The Muppets (2011)



In 2008 it was announced that the Walt Disney Company was looking to relaunch the Muppet franchise with a new theatrical film.

Brian Henson commented on Disney's efforts in a 2010 interview stating: "I was always a firm believer that they should aim high and do a proper, great Disney movie with the big Disney marketing plan and do a great Muppet movie. So, I'm actually pleased that even though they've taken a long time, they've now made the decision that that's what they want to do. They're developing I think more than one idea, and I think which ever develops the most and they like the best is the one that will get made and I don't know which one that will be."

Developments

 * In 2008 Jason Segel and Nick Stoller pitched a concept for a Muppet movie to Disney Vice President Kristin Burr. The pitch was well received and the pair was offered a deal to develop their script with Stoller attached to direct. Segel has been very outspoken on his involvment, mentioning his role writting for the Muppets in many interviews and appearances. Drafts of Segel and Stoller's script, entitled The Greatest Muppet Movie of All Time!!! have circulated. In the film, the Muppets must reunite to save Muppet Studios in Hollywood from an evil Texas oil tycoon. To save the studio, the Muppets have to put on a show at the Muppet Theater and attract an audience of ten million people.


 * In September 2009, Disney announced a slate of projects at their D23 Expo. Among the projects listed was a Muppet film project, entitled The Cheapest Muppet Movie Ever Made!.


 * In January 2010, James Bobin, co-creator of the HBO series Flight of the Conchords, was hired to direct the next Muppet film. According to a Hollywood Reporter article, "Plot details are being kept secret, but Bobin is expected to bring a musical sensibility to the project."