Muppets Fans Demand New Show or Movie After Super Bowl Commercial Frenzy

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One of the standout Super Bowl LIX advertisements showcased The Muppets in a spot for Booking.com. Although it aired towards the end of the fourth quarter when the game was practically over (our apologies to Kansas City!), it sparked conversation and the general sentiment was, the cherished franchise should make a comeback, but with care taken to ensure its success.

Just like numerous Super Bowl LIX ads, the one starring The Muppets was released around nine to ten days prior to the main event. At present, it has accumulated approximately 93 million views, and there’s a sense of nostalgia as people reconnect with Jim Henson’s beloved characters, even though it’s merely a 30-second advertisement for a travel reservation service.

One fan said it best on X, formerly Twitter (via ComicBook):

It’s disappointing that despite The Muppets appearing in a Super Bowl commercial, there’s still no word on a new Muppets movie being produced, which seems like a missed opportunity for our entertainment.

While someone raised a compelling observation, it seems like “The Smurfs” are set to have another film, whereas “The Muppets” appear to be appearing in Booking.com advertisements instead.

The advertisement is incredibly smart as it showcases beloved Muppet personalities excelling at their unique talents, all while subtly emphasizing travel booking. Characters like Kermit, Miss Piggy, Animal, and many others get brief moments to shine, and they do so effectively, tugging at our heartstrings. Could this widely-viewed commercial potentially spark a new Muppets film or series?

The ad is smartly designed by featuring favorite Muppet characters demonstrating their best abilities related to booking travel. Characters such as Kermit, Miss Piggy, Animal, and others have brief but impactful moments, stirring emotions in viewers. Could the success of this commercial lead to a new Muppets movie or series?

The Muppets are Beloved by Many Generations

Across various age groups, from Baby Boomers to Gen X and Millennials, the appeal of the Muppets has remained strong. Their journey began in the mid-1950s on a program named “Sam and Friends,” broadcast on WRC-TV in Washington, D.C. In subsequent years, they made appearances on various shows, such as The Ed Sullivan Show. However, it was their introduction to Sesame Street in the late 1960s, followed by their own hit show, The Muppet Show, and popular films like The Muppet Movie that truly skyrocketed their fame.

Since Disney bought The Muppets’ rights in 2004, there have been numerous shows and films featuring them. One standout production was the 2011 revival, which starred Jason Segel (from “Forgetting Sarah Marshall”) and Amy Adams (“Enchanted”). Segal not only acted in it but also co-wrote and co-produced the film with Nicholas Stoller, who directed “Forgetting Sarah Marshall.” The movie received positive reviews from both critics and audiences, boasting a 95% approval rating among critics and an 80% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. It grossed $171 million worldwide against a production budget of $45 million. Furthermore, Bret McKenzie, known for “Flight of the Conchords,” won an Oscar for Best Original Song with “Man or Muppet.

As a die-hard movie enthusiast, I found myself eagerly anticipating the 2014 follow-up, “Muppets Most Wanted.” The original crew, Stoller and director James Bobin, were back at the helm, but the human cast was refreshed, with notable additions like Ricky Gervais, Tina Fey, and Ty Burrell. However, despite these big names, the film only managed to rake in $80 million worldwide against a production budget of $50 million. On Rotten Tomatoes, it received a mixed response, with a 80% approval rating from critics and a disappointing 59% from fans. The Muppets’ recent ventures include a short-lived TV show in 2015, a Halloween special in 2021 titled “Muppets Haunted Mansion,” and a streaming series in 2023, “The Muppets Mayhem,” which was unfortunately canceled after just one season.

In 2011, Segal, Stoller, and Bobin revitalized “The Muppets.” This brought the classic characters to a fresh audience, but the momentum slowed after the 2014 film. Given Disney’s extensive portfolio of successful IPs like Marvel and Star Wars, this could be a lucrative venture for them. To create a new movie or series, Disney would either need to collaborate with Segal and Stoller again or find a contemporary creative team capable of rejuvenating the franchise long-term. It’s essential that any new production is enjoyable and engaging for audiences, or it wouldn’t be worthwhile. Fans have expressed their desire for another Muppets opportunity following their Super Bowl commercial, so it seems only fitting to give them another chance.

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2025-02-10 21:31