Miss Piggy gets her own film
"A Muppet Show" special is also set to appear on Disney+.
One of the big screen divas is getting her own movie! According to the Hollywood Reporter, Jennifer Lawrence and Emma Stone will produce a "Miss Piggy" spin-off .
The idea for the solo adventure came to Lawrence during the coronavirus period when she was talking to a friend about topics such as feminism and cancel culture. Her friend remarked that Miss Piggy was a true feminist icon – and that it would be hilarious if she were "canceled". According to Lawrence, this thought was the catalyst for the creation of the project, even if it does not directly reflect the plot of the film.
The script was written by Cole Escola, who was also cast as Bon Curry for "One Piece" season 3. No concrete details about the story are known yet, but Lawrence has hinted that both she and Emma Stone will probably have a small cameo appearance.
While work on the "Miss Piggy" film is still ongoing, fans of the Muppets can soon look forward to a new highlight: a special of "The Muppet Show" is set to appear on Disney+ next year – starring pop star Sabrina Carpenter and directed by Seth Rogen. This special could even be the prelude to a new "Muppet" series.
Why the Muppets are still cult to this day
For more than six decades, the "Muppets" have been delighting generations of viewers around the world. Whether on the big screen, on television or in internet memes – the chaotic troupe of puppets has long since achieved cult status. But what exactly makes the "Muppets" so iconic? Why do Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gonzo & Co. still work today, in a media world full of glossy productions and digital effects?
A colorful troupe with real personalities
"The Muppets" are far more than just puppets. They are characters with their own temperament, idiosyncrasies and genuine emotions. Kermit the Frog – the green heart of the show – embodies down-to-earthness, patience and the eternal optimism that everything will work out despite the chaos. Miss Piggy is the complete opposite: glamorous, spirited and always convinced that the world revolves around her.
Then there is the eccentric Gonzo, who is constantly trying out new, absurd stunts, the nervous Fozzie Bear with his bad jokes and the grumpy Statler and Waldorf, who comment on everything from the balcony. Each of these characters represents human traits – vanity, insecurity, ambition, friendship. Perhaps this is the secret of their success: although they are made of felt and foam, the "Muppets" seem more human than many real actors.
Humor with heart and mind
The humor of the "Muppets" is unique. It works on several levels: Children laugh at the crazy slapstick moments, while adults enjoy the clever wordplay and self-irony. The original "Muppet Show" from the 1970s already played with expectations. "The Muppets" made fun of show business, clichés and social issues without ever coming across as cynical.
Their humor is both timeless and adaptable. It thrives on puns, musical numbers and charming chaos that is always on the verge of getting completely out of hand. But in the end, Kermit and his friends always manage to get back on stage together – and that is precisely where their magic lies: despite all their mishaps and idiosyncrasies, they stick together.
The vision of Jim Henson
Without Jim Henson, the creator of the "Muppets", none of this would be conceivable. In the 1950s, Henson had the idea of using puppets not only for children's shows, but also to turn them into complex characters with wit, depth and humanity. His aim was to create entertainment that would appeal to young and old alike.
With "The Muppet Show" (1976-1981), he succeeded in doing just that. The show was a huge success – with guest stars such as Elton John, Liza Minnelli and Mark Hamill. Everyone wanted to appear in the legendary "Muppet Show" at some point. Henson's philosophy was simple: humor, music and warmth are universal. This attitude still characterizes the brand today.
A nostalgia that never gets old
"The Muppets" represent a piece of nostalgia that feels surprisingly fresh. Their films and series remind many of childhood experiences, family evenings and a time when television was still something special. At the same time, the characters manage to reinvent themselves time and again. Whether in modern series on Disney+, viral YouTube videos or collaborations with pop stars – the "Muppets" remain true to themselves and yet adapt to the times. They are chaotic but warm. Funny, but never angry. And that makes them a rarity in today's entertainment landscape.
More than just puppets: an attitude to life
In the end, the "Muppets" are more than just a show or a brand. They stand for community, creativity and the belief that you can do anything with humor and heart – even when things go haywire. Kermit put it in a nutshell in his famous song "Rainbow Connection": it's about hope, dreams and the fact that everyone – whether human or Muppet – can find their place in the world.
Perhaps that's why the "Muppets" are still so iconic today: they remind us that life can be taken with a wink – and that there is always a bit of magic even in crazy chaos.