Your hopes for Muppets/Disney

[AndyWan Kenobi]

Hi everyone,

Like most people I was shocked by the news last night of Disney buying the Muppets. There's been a lot of activity over on the existing thread, most of it very negative. Emotions run really high on this topic, naturally. I'm not trying to argue with people who are upset by this, because I'm not sure how I feel, and I definitely respect your feelings.

That being said, I'd like to start a thread where we can post our ideas for what we hope will happen now that the Muppets are part of Disney. Just a space for some positive thinking--even if you are 100% borken-up (oops! should say "broken-up," but I'll keep the Sweedish Chef-ism) over this, surely you might be able to envision something good coming out of this deal, or at least propose some advice or hopes for how the Disney company could handle the Muppets to ensure their long-term success. Of course they will want to bring in new fans, but long-time fans like us are the people who already understand what makes the Muppets so special, so our voice is important.

I'd like to start by saying that my biggest hope for this deal is that the Disney company will stay true to the heart and soul of the Muppets. They are not logos, but characters with well-developed personalities and relationships. I hope that the Disney people put someone in charge of their Muppet development who really understands the characters and is committed to keeping what makes them special. I also hope they work closely with everyone at Henson to see this happen.

It might also be nice if they hired someone to be in charge of fan-relations (à la Steve Sansweet at Lucasfilm). There are people who have been in love with these characters since birth, and the discussions going on here over the last day really show that the Muppet fan community needs to be convinced that their beloved characters are in good hands. I would have a lot of respect for Disney if they hired a fan as a consultant and a liason between the business community and the fan community.

Anyway, what are your hopes? What do you think Disney can or should do that will make this situation work? What kind of projects might come out of this arrangement that would really excite you?

:)

[dmx10101]

Well, first of all I want it to stay Jim Hensons Muppets, and not Disneys presents the Muppets or Disney's Muppets.
Second I don't want them to charge anything that doen't need to be changed. Like not phasing out puppetry and using CG. The horror in that.
Also not getting rid of any of the toy lines and fan sites.
I want Disney to put more of the older Muppet stuff on DVD, Start a new Mppet show similar to the old one and put it on ABC and not Disney channel so it can be a little more mature. Also I want them to make more original movies with all of the classic Mupppets, and using more of the less used muppets. Like Swedish Chef, Rowlf, Scooter, Lew Zeland, Sam etc.
Just don't over commercialize the, muppets. Remember the phase Don't fix it if it isn't broken." Don't try to change the Muppets, cause they don't need to be changed.

[AndyWan Kenobi]

Start a new Mppet show similar to the old one and put it on ABC and not Disney channel so it can be a little more mature. Also I want them to make more original movies with all of the classic Mupppets, and using more of the less used muppets. Like Swedish Chef, Rowlf, Scooter, Lew Zeland, Sam etc.

I'd like that too. I remember when the NBC movie premiered, a lot of people liked it, and some people didn't. Even some of the people who didn't, though, felt that it was a step in the right direction for the Muppets in terms of tone, setting, character-use, etc. I'd like to see Disney take even more steps in the right direction.

[RubberDucky]

Well, first of all I want it to stay Jim Hensons Muppets, and not Disneys presents the Muppets or Disney's Muppets.
Second I don't want them to charge anything that doen't need to be changed. Like not phasing out puppetry and using CG. The horror in that.
.
Well said! I totally agree! As a traditional animator that's one of my primary concerns with today's Disney. They've already disbanded much of their traditional animation empire for the sake of CG pursuits, ...letting old staff go, selling off a lot of their light tables, there are rumors about no more traditional features after "Home on the Range". So basically they are in the process of killing off a beautiful and beloved medium and I REALLY hope that they don't do the same for the Muppets. Jim Henson and company created a unique and wonderful art form, and I hope I hope I hope that Disney will keep intact and as-is. :sympathy:

[dmx10101]

Well said! I totally agree! As a traditional animator that's one of my primary concerns with today's Disney. They've already disbanded much of their traditional animation empire for the sake of CG pursuits, ...letting old staff go, selling off a lot of their light tables, there are rumors about no more traditional features after "Home on the Range". So basically they are in the process of killing off a beautiful and beloved medium and I REALLY hope that they don't do the same for the Muppets. Jim Henson and company created a unique and wonderful art form, and I hope I hope I hope that Disney will keep intact and as-is. :sympathy:
Yes, Disney is saying about doing away with traditional hand draw animation and going to just computer animated stuff.

[dmx10101]

I'd like that too. I remember when the NBC movie premiered, a lot of people liked it, and some people didn't. Even some of the people who didn't, though, felt that it was a step in the right direction for the Muppets in terms of tone, setting, character-use, etc. I'd like to see Disney take even more steps in the right direction.
That movie was the one that got me back into the Muppets, so it is very special to me, long live IAVMMCM! To me if they make more movies in that way, they won't have any problem doing well.

[fuzzy fozzie]

What you said is right. I hope Disney doesn't try to change the muppet empire. I was very upset when I heard about the buy out because the Muppets have been a part of my life since before I can remember and I don't like the way Disney is handling themselves lately. I don't like Einsner anymore and I think the company has gotten too full of themselves. But on the other hand I read the press release and the Henson family seems thrilled and even said that Jim himself wanted to be part of Disney before he had died. If Disney is smart they will make more of the older shows and specials available and even put the original Muppet Show back into circulation on TV. In my heart the muppets will always be very special and no one, not even Disney, can take away my wonderful childhood memories. Here's to hoping Disney plays it smart! :o

[MuppetNewsFlash]

Two words Manhattan Melodies, the new splash hit on Broadway! Look out Producers, here's the real Broadway show about a broadway show! :sing: :zany: :D

[SarahHIYE]

Like most people, I want a new TV show. And I want it on ABC. Not everyone gets the Disney channel (I get it at home, but not at school). I want a new Muppet movie on the big screen and one on the little screen--but NOT Muppet Wizard of Oz. PLEASE NO.

And I want everyone here to be happy :)

Sarah

[AndyWan Kenobi]

Two words Manhattan Melodies, the new splash hit on Broadway! Look out Producers, here's the real Broadway show about a broadway show! :sing: :zany: :D

Yes! Now there's something I think they could actually do and do well. Disney's broadway presence has been terrific--I haven't seen Lion King (unfortunately), but I very much enjoyed Beauty and the Beast and Aida. Lion King, from what I've heard and seen, is enormously creative and imaginative. I would love to see a live Muppet project win the kind of respect that this show has.

[AndyWan Kenobi]

And I want everyone here to be happy :)

Well said. :) Change is tough, but here's hoping that this deal eventually turns into something we can all be happy with and proud of.

[Fozzie Bear]

If you've read my other posts about this, I'm sick. My stomach hurts.

[oOoanimaloOo]

Im truthfuly very very happy =)

[Fozzie Bear]

Forgot to post my hopes:

I hope Disney proves me wrong and makes me happy in the end with this deal. Based on their track record, though, I don't see that happening.

[beaker]

without the cynicism and hurt...ok...

I Want:

swedish chef diner at disneyland adventure/wdw, as well as muppet rides and more of that stuff that was promised

a muppet planet hollywood/wwf type of diner in time square

a new show

a new movie

quality merchandise

the ability to let palisades run through their contract at least through early 2005, and the complete uninteruption of other licences

the performers, jhc people, etc to be happy

[King Prawn]

My first hope would be for everything to work out for the best but seeing as this stupid thing is actually happening then i'd at least like to see the following come from it.

Quality before quanity

A new Muppet show but not as a variety show cause I can just see the kind of stars Disney would pick coughRavencough.

For Palisades to continue as normal

No Mickey & Kermit interaction until they prove they can handle the Muppets.

No MB CGI show of CGI Muppet Movie (as is being planned maybe)

A nice good move but nothing having to do with Classic Literature.

A big expansion to the Muppet part of MGM studios.

For the Muppets to be treated as an adult and kids entertainment brand. They have MB they can go wild for the kids with that.

that's it really, oh and one more thing that the Henson kids DON'T GO THROUGH WITH THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[AndyL]

My hope for the muppets is that they use Disney's money to get off one more good movie or tv series before they become bland and un-unique like every other entity Disney has purchased.

Also, perhaps a computer/video game that's actualy worth playing might be fun. I hear Disney is sometimes good at that. (Note to the creaters of such a game : Don't animate them like people. Animate them like puppets.)

Actualy, my real hope is that the Henson company will be able to use all this money to do something new and creative and wonderful. Even if it means leaving the Muppets behind. :-(

[doctort13]

Will The Mouse pull the plug on this wonderful web site?

[alorindanya]

No, Disney will not stop Muppet Central. There are plenty of Disney Fan sites out there (take the Laughing Place, for example) that are just like this. This isn't going against any copy rights. Nothing is being sold here.

[somethingofafan]

I think it's a given that this will increase the Muppets' visibility. I just hope it's through good quality new shows/movies/etc. and rereleases of the older stuff (even with the "vault" policy, we might could see a video rerelease of a Muppet film every other year with some left over). I definitely agree that the Muppets will be busy (at least in the first few years).

Besides, now maybe Pooh won't have to carry the load by himself. ;)

[RockSTAR girl]

im wishin' and hoping for....
- way way way more added to the parks, preferably in california (because we need something new BAAAAADLLLLY)
- new movies, i'm sorry if its blasphemy but i liked the disney/ muppet ones best, i.e MCC and MTI
- new tv show, as long as its directed towards an adult audience like the original, not to younger folk like with muppets tonight
- more palisades toys because palisades action figures are 18 times better than any disney stuff ( trust me, i'm a disneyana collector, i know)
- MUPPETFEST!!! must have muppetfest!
- cool new creative projects that would have kept with Jim's desire to keep testing new mediums
i think thats all i want for now, Thanks!

[jediX]

It's hard to be optimistic when you just have a bad feeling about something, but here are a few of the pluses and minuses I've come up with. Boldized are the major plus and major minus (to me), respectively.


Plus: More stuff will be potentially available on video and tv.
Plus: Funding.
Plus: More park merch. The Muppetvision plushes are some of my faves.
Plus: More publicity.


Minus: Near-guarantee of overpublicity.
Minus: The current state of Disney's business plan in general.
Minus: The seeming-guarantee of cheapquels.
Minus: CG Muppets. Waldo should be the only CG Muppet, PERIOD (unless it is some sort of movie thing that involves puppetry as well).
Minus: The separation of Fraggles, Muppets, and Sesame Muppets.
Minus: Muppets not being part of Henson, which they were the heart of pretty much.
Minus: Separation, tension, and possible destruction of the fanbase and fan community.


Potential minus: Muppet characters may be reduced to levels below where they are or belong. IE, a persona change or addition/deletion of characters.
Potential minus: Palisades losing the license, or not being able to renew it, should they choose to go past what it is right now. I really don't have a clue about this one, so I won't continue with it.
Potential minus: I can deal with "Disney presents: Jim Henson's Muppets" (wasn't that how it was for the two Disney-affiliated films?). But I swear, if they change it to "Disney's Muppets".....
Potential minus: Uncertainty of what amount of archival material Disney has purchased. Does this include the things affiliated with both 'classic' Muppets and the Creature Shop (JHH), since those properties are still with JHC?
Potential Minus: Prior Disney crackdowns on improper usage of owned properties. IE, the daycares they threatened action against in the mid-90s for displaying images of Disney characters on the walls.
I hope for the best, but have to be ready for the worst.

[dmx10101]

Thats a very good and accurate list jedix, To me the minuses will end up outweighing the pluses.

[beaker]

THE GOOD:

Muppet merch everywhere, coming out your ears! Because, we finally need quality Muppet merch;) Ok Im being ficisious...but man, ever since 2002, weve seen a bevy of *quality* obscure merch...and now what?

new theme park attractions: swedish chef diner? rides? attractions?

new tv show: no telling if it will be edgy or coddlingly sad

new films/projects/specials: can it get any worse than Oz?

THE BAD:

reporter: so JHC, what do ya own again?
JHC: Um, well we hold the principal ancilary rights to the Hoobs,
Mopatop, Construction Site, and Bear in the...um, never mind that one.
reporter: I see...so JHC no longer owns the rights to Sesame and the Muppets, to two things it was built on?
JHC: Hey, look at the time! Got some checks to cash...ooh I wonder if the watercooler is in?

WALT DISNEY'S MUPPETS

The possible cancellation of Palisades(the greatest muppet merch company ever), Sababa, etc

The contractual possibility of a seperation of performer and puppet

The possibility Muppets will get sucked into Disney character cannon

So there ya have it...see my mind is making me think this is some high fever induced thing....and that this is a pre pre april fool's joke. Then again, if Muppets@WDW makes it to dvd...it cant be all bad right?

[MuppetNewsFlash]

Some more things I would like to see come out of this.

1) Turn Pizza Planet (since I'm sure they'll play down the PIXAR stuff now) in MGM by MuppetVision3D into either a SwedishChef BorkBork Pizza and Kitchen or into Pop's Diner with Animatronic rats.

2) :D ELECTRIC MAYHEM CD

3) Add Bunsen and Beaker animatronics to EPCOTs Innoventions area showcasing the marvels of science! :eek:

4) Beauregard's Wacky Cab Ride!

5) ANY MUPPET RIDES!!!!

6) The NEW Muppet Show! :sleep: :boo:

7) Mickey Mouse Club hats that are green and have Kermit eyes rather than Mickey ears.

8) Is it too much to ask for merchandise like the old Peanut Brittle snakes that have Penguins explode out instead!! :zany:

That's all for now!

[AndyWan Kenobi]

I think what I'm most hoping for would be highly entertaining and successful new film and television exposure for the Muppets. I think this, more than anything, will ensure their future.

[oOoanimaloOo]

im wishin' and hoping for....
- way way way more added to the parks, preferably in california (because we need something new BAAAAADLLLLY)
- new movies, i'm sorry if its blasphemy but i liked the disney/ muppet ones best, i.e MCC and MTI
- new tv show, as long as its directed towards an adult audience like the original, not to younger folk like with muppets tonight
- more palisades toys because palisades action figures are 18 times better than any disney stuff ( trust me, i'm a disneyana collector, i know)
- MUPPETFEST!!! must have muppetfest!
- cool new creative projects that would have kept with Jim's desire to keep testing new mediums
i think thats all i want for now, Thanks!
I agree with gina because she speaks for me (just kidding) but really I do agree