in the Academy's shortlist for Best Original Song, recognizing their potential for an Oscar nomination.

What BAFTA Award was James Bobin nominated for regarding "The Muppets" (2011)?

James Bobin was nominated for the BAFTA Award for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer for his work on "The Muppets" (2011), recognizing his significant contribution to the film.

What Critics' Choice Movie Awards did "The Muppets" (2011) receive nominations or wins for?

"The Muppets" (2011) was nominated for Best Comedy Film. In the Best Song category, Bret McKenzie's "Life's a Happy Song" won the award, while his song "Man or Muppet" and "Pictures in My Head" (by Jeannie Lurie, Aris Archontis, and Chen Neeman) were also nominated.

What award did "The Muppets" (2011) win at the Dorian Awards?

"The Muppets" (2011) won the Dorian Award for Campy (Intentional or Not) Film of the Year, an award given by the Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association.

What Golden Reel Award did "The Muppets" (2011) win?

The film won the Golden Reel Award for Best Sound Editing: Music in a Musical Feature Film, with Lisa Jaime and Richard Ford being the recipients of this award for their work on the film's sound.

What Grammy Awards was "The Muppets" (2011) nominated for?

"The Muppets" (2011) received two Grammy Award nominations: one for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media for its original soundtrack, and another for Best Song Written for Visual Media for Bret McKenzie's song "Man or Muppet."

What award did "The Muppets" (2011) win from the Houston Film Critics Society?

Bret McKenzie's song "Life's a Happy Song" won the Best Song award from the Houston Film Critics Society, recognizing its quality within the film.

When was a sequel to "The Muppets" (2011) announced, and who was involved?

In March 2012, following the critical and commercial success of the film, Disney secured a deal with James Bobin and Nicholas Stoller to direct and write, respectively, a new installment. Bret McKenzie also returned to write the songs for the sequel.

What was the title and release date of the sequel to "The Muppets" (2011)?

The sequel to "The Muppets" (2011) was titled "Muppets Most Wanted" and was released on March 21, 2014.

Did Jason Segel participate in the sequel to "The Muppets" (2011)?

No, Jason Segel stated in March 2012 that he would have no involvement in the sequel, neither as a writer nor as a star.

What role did Jason Segel play in "The Muppets" (2011)?

Jason Segel played the character Gary, who is Walter's human brother and a devoted fan of the Muppets. The role also included younger versions of Gary played by Gunnar Smith, Connor Gallagher, and Justin Marco.

How is Mary, Gary's girlfriend, described in the film's cast list?

Mary, portrayed by Amy Adams, is described as an elementary school teacher and Gary's long-term girlfriend, who later becomes his fiancée. She is also noted as being a very capable mechanic.

What was Tex Richman's primary motivation for acquiring the Muppet Theater?

Tex Richman, the film's main antagonist, was a greedy oil magnate whose primary motivation for acquiring the Muppet Theater was to destroy it and drill for oil that he supposedly believed was located underneath the property.

Who was Veronica Martin in "The Muppets" (2011)?

Veronica Martin, played by Rashida Jones, was an executive at the CDE television network. Jones also puppeteered a character named "Dolores," referred to as Trumpet Girl.

Who is Walter in "The Muppets" (2011) and what is his defining characteristic?

Walter, performed by Peter Linz, is a Muppet character and a resident of Smalltown. His defining characteristic is being a lifelong, devoted fan of "The Muppet Show."

Which Muppet characters did Steve Whitmire perform in the film?

Steve Whitmire performed several Muppet characters, including Kermit the Frog, Beaker, Statler, Rizzo the Rat, Link Hogthrob, Lips, and the Newsman.

Which Muppet characters did Eric Jacobson perform in the film?

Eric Jacobson performed Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Animal, Sam Eagle, and Marvin Suggs, bringing these iconic Muppets to life.

Curtain Up! The Muppets (2011)

A comprehensive exploration into the cinematic return of Jim Henson's beloved creations, detailing its narrative, production, and critical acclaim.

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The Film

A Musical Comedy Revival

The Muppets, released in 2011, is an American musical comedy film directed by James Bobin and written by Jason Segel and Nicholas Stoller. Produced by David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman, it marks the seventh theatrical feature film starring the iconic Muppet characters.^[3] This film was conceived as a creative reboot for the franchise, aiming to reintroduce the Muppets to mainstream culture after a period of reduced public visibility following Disney's acquisition of the property in 2004.^[1]

Star-Studded Ensemble

The film features a notable human cast including Jason Segel, Amy Adams, Chris Cooper, and Rashida Jones. Alongside them, a dedicated team of Muppet performers brought the beloved characters to life: Steve Whitmire, Eric Jacobson, Dave Goelz, Bill Barretta, David Rudman, Matt Vogel, and Peter Linz.^[3] Bret McKenzie served as the music supervisor, contributing four of the film's five original songs, while Christophe Beck composed the orchestral score.^[8]

Narrative Context and Meta-Humor

Uniquely, The Muppets directly addresses the characters' diminished fame within its own narrative, making it the first film in the series to explicitly acknowledge The Muppet Show and reference plot points from previous Muppet films. This meta-referential approach allowed the film to comment on the Muppets' real-world status while crafting a compelling story.^[1]

Plot

Smalltown Beginnings

The story centers on Walter, a Muppet born in Smalltown, who is an ardent fan of The Muppet Show. His human brother, Gary, plans a vacation to Los Angeles with his long-term girlfriend, Mary. Mary, however, feels that Gary's deep devotion to Walter often overshadows their relationship.

A Threat to the Theater

During a tour of the dilapidated Muppet Studios, Walter uncovers a sinister plot. He overhears oil magnate Tex Richman, along with his henchmen Uncle Deadly and Bobo the Bear, planning to purchase the Muppet Theater from Statler and Waldorf. Richman intends to demolish the theater to drill for oil beneath it. The Muppets have a chance to repurchase the theater if they can raise $10 million before their original contract expires.

The Grand Reunion

Upon learning of Richman's scheme, Walter, Gary, and Mary visit Kermit the Frog, convincing him that the only way to save the theater is to reunite the disbanded Muppets and host a telethon. Kermit embarks on a journey to gather his old friends, including Fozzie Bear, who is performing with a tribute band called the Moopets; Gonzo, now a plumbing magnate; and Animal, who is attending an anger management clinic with Jack Black as his sponsor. Miss Piggy, working as an editor for Vogue Paris, initially refuses but eventually returns, driving off her Moopet counterpart, Miss Poogy.

The Telethon Challenge

CDE network executive Veronica Martin agrees to air the telethon if the Muppets can secure a celebrity host and rebuild the theater. As time dwindles, Kermit struggles to find enough acts, encouraging Walter to discover his own talent. Mary, feeling neglected by Gary's focus on Walter and the Muppets, returns to Smalltown. Richman repeatedly attempts to sabotage the telethon, cutting power and trying to invalidate their trademarks by giving them to the Moopets. However, Gary and Mary return to restore power, and a remorseful Uncle Deadly thwarts Richman's second attempt.

Triumph and New Beginnings

The Muppets, inspired by Kermit and Miss Piggy's reconciliation, perform a moving rendition of "Rainbow Connection," during which Animal rediscovers his passion for drumming. Walter, with Gary's encouragement, performs a whistling act, earning a standing ovation. Despite Richman's final attempt to sabotage the phone lines, leaving them a dollar short, the Muppets are met by adoring fans on Hollywood Boulevard. Walter is invited to join the Muppets as a regular, and Gary proposes to Mary. In a post-credits scene, Richman, after a comical head injury, willingly returns the theater to the Muppets, ensuring their future.

Cast

Human Performers

The film features a talented ensemble of human actors who interact seamlessly with the Muppet characters:

Jason Segel as Gary, Walter's human brother and a devoted Muppet fan. He also portrays Gary at various younger ages.
Amy Adams as Mary, an elementary school teacher, Gary's girlfriend, and a skilled mechanic.^[13]
Chris Cooper as Tex Richman, the film's primary antagonist, a greedy oil magnate who cannot laugh until a comical incident at the film's conclusion.^[13]
Rashida Jones as Veronica Martin, a CDE television network executive. Jones also lent her puppeteering skills to a character she named "Dolores."^[14]^[15]

Muppet Performers

The heart of the film lies with the Muppet characters, brought to life by a dedicated team of puppeteers:

Steve Whitmire as Kermit the Frog, Beaker, Statler, Rizzo the Rat, Link Hogthrob, Lips, and the Newsman.^[20]
Eric Jacobson as Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Animal, Sam Eagle, and Marvin Suggs.^[20]
Dave Goelz as Gonzo, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, Zoot, Beauregard, Waldorf, and Kermoot.^[20]
Bill Barretta as Swedish Chef, Rowlf the Dog, Dr. Teeth, Pepe the Prawn, Bobo the Bear, Big Mean Carl, Mahna Mahna, Behemoth, Beautiful Day Monster, Gary Muppet, and Hobo.^[20]^[21]
David Rudman as Scooter, Janice, Miss Poogy, Wayne, and Bobby Benson.^[20]
Matt Vogel as Sgt. Floyd Pepper, Camilla the Chicken, Sweetums, '80s Robot, Lew Zealand, Uncle Deadly, Roowlf, Crazy Harry, and Janooce.^[20]
Peter Linz as Walter.^[20]

Archival recordings of Jim Henson, Frank Oz, Jerry Nelson, and Richard Hunt were also utilized in flashback sequences from The Muppet Show. Jerry Nelson made an uncredited voice cameo as the telethon's announcer, marking his final appearance in a Muppets production before his passing the following year.^[9]^[10]

Notable Cameos

The film is rich with celebrity cameo appearances, adding to its charm and meta-narrative. While some planned cameos were cut due to time constraints, many notable figures appeared:

Jack Black (uncredited) as Animal's court-appointed sponsor and the unwilling host of The Muppet Telethon.
Emily Blunt as Miss Piggy's receptionist at Vogue Paris, spoofing her role in The Devil Wears Prada.
Whoopi Goldberg, Selena Gomez, Neil Patrick Harris, Judd Hirsch, and John Krasinski as themselves, assisting with telethon calls.^[22]^[25]^[26]
Dave Grohl as Animool, a member of the Moopets.^[24]
Jim Parsons as Human Walter, a secret cameo.^[56]^[57]
Other appearances include Zach Galifianakis, Ken Jeong, Alan Arkin, Bill Cobbs, Kristen Schaal, and Sarah Silverman.^[16]^[17]^[18]^[19]

Production

Development & Scripting

The journey to bring The Muppets to the big screen began in 2008 when Jason Segel and Nicholas Stoller pitched their concept to Walt Disney Studios. They were subsequently offered a deal to develop the script, with David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman of Mandeville Films joining as co-producers.^[1] Segel submitted the first draft in June 2008, aiming to honor the legacy of previous Muppet films.^[31]^[32] Stoller confirmed the "old school Muppets movie" approach, where the characters would stage a show to save their studio, and emphasized the inclusion of numerous celebrity cameos.^[34]

Initial titles considered included The Greatest Muppet Movie of All Time!!! and The Cheapest Muppet Movie Ever Made!^[35]^[36]
James Bobin was announced as director in January 2010.^[38]^[39]^[40]
The production team consulted with Pixar Animation Studios to refine the script during the summer of 2010.^[43]
The release date was shifted from Christmas 2011 to Thanksgiving 2011.^[11]^[44]
Casting for human leads (Adams, Cooper, Jones) was confirmed in October 2010.^[45]^[46]^[47]
Several planned celebrity cameos, including Ricky Gervais, Billy Crystal, and Lady Gaga, were ultimately cut due to time constraints.^[50]^[51]^[55]
An idea for an Elmo cameo was rejected by Disney's attorneys and Sesame Workshop representatives.^[60]^[61]

Filming & Visuals

Principal photography for The Muppets commenced in September 2010. The production utilized a variety of iconic locations to bring the Muppet world to life:

Hollywood Boulevard was closed for two nights in January 2011 to film the grand finale musical number, "Life's a Happy Song," featuring Amy Adams, Jason Segel, and hundreds of extras outside the El Capitan Theatre.^[14]^[67]^[68]
The El Capitan Theatre's exterior (with a digitally altered marquee) served as the Muppet Theater, while Universal Studios' Soundstage 28 provided the interiors.^[14]^[70]
Scenes set in "Smalltown" were filmed at the Warner Bros. Studios' backlot and Disney's Golden Oak Ranch.^[70]
The Jim Henson Company Lot and Walt Disney Studios in Burbank were used for exterior and interior shots of the fictional "Muppet Studios."^[14]
Other notable locations included Greystone Mansion, Pink Palace Mansion, Crossroads of the World, Grauman's Chinese Theatre, and City National Plaza.^[14] Scooter's scene was filmed at Google's Zurich headquarters.^[14]

The film extensively employed blue-screen technology and matte backgrounds to seamlessly integrate puppeteers, who wore blue costumes, into the final shots. Legacy Effects designed the mechanics for the '80s Robot, and a majority of the Muppet characters were meticulously rebuilt for the production.^[72]^[73]

Music & Score

The musical landscape of The Muppets was primarily crafted by Bret McKenzie, known for his work with Flight of the Conchords. McKenzie wrote the majority of the film's songs, with "Pictures in My Head" being produced by him and written by Jeannie Lurie, Aris Archontis, and Chen Neeman.^[74]

McKenzie carefully rewrote lyrics to avoid direct references to the characters as "puppets," at the request of the Muppet performers.^[74]
He also learned that certain Muppets, such as chickens and penguins, communicate through onomatopoeic sounds rather than spoken words.^[75]
Christophe Beck composed the film's score, aiming to provide "emotional glue" by blending diverse musical styles. Beck incorporated instruments like the banjo, which are rarely featured in orchestral settings.^[76]^[77]
The official soundtrack was released by Walt Disney Records on November 22, 2011, with a Spanish version following on December 6, 2011.^[78]^[79]

Release

Premieres & Theatrical Run

The Muppets first premiered at the 2011 Savannah Film Festival on November 4, 2011.^[80] Its world premiere was held on November 12, 2011, at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood.^[81] The film then saw its theatrical release in the United States on November 23, 2011, followed by Australia on January 12, 2012, and the United Kingdom on February 10, 2012.^[11]^[29]^[82]

The film was originally slated for a Christmas 2011 release in the U.S. but was moved up to Thanksgiving.^[11]^[44]
It served as the opening gala at the 2012 Glasgow Youth Film Festival.
The theatrical release was accompanied by Pixar's Toy Story Toons short, Small Fry.^[85]
Notably, it was the first Walt Disney Pictures film to feature a modified version of the studio's 2006 production logo, simply displaying "Disney."^[86]

Home Media

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment released The Muppets on Blu-ray Disc, DVD, and digital download on March 20, 2012. This release coincided with the Muppets receiving a collective star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.^[106]

The film was made available in several physical packages:

A three-disc combo pack (Blu-ray, DVD, and digital copy) with a soundtrack download, marketed as "The Wocka Wocka Value Pack."
A two-disc combo pack (Blu-ray and DVD).
A one-disc DVD with soundtrack download.
A one-disc DVD without soundtrack download.

Digital versions were offered in both high definition and standard definition. Supplementary features across these editions included bloopers, deleted and alternate scenes, "Muppet Intermission," "Scratching the Surface: A Hasty Examination of the Making of Disney's The Muppets," the fully intact version of "Let's Talk About Me," "A Little Screen Test on the Way to the Read Through," and an audio commentary with Jason Segel, James Bobin, and Nicholas Stoller.^[107] The three-disc combo pack also featured exclusive, unreleased parody trailers for films like Rise of the Planet of the Apes and Fast Five.^[107]

The film debuted at No. 2 in Blu-ray and DVD sales in the United States and generated an additional $58.3 million in home media sales.^[108]^[109]

Marketing

Creative Campaigns

Disney launched an extensive and creative marketing campaign for The Muppets, leveraging the characters' unique humor and pop culture relevance:

In May 2011, Kermit the Frog attended the world premiere of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides at Disneyland to promote the upcoming Muppets film.^[91]^[92]^[93]
A series of highly popular spoof trailers parodied contemporary films, including Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (released as Green with Envy), The Hangover Part II (The Fuzzy Pack), Green Lantern (Being Green), The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (The Pig with the Froggy Tattoo), Paranormal Activity 3 (Abnormal Activity), Happy Feet Two (Dancing on Happy Feet), Puss in Boots (Fuss in Boots), and The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 (Breaking Prawn).^[94]^[95]^[96]^[97]^[98]^[99]^[100]
Brooks Brothers designed custom tuxedo wardrobes for Kermit the Frog for the film.^[101]

Music & Media Tie-ins

Music played a significant role in the film's marketing, alongside various media appearances:

Walt Disney Records released Muppets: The Green Album on August 23, 2011, a tribute album featuring contemporary artists performing popular Muppet songs.^[102] The 2006 Christmas album was also reissued.^[104]
The Muppets performed "Life's a Happy Song" on Dancing with the Stars on November 15, 2011.^[105]
Jason Segel hosted Saturday Night Live on November 19, 2011, with the Muppets appearing as guests, including Kermit on the "Weekend Update" segment.
The Muppets made guest appearances on WWE Monday Night RAW, interacting with WWE Superstars, and joined Olly Murs on The X Factor (UK version) to perform his single "Dance With Me Tonight" and promote the film.
An iPhone app, Tap Tap Muppets, was released featuring new musical numbers and classic Muppet songs like "The Muppet Show Theme," "Rainbow Connection," and "Mahna Mahna."

Reception

Box Office Performance

The Muppets proved to be a significant commercial success, grossing nearly four times its $45 million budget. On its opening day, it earned $6.5 million, securing the second spot at the box office, behind The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1.^[110] Over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, the film accumulated $41.5 million in five days, surpassing the box office performance of all previous Muppet films except The Muppet Movie.^[112]^[113] By its closing on April 5, 2012, the film had grossed $88,631,237 in North America and $83,171,761 in other territories, leading to a worldwide total of $171,802,998. This made it the highest-grossing puppet film of all time.^[6]

Critical Acclaim

The film garnered universal acclaim from critics, who praised its humor, music, and successful revitalization of the Muppet characters:

Rotten Tomatoes: The film holds a 95% approval rating based on 228 reviews, with an average score of 7.9/10. The consensus highlights its "clever, charming, and heartfelt" nature, appealing to both new fans and long-time devotees.^[114]^[115]
Metacritic: It received a score of 75 out of 100, based on 37 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews."^[116]
CinemaScore: Audiences surveyed by CinemaScore awarded the film an "A" grade.^[117]

Prominent critics such as Roger Ebert lauded the revitalized Muppets and their distinctive personalities.^[118] Justin Chang of Variety described it as an "unexpected treat," praising its blend of "wised-up, self-reflective humor with old-fashioned let's-put-on-a-show pizzazz."^[2]

Frank Oz's Perspective

Prior to the film's release, some past Muppet performers, including Frank Oz, expressed initial reservations about the script, feeling it was disrespectful to the characters.^[127]^[128] However, following the film's release, Oz modified his stance, stating:

I thought the film was really sweet and fun, a little too safe, a little retro. I prefer more cutting edge in the Muppets. But the main thing is everybody got back to appreciating The Muppets...it brought people back to The Muppets. Although they never really left, it's always been a kind of subculture, it's always been there in our popular culture a little bit. So I'm happy that people are happy.^[129]

Accolades

Awards & Nominations

The Muppets received numerous awards and nominations, most notably an Academy Award for Best Original Song. This marked a significant achievement for the franchise, being the first Muppet film to win an Oscar, and the first to be nominated for Best Original Song since 1981's The Great Muppet Caper.^[130]

List of awards and nominations
Award	Date of ceremony	Category	Recipients	Result
Academy Awards	February 26, 2012^[131]	Best Original Song	"Man or Muppet" – Bret McKenzie	Won
British Academy Film Awards	February 12, 2013	Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer	James Bobin	Nominated
Critics' Choice Movie Award	January 12, 2012^[132]^[133]	Best Comedy Film	The Muppets	Nominated
		Best Song	"Life's a Happy Song" – Bret McKenzie	Won
			"Man or Muppet" – Bret McKenzie	Nominated
			"Pictures in My Head" – Jeannie Lurie, Aris Archontis and Chen Neeman	Nominated
Dorian Awards	January 19, 2012^[134]	Campy (Intentional or Not) Film of the Year	The Muppets	Won
Golden Reel Awards	February 19, 2012^[135]	Best Sound Editing: Music in a Musical Feature Film	Lisa Jaime and Richard Ford^[136]	Won
Grammy Awards	February 10, 2013	Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media	Original soundtrack	Nominated
Grammy Awards	February 10, 2013	Best Song Written for Visual Media	"Man or Muppet" – Bret McKenzie	Nominated
Houston Film Critics Society	December 13, 2011^[137]	Best Song	"Life's a Happy Song" – Bret McKenzie	Won
Kerrang! Awards	June 7, 2012	Best Film	The Muppets	Nominated
Kid's Choice Awards	March 31, 2012^[138]	Favorite Movie	The Muppets	Nominated
Kid's Choice Awards	March 31, 2012^[138]	Favorite Movie Actress	Amy Adams	Nominated
Satellite Awards	December 18, 2011^[139]	Motion Picture, Animated or Mixed Media	Walt Disney Pictures	Nominated
		Original Song	"Man or Muppet" – Bret McKenzie	Nominated
		Original Song	"Life's a Happy Song" – Bret McKenzie	Nominated
Saturn Awards	July 26, 2012	Best Fantasy Film	The Muppets	Nominated
St. Louis Film Critics Association	December 12, 2011^[140]	Best Adapted Screenplay	Jason Segel and Nicholas Stoller	Nominated
		Best Comedy	The Muppets	Nominated
		Best Music		Nominated
Teen Choice Awards	July 22, 2012	Choice Movie Comedy	The Muppets	Nominated
Women Film Critics Circle Awards^[141]	December 22, 2011	Best Family Film	The Muppets	Nominated

Sequel

Muppets Most Wanted

Following the critical and commercial triumph of The Muppets, Disney quickly moved forward with plans for a sequel. In March 2012, James Bobin and Nicholas Stoller were secured to direct and write, respectively, for the next installment.^[1]^[142]^[143] However, Jason Segel announced that he would not be involved in the sequel's production.^[144]

On April 24, Disney officially confirmed the sequel's development, revealing that Ricky Gervais, Ty Burrell, and Tina Fey had been cast in prominent roles. David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman returned as producers, and Bret McKenzie once again contributed to the film's songs.^[145]^[146]^[147] The sequel, titled Muppets Most Wanted, was released on March 21, 2014.^[12]^[148]

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References

"Jason Segel Spills More About His 'Muppet Movie'". MovieWeb.com (June 8, 2008). Retrieved May 17, 2011.

A full list of references for this article are available at the The Muppets (2011 film) Wikipedia page

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Curtain Up! The Muppets (2011)

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

The Film 🎬

🎭 A Musical Comedy Revival

🌟 Star-Studded Ensemble

📜 Narrative Context and Meta-Humor

Plot 📖

🏡 Smalltown Beginnings

🚨 A Threat to the Theater

🤝 The Grand Reunion

📺 The Telethon Challenge

💖 Triumph and New Beginnings

Cast 🌟

👨‍👩‍👧 Human Performers

🐸🐷🐻 Muppet Performers

✨ Notable Cameos

Production 🎥

✍️ Development & Scripting

🎬 Filming & Visuals

🎶 Music & Score

Release 🗓️

premieres Premieres & Theatrical Run

📀 Home Media

Marketing 📣

🎭 Creative Campaigns

🎤 Music & Media Tie-ins

Reception 🏆

💰 Box Office Performance

critics Critical Acclaim

💬 Frank Oz's Perspective

Accolades 🏅

🏆 Awards & Nominations

Sequel ➡️

🎬 Muppets Most Wanted

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

The Film

A Musical Comedy Revival

Star-Studded Ensemble

Narrative Context and Meta-Humor

Plot

Smalltown Beginnings

A Threat to the Theater

The Grand Reunion

The Telethon Challenge

Triumph and New Beginnings

Cast

Human Performers

Muppet Performers

Notable Cameos

Production

Development & Scripting

Filming & Visuals

Music & Score

Release

Premieres & Theatrical Run

Home Media

Marketing

Creative Campaigns

Music & Media Tie-ins

Reception

Box Office Performance

Critical Acclaim

Frank Oz's Perspective

Accolades

Awards & Nominations

Sequel

Muppets Most Wanted

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice