Ashanti, Tarantino Off to See Muppets in 'Oz'

[Luke]

Ashanti, Tarantino Off to See Muppets in 'Oz'

By Nellie Andreeva

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - R&B singer Ashanti and director Quentin Tarantino are set to star in ABC's original movie tentatively titled "The Muppets' Wizard of Oz."

Queen Latifah, meanwhile, is in final negotiations to appear in the Muppet take on the classic L. Frank Baum novel.

Ashanti plays aspiring performer Dorothy Gale, who works at the diner of her Auntie Em (Latifah) in a small Kansas town while dreaming of hitting the big time.

One day, a tornado sweeps up the trailer where Dorothy lives, and she finds herself in a Muppet version of Oz. There, she meets the Munchkins (played by the Muppet rats), the Scarecrow (Kermit the Frog), the Tin Man (Gonzo) and the Lion (Fozzie).

The group's quest to get the Wicked Witch (Miss Piggy) culminates with a fight scene between Dorothy and the witch.

As the action is about to begin, the film cuts to Tarantino pitching to Kermit how the scene should be done -- a cameo written specifically for the "Kill Bill" director.

Kirk R. Thatcher, who directed NBC's successful "Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie" in 2002, is on board to shoot the film, which will air as part of the Wonderful World of Disney franchise. It will feature several music numbers but will not be a musical.

The Jim Henson Co., the creator of the "Muppets," began development on the film with ABC before the network's Disney parent bought Henson's "Muppets" and "Bear in the Big Blue House" properties in February.

Ashanti will next be seen in Paramount's "Coach Carter," starring Samuel L. Jackson. Queen Latifah, who received an Oscar nomination for her supporting role in the musical "Chicago," was most recently seen in "Barbershop 2: Back in Business." Her upcoming movies include "Taxi," "Beauty Shop" and "The Cookout."

Tarantino's acting credits include a guest arc on ABC's "Alias," as well as the 1995 feature "Destiny Turns on the Radio."

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter

http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=televisionNews&storyID=6051105

[Hat Sharpener]

While there are a million comments to be made on this, I will just say that it's nice to see Jim Hill on top of all things Muppet as usual... oh wait...

[Drtooth]

Ashanti? As Dorothy? Boy... Have I bet on the wrong horse.

And what, just what will Q.T. be doing in it?

This project is starting to get... let's say...interresting.

[beaker]

QT! QT! QT! Perhaps Disney does have some edge left...wow, that is very very good news. Can anyone tell us if this production will try to be somewhat of the edgy flavor hinted at in AVMMCM?

[Warrick]

I should think so Cory, Kirk Thatcher and Brian Henson are doingn this one, And they did Its A Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie too.


Oh, and can someone shut DeanMo up?

[Dr. Bombay]

I think it sounds pretty cool myself! I'm just hoping Pepe is involved in this somehow :rolleyes:

And considering that there will be a scene showing QT directing Kermit I hope that they have Piggy be really ticked that she was cast as the witch and not Dorothy.

[beaker]

I should think so Cory, Kirk Thatcher and Brian Henson are doingn this one, And they did Its A Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie too.


Well, with VMC they didn't get any real 'hip' cameos...so at least they are making an effort by getting visceral indie film stalwart Tarantino on board.
Personally, I think just to mix it up even more they should get Busta Rhymes, Marilyn Manson, and Eminem...I mean, they gotta add some sort of street cred to this thing.

[Rowlf's Roadie]

1) Marilyn Manson and Eminem with the Muppets. You're kidding, right? Sorry, but Alice Cooper is as "out there" as the Muppets will get as long as I'm a fan.

2) I can't wait to see Miss Piggy's reaction to bursting into flames.

3) According to IMDb, Ashanti's in two films to be released this year. We'll see how she does there.

[beaker]

1) Marilyn Manson and Eminem with the Muppets. You're kidding, right? Sorry, but Alice Cooper is as "out there" as the Muppets will get as long as I'm a fan.

What about Snoop Dogg or Charles Grodin? ;)
I'm actually more offput by Mrs. Bush on Sesame Street than I am by any rock stars.

[McFraggle]

Charles Grodin would be neat. Q.T. sounds fun as well. Ashanti as Dorothy, oh well. :rolleyes:

[beaker]

Charles Grodin would be neat. Q.T. sounds fun as well. Ashanti as Dorothy, oh well. :rolleyes:

Well I mentioned Charles Grodin, as in the 80's he used to pop up as an interesting advasary for the Muppets.

[AndyWan Kenobi]

This is interesting news--it gives the first real sense of the direction they're going with this project. It's different than I expected, but I'm looking forward to seeing what they do with it!

[a_Mickey_Muppet]

WOW!!! very GREAT news! :) i just posted the news on my Disney Message Board :halo:

[WOCKA2416]

I wish they got someone better than Ashanti...I'm not happy with the choice at all.

[Drtooth]

Well, with VMC they didn't get any real 'hip' cameos...so at least they are making an effort by getting visceral indie film stalwart Tarantino on board.

Well, it had Snoop Dogg but too many mindless parental groups wrote nasty letters to take his bit off.... remember that debacle?

The rest of the Cameos were pretty much NBC commericals (Glad they didn't have anyone from Will and Grace... ugh). I did like Mathew Lillard though...


>>I wish they got someone better than Ashanti...I'm not happy with the choice at all.<<

Could be worse. Do the Words "Hillary" and "Duff " mean anything to you. I'm really thankful they didn't use her (or the Olsen Twins! :eek: )! Queen Latifa should be interresting too. She worked with the Muppets years ago, when she wasn't an actress, back on SS, so we have someone who has worked with them before.

[HappinessHotel]

WOCKA2416 isn't exactly the sharpest knife in the drawer. (Sorry!) I don't know about the rest of you, but Ashanti has changed my life.

"See my days are cold without you
But I'm hurting while I'm with you
And though my heart can't take no more
I keep on running back to you" :sing:

Have you ever heard anything more profound than that? She'll make a better Dorothy than Judy Garland.

[WOCKA2416]

Well, I wouldn't want Hillary Duff either, but at least she has a big fan base. I just want the Muppets to have a big audience. But Ashanti still doesn't do much for me...I wish they got a good actress and worry about the singing later.

[Fozzie Bear]

Well, maybe it will feature the return of some classic characters:

You don't have to list every single character. We all know who's been missing, and the full list (with photos) can be found at www.kermitage.com It is a great website and fun to read all the bio's!

[WOCKA2416]

WOCKA2416 isn't exactly the sharpest knife in the drawer. (Sorry!) I don't know about the rest of you, but Ashanti has changed my life.

"See my days are cold without you
But I'm hurting while I'm with you
And though my heart can't take no more
I keep on running back to you" :sing:

Have you ever heard anything more profound than that? She'll make a better Dorothy than Judy Garland.

It sounds like you like Ashanti a little too much.

[Horace D' Fly]

It sounds like you like Ashanti a little too much.

I disagree wocka...you can never EVER like Ashanti too much. She changed the way I listen to music!! She's going to be the best Dorothy EVER. Nuff said. :grouchy:

[Luke]

Nuff said. :grouchy:

Indeed! Welcome to the forum .... soon to be the Ashanti Fan Club ! ;)

[HappinessHotel]

I'm hoping they don't try to put TOO much into this movie. It seems like the earlier movies: Muppet Movie, Muppet Caper, & Muppets Take Manhattan were a lot less 'busy'. I can envision 'Oz' turning out like 'Muppet Treasure Island', where there's too much going on and not enough plot. I hope that in the end it's a creative, funny movie that I'll want to watch over and over (like the original 3). I'm pulling for you Henson Productions!

[dwayne1115]

You know what by the looks of it i dont even think they are folowing the book . It looks to me like they are doing this movie after the other WOO movie called the "Wiz". Rember that one with the one and only Mr Jackson.
I am very dissapoited in the selection of Dorthy. She is no Judy Garlen at all.

The only thing i am looking forward to is the fact they got the same Director and porducers and i can only hope and pray the same writeres And we still dont know who is going to be the wizard and i hope we really dont untill the movie comes out becaues if i find out its somone chessy like one of the olson twins or one or both the simpons sisters ill go nuts.

Please Brian Henson i really look up to you and i know you and the Director whos name i dont want to try and spell wrong. Save this movie please!!!!
I am as much as the next die heart muppet fan and im totaly for anything they solely do but when they get these stupid people involed i get really sad.
I really honestly would have hoped Piggy would have gotten Dorthey becaues i think in the last few movies Piggy has been low played. She really does need a good come back so to speak. I will always say Kermit and Piggy will be the two main Muppets, Not Gonzo and Rizzo.

[Convincing John]

We haven't found out who's playing the wizard yet, have we?

Hmm...maybe if we look at the original film, we can figure it out. Let's see, the "Great and Powerful Oz" appeared to Dorothy and the others as a bald head that announced that he was Oz.

Now if you look at the illustrations in the older Oz books, Oz wears glasses.

So, in order to be approved by Muppet and Oz fans alike, we need to find someone who:

1. Is bald (or nearly bald)
2. Can wear glasses
3. Preferrably has worked with the Muppets before, and knows a thing or two about movies
4. Can convincingly announce "I am OZ" in a loud, clear voice

How 'bout this guy? (http://www.project-equinox.de/dvd/pictures/cast/frank_oz.jpg)

:p

Convincing John

[Gideon]

waldorf and statler have to be the wizard they're mysterious and funny just look at these pics I think bensen honey dew and beaker are too kind hearted to be the wizards but waldorf and statler can do nice evil and my favorite funny

[McFraggle]

It sounds like you like Ashanti a little too much.

My sentiments exactly. :)

[Fozzie Bear]

I am not against at all that Miss Piggy would play the role of Dorothy, and as a matter of fact I would PREFER it at this point! They can get someone else to play the Wicked Witch (I could see it as Brooke Shields' Muppety comeback since she's too old to play Dorothy). It was mentioned earlier at the "Gonzo the...um..." thread that Vickie Lawrence could play Auntie Em, and I could see that: Vickie as Em, Piggy as Dorothy, and just anybody for ol' Uncle Henry. I would LOVE to see Frank Oz as himself playing the Wizard. that would be THE MOST HILARIOUS thing anybody could do!

[Movies205]

First off anyone who compares this to the MGM movie, what are you thinking? This is not a remake of that movie so please no more... OMG it's not like this and she nothing like Judy Garland. You love that movie so much go watch it. Secondly give people a chance, there's reason why you all aren't in charge of this and aren't directors, she might of given an amazing performance at the audition or what not so who knows? Also Let's keep the flaming to a minimum :)

[Drtooth]

First off anyone who compares this to the MGM movie, what are you thinking? This is not a remake of that movie so please no more... OMG it's not like this and she nothing like Judy Garland.

Too true. The only time they actually made a delliberate copy of the old movie was the 1992 cartoon version, which pretty much remained really faithful to the point that the voice actiors imitaded the movie satrs (Charlie Adler imitated Bert Larh for example).

Consider it this way... Frankenstien has been remade numerous times, and even still only a couple of times he was green and had bolts in his neck. It is possible to do the same story different ways. Of course they're not going to remake the MGM movie directly. Ashanti is not Judy Garland, but such a comparison is apples and broccolli (one furthur from Apples and oranges).

With that said, I think it will be a lot like MTI or MCC, with the Muppets playing second to actors (or in MCC's case, playing third and fourth).

So I doubt we'll see many old school characters, unless they play the Munchkins, or citizens of Emerald City (that is if they were indeed in the book... I never read it).

[HappinessHotel]

I am not against at all that Miss Piggy would play the role of Dorothy, and as a matter of fact I would PREFER it at this point! They can get someone else to play the Wicked Witch (I could see it as Brooke Shields' Muppety comeback since she's too old to play Dorothy).


Hey guys, do you remember the Muppet Babies episode where they're doing their version of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs? In it, Skeeter plays Snow White and Miss Piggy plays the Evil Queen. :mad: That's one of my favorite episodes. Miss Piggy cracks me up as the 'bad guy'. I think her version of the Wicked Witch has the potential to be just as funny.

[WOCKA2416]

Hey guys, do you remember the Muppet Babies episode where they're doing their version of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs? In it, Skeeter plays Snow White and Miss Piggy plays the Evil Queen. :mad: That's one of my favorite episodes. Miss Piggy cracks me up as the 'bad guy'. I think her version of the Wicked Witch has the potential to be just as funny.

Muppet Babies is a lot different that ACTUAL Muppets! But since that seems to be your frame of reference, I agree that Piggy would be a good witch. I can't see her as Dorothy...they need a human in that role.

[Drtooth]

Muppet Babies is a lot different that ACTUAL Muppets! But since that seems to be your frame of reference, I agree that Piggy would be a good witch. I can't see her as Dorothy...they need a human in that role.


It's kinda funny, though... Ken Lilly (A while ago on the Palisades board) pretty much predicted that the Muppets would be in OZ, and Dorothy and the rest of the dreary Kansas scene would be humans. makes sense if you think about it.

Plus Miss Piggy taking on 4 different parts... this should be interresting...

[WOCKA2416]

It's kinda funny, though... Ken Lilly (A while ago on the Palisades board) pretty much predicted that the Muppets would be in OZ, and Dorothy and the rest of the dreary Kansas scene would be humans. makes sense if you think about it.

Plus Miss Piggy taking on 4 different parts... this should be interresting...

So you think that there will be no Muppets in the movie until she gets ot Oz?

[HappinessHotel]

Muppet Babies is a lot different than ACTUAL Muppets! But since that seems to be your frame of reference, I agree that Piggy would be a good witch. I can't see her as Dorothy...they need a human in that role.


Wocka, brains aren't everything. In fact, in your case they're nothing. :p Muppet Babies aren't actual Muppets? You've cracked the case! Thanks for clearing that up.

I mentioned the Muppet Babies' episode, because I thought someone at Henson could be reading these boards and use that as a 'frame of reference' when filming Piggy's scenes.

Does anyone know if people at Henson read these boards?

[WOCKA2416]

Wocka, brains aren't everything. In fact, in your case they're nothing. :p Muppet Babies aren't actual Muppets? You've cracked the case! Thanks for clearing that up.

I mentioned the Muppet Babies' episode, because I thought someone at Henson could be reading these boards and use that as a 'frame of reference' when filming Piggy's scenes.

Does anyone know if people at Henson read these boards?


I heard sometimes they read these to get a sense of what the fans think. Maybe they're reading this right now! :o

[Gideon]

may i mention the one where piggy played piggerella and skeeter, scooter, and nannie played the evil family and animal actually tried the shoe so miss piggy can play good but how ever being a selfish pig who overobsses with a frog is different

[beaker]

So you think that there will be no Muppets in the movie until she gets ot Oz?

Well, given Elmo In Grouchland, Muppets In Space, etc all partially took place in the real world...I don't see why they have to wait til Oz to put Muppets in it.

[dwayne1115]

Im sorry but i think Piggy needs to be Dorthy. I think Piggy really showed her good side in GMC and in MTM there she was just trying so hard and really belived she was doing right and was so in love with Kermit that she would do anything it took to be with him. To me thats true love, I know that im not really familure with that kind of love, but i think Piggy really shows it for Kermit. Thats why i think she should be Dorthy, I know that dont make a lot of scens but im just saying we know what kind of Emotions Piggy has i say play on them more in this movie for the better not for the worse. The younger generation will grow to hate Piggy and i really dont want that.

Now as to the part of us not being the Directors and such, Shut Up!!!!!!
Your just mad because we just might be right. I at least get somone who really meshes well with the muppets and is close to them already. I almost would want to see David Arquette in the movie. He has become a true good friend to the muppets.

You know who i think who the wizard is going to be though and it just hit me when i worte "a good friend to the muppets" is Mickey Mouse!!!!!! It would make almost perfect sence to say hey now we are together for good. I know that somewhere in the movie somthing about the Deal with Disney is going to be mentioned. :) :p

[BoyRaisin2]

That reminds me. I wonder if Michael Eisner will introduce the film. If so, this could be the first time we've seen Eisner and the Muppets side-by-side in 15 years.

[Skeeter Muppet]

Now as to the part of us not being the Directors and such, Shut Up!!!!!!
Your just mad because we just might be right.

I suggest you calm down and take your own advice (regarding the "Shut Up!!!!!!"). You look like you're throwing a temper tantrum.

Movies205 has a very valid point, one that has been raised in somewhat similar situations. You can speak your opinion all you want, but the very bottom line is that we the fans do not get the final say in things. Our views may be taken into account, but it's the people in charge that decide things. Judging from that article the cast for the movie, humans and Muppets alike, has already been decided upon for the most part. Nothing short of some of the mishaps that plagued the MGM film version would get them to change it.

-Kim

[Movies205]

Im sorry but i think Piggy needs to be Dorthy. I think Piggy really showed her good side in GMC and in MTM there she was just trying so hard and really belived she was doing right and was so in love with Kermit that she would do anything it took to be with him. To me thats true love, I know that im not really familure with that kind of love, but i think Piggy really shows it for Kermit. Thats why i think she should be Dorthy, I know that dont make a lot of scens but im just saying we know what kind of Emotions Piggy has i say play on them more in this movie for the better not for the worse. The younger generation will grow to hate Piggy and i really dont want that.


I'm going say no :) I think the film-makers realize they have an awesome film-making tactic in there hands here. By making everyone in oz a puppet, they are clearly differenciating between the real world and oz, giving it more of a dream like quality.

[McFraggle]

I think Piggy is more of the Wicked Witch type. She likes attention, she hogs (no pun intended) the glory, etc. Piggy is definitely able to play the bad guy. However, I thought there were earlier rumors that she would play both the good (Glenda) and bad witches in the film.

[Randlev]

I'm going say no :) I think the film-makers realize they have an awesome film-making tactic in there hands here. By making everyone in oz a puppet, they are clearly differenciating between the real world and oz, giving it more of a dream like quality.

Amen, Go Henson! Go Disney! I'm not sure how many of us there are, but I'm really excited about the direction this project seems to be taking. It isn't at all like I imagined, but I love it nonetheless. Ashanti will make a great Dorothy, it'll be fantastic to have a song or two sung by her. Queen Latifah as Aunt Em, again, who'd have thought...but I really think she can go from being a kind of mean protective Aunt to a kind and loving friend over the course of the story.

I mean, if the muppets can pull off Whoopi as God, then I don't think there's a lot they can't do. Have faith, kids.

oh, and I hadn't thought of Mickey as the Wizard, it's so crazy it could actually work. Or Michael Eisner himself could have a wicked and ironic cameo as a man who tries to make the world think he's a lot more powerful and smarter than he actually is......but of course Frank Oz is my number one pick. I can't wait for next spring!

[BoyRaisin2]

Gees, Frank Oz is such an obvious surprise cameo that they have to use that as an inside joke. I mean it's just so perfect!

Either way, I'm now pretty curious about who the Wizard is going to be. Don't know if I need to be, but I am for some reason.

[Beauregard]

Uh, oh...

[Luke]

You know who i think who the wizard is going to be though and it just hit me when i worte "a good friend to the muppets" is Mickey Mouse!!!!!! It would make almost perfect sence to say hey now we are together for good. I know that somewhere in the movie somthing about the Deal with Disney is going to be mentioned. :) :p

No chance! It's pretty obvious they intend to keep Mickey and the Muppets as far apart as possible. You have to remember the Muppets are being run as a completely different and seperate franchise that just happens to be owned by a subsidary of the Disney Company rather than them being part of the regular Disney stable of characters and owned by the Disney Company itself. They aren't really "together" at all.

[Luke]

I mean, if the muppets can pull off Whoopi as God, then I don't think there's a lot they can't do.

I didn't think they did actually "pull off" Whoopi as God. She was awful.

[AndyWan Kenobi]

I didn't think they did actually "pull off" Whoopi as God. She was awful.

Really? I thoroughly enjoyed Whoopi as God. I don't know why, but I thought it was irreverent and reverent at the same time.

[Luke]

I didn't hate the choice of her as God and indeed it was irreverant and reverant, just her bits (in my opinion) were badly written, went on too long and were a bit dragged out. Those bits were boring to me, i fast forward them. Her role could have been a lot funnier and it was a shame she didn't get any interaction with the Muppets - if anything i would have cast her as the angel with Kermit and just had God as a booming voice seen from over the shoulder or something

[dwayne1115]

Ok Ok so Mickey was a far way left field guses. two things i hope one its not a muppet and Two i hope its not Jesica Simpson. Now If it was the Electece Mayhem that would be ok becaues i think they need more sopt light.

I also need to apoolgiese for the whole Piggy arugument i think that sence she is playing all 4 witches that she will be doing a realy good justice to the movie. so im sorry if i hurt anyone with my angure.

The other thing that is bothering me is we have so many muppets un creadited like Sal Johnny Rowlf Anamal and other ones that just in the last movies have had preety big roles. I also wish that Pepe was not toto big mis casting there, i think Bill Bereta is ready to do Rowlf full time and for a lot of secnes with more then one word in them. Of corues i know that it might be a hard voice for him to do at this time i just think he should at least try.

The Uncle i think should be Mark Curry from "Hangin with Mr. Copper" He is so funny and i think would be a good uncle figure. Im not sure if he still has a good standing with ABC or not his show was one of the frist shows with TGIF and it was one of the only ones that stayed with ABC to finesh out.
Another old TGIF show that stayed with TGIF was Boy meets World and i love that show as well so anyone from it could in my book join the cast for this movie and help it for the better.

Another thing is im so so so Glad they are using the JHC staff i was scared when Disney bought the Muppets that they would not be using the JHC staff but they are and im really pleased. The director seems like a really cool guy and is edgy wich is good. Pluse Touchstone is helping not Disney but a devieson of Disney.

Oh yea What about Keven Clash do you think he will be a part of this movie or not and if so do you think Clifford will be in it he was not in the last one but keven did do Sam the Egeal. So that will be intresting to see as well.

[Luke]

The other thing that is bothering me is we have so many muppets un creadited like Sal Johnny Rowlf Anamal and other ones that just in the last movies have had preety big roles.

It was only an initial press release, they wouldn't go into detail with an entire cast list. I'm sure all the usual gang will be there - it is a Muppet movie afterall. I think it's probable that Tarrentino will be playing the Wizard in the Oz parts and they just didn't mention it but they could surprise us yet!

[baby sinclair]

Maybe rowlf or animal could play the little dog.I forgot his name its been so long since i've watched wizard of oz.

[WOCKA2416]

It was only an initial press release, they wouldn't go into detail with an entire cast list. I'm sure all the usual gang will be there - it is a Muppet movie afterall. I think it's probable that Tarrentino will be playing the Wizard in the Oz parts and they just didn't mention it but they could surprise us yet!

I could be wrong, but it sounds like they're going to just get him for that cameo. I hope they don't fail with casting the Wizard though. They need someone great for that role.

[Luke]

Yeah it sounds like just a cameo i agree, just not sure they would get another high profile human in for another main role, might start to overshadow the real stars. I hope if it isn't him they use a Muppet!

[dwayne1115]

For some odd reason i have a funny feeling its going to be the muppet band. As there big come back, and do you think that in the comercales they will have something about there new muppet show. Luke or Phil could probly answer that one.

[McFraggle]

Maybe rowlf or animal could play the little dog.I forgot his name its been so long since i've watched wizard of oz.

You mean Toto. He is going to be played by Pepe, but I hope Rowlf does get some air time. :)

[Bean Bunny]

I hope that Bean get some air time. Any air time. Maybe he could be one of the Lolli Pop Kids. Of the Munkins are the rats, but hey it could work.

[King Prawn]

I predict their will be Muppets in the real world. I mean Pepe will be there, he is Dorophy's Dog... I mean prawn after all. Although I would prefer having all the Muppets in Oz.

I can't wait to see this film. I'm really warming up to the new cast.

[Phillip Chapman]

For some odd reason i have a funny feeling its going to be the muppet band. As there big come back, and do you think that in the comercales they will have something about there new muppet show. Luke or Phil could probly answer that one.I doubt if a new Muppet series will happen any time soon. I'd say it's more likely we will see another made-for-tv movie (after Oz) before a weekly Muppet series.

[BoyRaisin2]

I hope that Bean get some air time. Any air time. Maybe he could be one of the Lolli Pop Kids. Of the Munkins are the rats, but hey it could work.

I have a feeling if Bean will be in this movie, there will be pain. Really, everything he's done in the past 15 years has involved him getting hurt. Sad, but very entertaining. :zany:

[AndyWan Kenobi]

I think Bean would make a wonderful "Great and Powerful OZ!" Not the man behind the curtain, of course, but the really intimidating green floating head. How great would it be if he were a cuddly little bunny?

:D

[dwayne1115]

No way, i think Anamial would be good there becaues out of all the classic muppets him and sweetmus are the scaryest muppets i can think of.

Also i wonder if anyone has heard if Jerry Nelson is going to be doing anything for this movie. My Guses would be he would be doing like he did in the last one and just dube over the voicees. which if they would sound like they are supose to i would not have a problem with it at all.

I really cant wait to see the whole cast list yet, not so much of the human but of the muppets. when i see that i will shut up untill May of 2005. :) :halo: :crazy:

[HappinessHotel]

Gees, Frank Oz is such an obvious surprise cameo that they have to use that as an inside joke. I mean it's just so perfect!

I agree that would be a funny inside joke. But that's the problem -- it's an inside joke. For the large percentage of viewers, they won't recognize Frank Oz. I think it would only be funny for the diehards (like us) that will recognize Frank Oz, immediately know his name, and understand his history with the Muppets.

I'd like to see a well-established comedic actor in the role -- Martin Short, Steve Martin, etc. (That would be awesome if they could get someone of that magnitude.)

[beaker]

I agree that would be a funny inside joke. But that's the problem -- it's an inside joke. For the large percentage of viewers, they won't recognize Frank Oz. I think it would only be funny for the diehards (like us) that will recognize Frank Oz, immediately know his name, and understand his history with the Muppets.

I'd like to see a well-established comedic actor in the role -- Martin Short, Steve Martin, etc. (That would be awesome if they could get someone of that magnitude.)


Well speaking of nods to us die hards, without starting a new thread on the subject...do ya think we will see a lot of nods to longtime/hardcore Muppet fans? And what stuff would ya like to see? Two words for me: Obscure Cameos. Digit anyone?

[dwayne1115]

LOL!!!!!!!! Digit would be awesome in the wizared of Oz. I'm really hoping that this movie is kind of a big comeback for some of my favorite Muppets that need a comeback. I think i know another muppet role. i bet that the Sweetish chef will be the cook of the diner in the real world. Im just really corious how all this is going to play out. It still has got my brain just spinning.

[WOCKA2416]

No way, i think Anamial would be good there becaues out of all the classic muppets him and sweetmus are the scaryest muppets i can think of.

Also i wonder if anyone has heard if Jerry Nelson is going to be doing anything for this movie. My Guses would be he would be doing like he did in the last one and just dube over the voicees. which if they would sound like they are supose to i would not have a problem with it at all.

I really cant wait to see the whole cast list yet, not so much of the human but of the muppets. when i see that i will shut up untill May of 2005. :) :halo: :crazy:

I don't think Jerry will be doing anything for this movie...there was auditions to recast his characters.

[leliebel]

1) Marilyn Manson and Eminem with the Muppets. You're kidding, right? Sorry, but Alice Cooper is as "out there" as the Muppets will get as long as I'm a fan.

2) I can't wait to see Miss Piggy's reaction to bursting into flames.

3) According to IMDb, Ashanti's in two films to be released this year. We'll see how she does there.


1) I personally loved the Eminem and Special ad sketch at the VMA's last year or two years ago.
In character I imagine MArilyn Manson very scared of muppets (maybe he can be the only one to notice they're puppets) ans as long as it's not live, Manson has no choice but to behave himself ;)
Out of character, it would be funny for him to do a cameo, because NOBODY will recognize him and he has acted before...

2) I can hear her in my head already :D (hmmm that came out wrong, you know what I mean)

3) She has also been on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The last season, the episode was called "First date" I think. I didn't think she played evil exceedingly well, but the nice parts were good.

huh, playing evil is a gift not many have :p

Piggy is probably going to pull it of...

But in terms of puppeteers I'm going to wait and see; I'm not completely sure about the new Piggy, but that could be because I haven't seen much of her (uh.. him).

But than again, it's hard to top Frank OZ.

Is he involvwed in any way in this project? I could have read over it, but I didn't think it mentioned his name.

[Beauregard]

I don't think Jerry will be doing anything for this movie...there was auditions to recast his characters.
*sniff*

Boo-hoo

[leliebel]

I agree that would be a funny inside joke. But that's the problem -- it's an inside joke. For the large percentage of viewers, they won't recognize Frank Oz. I think it would only be funny for the diehards (like us) that will recognize Frank Oz, immediately know his name, and understand his history with the Muppets.

I'd like to see a well-established comedic actor in the role -- Martin Short, Steve Martin, etc. (That would be awesome if they could get someone of that magnitude.)

I think you need different kinds of jokes to have a good script. It makes it more layered.

Not everyone has to get every single joke.

[DanDanStrawberry]

I think that Frank Oz would be good as the Wizard of Oz. But better than that... OZZY OSBOURNE!!!! The Wizard of Ozzy! How funny would that be? :) :D

[bobhopesite]

Cool :concern: :o

[McFraggle]

I think that Frank Oz would be good as the Wizard of Oz. But better than that... OZZY OSBOURNE!!!! The Wizard of Ozzy! How funny would that be? :) :D

That would be kind of cool. :cool:

[ryhoyarbie]

If Ozzy was the Wizard, he could have Zoot as his side kick and both could mutter stuff to each other and understand it, but we couldn't. I can barely even understand Ozzy when I hear him.

ryan

[WOCKA2416]

I think Jeffrey Tambor will be a great wizard...he's very talented. :p

[ryhoyarbie]

I think Jeffrey Tambor will be a great wizard...he's very talented. :p

I think it would be funny if he was teamed up with Bobo the bear again like in Muppest from Space.

ryan

[WOCKA2416]

I think it would be funny if he was teamed up with Bobo the bear again like in Muppest from Space.

ryan

Yeah that was probably the best part of that movie!

[McFraggle]

If Ozzy was the Wizard, he could have Zoot as his side kick and both could mutter stuff to each other and understand it, but we couldn't. I can barely even understand Ozzy when I hear him.

ryan

As the saying goes, Ozzy is a walking-talking anti-drug commercial. :)

[leliebel]

As the saying goes, Ozzy is a walking-talking anti-drug commercial. :)


*snickers*

"This is WHY, kids!"

[muppetsforever]

:) :flirt: :excited:

[muppetsforever]

So, in order to be approved by Muppet and Oz fans alike, we need to find someone who:

1. Is bald (or nearly bald)
2. Can wear glasses
3. Preferrably has worked with the Muppets before, and knows a thing or two about movies
4. Can convincingly announce "I am OZ" in a loud, clear voice

How 'bout this guy?





i would vote for that oz :excited:

[McFraggle]

*snickers*

"This is WHY, kids!"

This is true. :D