[wdwspider]

Well, at long last we saw the combination of Disney and Muppets. Finally, with Muppets Wizard of Oz, we will see more and more of the Muppets in the coming years. I found a nice Newspaper article talking about the Muppets future and it seems traveling the Yellow Brick Road to see the Wizard may be just the return ticket needed for Kermit and Company.

"After the characters find their feet, Disney plans a "hard" launch, broadening the appeal to a wider audience including younger children, starting with a feature film in 2007. Then, if everything goes to plan, the floodgates will open to such things as stage plays, ring tones, theme-park attractions, TV specials and a possible relaunch of "The Muppet Show" itself. "This is franchise that will ultimately appeal to most age groups," said Chris Curtin, general manager of Disney's Muppets Holding Co., who is leading the launch."

I love that amusement attractions are on the horizon and that Disney is not overdoing Muppets all at once, rather a little at a time hopefully in greater quality than we have seen in the recent past. Although I want to see lots more of them now, many younger audiences do not share that warm place in their hearts for the Muppets yet and need to rediscover them first... as do some adults. Also, how cool would a new Muppet Show done right be in the future?

[PrincessJill]

YES!!!!! Please bring back the Muppet Show!!! I love the Muppets. I really hope Disney follows through with this.

[Dana]

I agree with you spider. I am glad they aren't over doing them or shoving them down our throats. People are going to grow a love for them all on their own. I am so excited to read the possibility of the Muppet Show coming back...I loved that show.

[wdwspider]

BTW... many of you probably want to read the full story.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05139/507269.stm

It's very positive.

[Dana]

Originally Posted by wdwspider2005

BTW... many of you propably want to read the full story.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05139/507269.stm

It's very positive.

Nah...I like your version...lol kidding thanks spider.

[brumcg]

I've read elsewhere that the ratings for Wizard of Oz will determine the next step for the Muppets. If the ratings tank, the ambitious plans will go on the back burner.

Here's a snippet from the article:

'Cause make no mistake, folks. A lot is riding on how well this new Muppet TV movie does in the ratings. If "Oz" wins its time slot that night, I'm told that Disney will greenlight production of a new Muppet TV movie (Possibly the "Muppets' Alice in Wonderland") the very next day. If "Oz" does poorly ... Well, that really doesn't bode well for Kermit & Co.

I also noticed in the article that this is one of Eisner's pet projects. I wonder how Iger feels about the Muppets?

Bruce

[wdwspider]

Originally Posted by brumcg

I've read elsewhere that the ratings for Wizard of Oz will determine the next step for the Muppets. If the ratings tank, the ambitious plans will go on the back burner.


Bruce

I've read the article you posted before too. I think some things are riding on it, but not all. It seems a new 2007 Muppet Movie is in the works regardless, but the other things, especially on tv may push back or never see the light of day if Oz does not do well tonight.

I've heard about Wonderland. While I think it suits Muppets well, it seems so similar right after Oz. I still love Muppet Christmas Carol and hope that someday another quality film comes around in that vein. I feel there is a place for the sillier spoofs and the professional takes for Muppets.

[brumcg]

It will be interesting to see what happens now... According to early reports, the show did poorly in the ratings. It finished third in its timeslot behind Dateline and a Dr. Phil special.

Bruce

[SplashMtnMan]

I don't think we ever have to worry about the Muppets fading away...especially since Disney is at the helm now.

[wdwspider]

Yea... maybe Disney will boost their efforts on a future project. Muppets work when done well. Oz was disappointing.

I was curious on the ratings, but was not expecting much. Such a shame.

[jk8]

I don't know if I want to see a new muppet show or not. I loved the old one as a kid. A new one would probably have more adult inuendo. I don't know, maybe the old one did and I was just a kid and did not know it. It just kind of feels like making a sequel - never as good.

What's your favorite Muppet movie?
Mine is Muppet Christmas Carol.

[wdwspider]

Originally Posted by jk8

I don't know if I want to see a new muppet show or not. I loved the old one as a kid. A new one would probably have more adult inuendo. I don't know, maybe the old one did and I was just a kid and did not know it. It just kind of feels like making a sequel - never as good.

What's your favorite Muppet movie?
Mine is Muppet Christmas Carol.

My favorite too. Which proves Disney can do an awesome Muppets if they want. I even liked Treasure Island pretty good. My least favorite is Great Muppet Caper.

[Baloo85]

woo hoo for the return of the muppet show!!!! Disney and the Muppets make a great team!!!