Here’s the final poster for The Muppets, due in theaters Nov. 23, 2011. There was a little Internet scuffle with the first poster, because some people — me included — thought the Muppets’ legs just looked weird and creepy. This poster is less controversial and more Hollywood-like.
But one thing is still weird to me — seeing Chris Cooper’s name written over the top of a bunch of Muppets, or even associated with Muppets in any way, shape or form. He usually does meaty, intellectual movies like Capote, Breach and The Company Men, so it’ll be different seeing him surrounded by Muppets. But hey, maybe even Chris Cooper needs a light-hearted movie now and then.
He plays a nefarious oilman named Tex Richman who plans to raze the Muppet Theater and drill for oil underneath. But Walter, the world’s biggest Muppet fan, and his friends Gary (Jason Segel) and Mary (Amy Adams) start organizing The Greatest Muppet Telethon Ever and raise $10 million to save the theater. Hey, Kids! Let’s put on a show!
During all this, the Muppets are reunited after going their separate ways. Fozzie now performs with a Reno casino tribute band called the Moopets. Miss Piggy is a plus-size fashion editor at Vogue Paris. Animal is in a Santa Barbara clinic for anger management. And Gonzo is a high-powered plumbing magnate.
A few notes and other unlikely Muppeteers:
- Jason Segel (How I Met Your Mother, Forgetting Sarah Marshall) stars in, co-writes and executive produces this movie.
- It’s directed by James Bobin, a director and writer for HBO’s Flight of the Conchords.
- Bret McKenzie, who starred in, wrote for and served as composer for Flight of the Conchords, is the music supervisor, as well as the writer/producer on some of the songs, which include big Muppet-style opening and closing numbers.
- It’s been 11 years since the Muppets’ last big-screen feature film.
- Kermit received a star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2002. His song The Rainbow Connection was nominated for an Academy Award.
Thoughts on The Muppets or Chris Cooper surrounded by Muppets? The TV series was so well-done and funny for both kids and adults, so I’m expecting this movie to be the same.
Photos: Disney
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