Tag Archives: James Bobin

All Good Things Have Sequels, But Not Segels: Looking Ahead on the Day ‘The Muppets’ Arrives on DVD

When this blog first began, nearly three years ago, a new Muppet movie was just a dream, a boogeyman whose existence was whispered about at camp fires and sleepovers.  But since that time the hope materialized into a serious possibility, thanks to Jason Segel, and then a reality, and then a living, breathing motion picture that we saw twice in theaters.  And now it’s available for home consumption on both DVD and Blu-Ray (and we assume digital download).  What was once a mere figment of our imagination, a fantasy, is now something that we can and will have on our bookshelf, taking its place in the Muppets movie cannon next to The Great Muppet Caper and The Muppets Take Manhattan.  And the production of The Muppets, its critical appreciation and relative commercial success, did equal a comeback for Kermit and friends.  Maybe not quite a phoenix rising from the ashes, but a legitimate return to the public consciousness, and, more importantly, proof enough that Jim Henson’s creations are once again a viable commodity.  Which means, then, that a sequel is the natural next step.  That was the plan all along.

Read on: Why a Jason Segel-less sequel is no reason to panic.

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Filed under Be careful what you wish for, Freak Out Control, Muppets

Muppet Movie Monday Tuesday: The Muppets Inch Closer to the Judd Apatow Chart, Ball’s In Your Court, James Bobin

Very delayed but very exciting Muppet news:  while most of our Muppet Monday posts have focused on the recent rise of Muppet visibility in Disneyland and on TV, as well as a few classic clips, we finally have some Muppet movie news!

Vulture reports that Flight of the Conchords co-creator James Bobin has been offered to direct a new Muppet movie in the works for Walt Disney Pictures.  However, there might be a snag, as Bobin has apparently also been asked to helm Bridesmaids, a Kristen Wiig penned (and we’re assuming starring) comedy produced by Jumped The Snark legend Judd Apatow.  But really, do you think Bobin should attach himself to a movie described as “two women battling to plan their friend’s wedding party?”  I think the Casey Wilson-penned Bride Wars kinda covered this ground, and between that and 27 Dresses, I’m not sure that the discerning comedy masses are clamoring for another slapstick/rom-com wedding flick (although, if it’s more like Baby Mama, then maybe I’ll revise that statement).  Plus, would you choose to work with a bunch of petulant divas* over the seasoned professionals that are the Muppets?

But maybe you’re thinking to yourself that Bobin should choose Bridesmaids for the chance to become part of the Judd Apatow fraternity and secure on a place on my chart.  Okay, fair.  However, this Muppet movie will be based on the script penned by Jason Segel and his Forgetting Sarah Marshall director Nicholas Stoller.  Both men have several ties to Apatow, so Bobin can join team Apatow either way, and if this movie is produced it’s definitely going on the chart.  So, James Bobin, if the main factor in deciding which movie to direct is earning a spot on the Judd Apatow chart, then I can assure you that if you take the reins to the Muppet movie you’ll get your due.  Plus, you have about an equal chance of working with Paul Rudd on either movie (actually, with this in mind, the odds might actually be a little better with the Muppets)

And with that out of the way, you can make a measured, smart decision.

Fozzie Bear or Gilly?

I think the choice is easy.

*Just assuming.  Cause that’s what I imagine Katherine Heigl is like and I’m assuming she will be in this movie.

Vulture Exclusive: Flight of the Conchords Co-Creator May Direct the New Muppet Movie

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Filed under Judd Apatow, Muppet Mondays, Muppets, The Big Screen