Exclusive: Revealing the Real Reason Behind My Mysterious Absence from The Muppets!
Original Miss Piggy performer reveals why he hasn't returned to The Muppets, expressing discontent with Disney's handling of the beloved characters in recent years
Summary
Frank Oz, the puppeteer behind iconic Muppet characters, reveals why he hasn't worked with Disney's Muppets since 2007.
Disney's refusal to collaborate with Oz stems from his reluctance to conform to their directives and produce Muppets that adhere to their vision. Oz contends that Disney's renditions lack the essence and wit characteristic of the initial projects led by Henson. Nonetheless, The Muppets continue to garner favorable reviews and maintain a lasting appeal.
Frank Oz, the renowned puppeteer responsible for bringing to life beloved Muppets characters, recently revealed why he has not returned to work on Disney's adaptations of the comedic franchise. Originally created by James Henson in 1955, the Muppets gained popularity through their appearances on Sesame Street in 1969 and later starred in the award-winning television series, The Muppet Show. Oz's iconic performances included portraying characters like Cookie Monster and Bert on Sesame Street, as well as Miss Piggy and Fozzie Bear on The Muppet Show.
When asked about his absence from The Muppets since 2007, Oz explained to The Guardian that he believes Disney has no intention of working with him in the future. While he expressed his willingness to take on a role, he stated that Disney does not want him because he refuses to strictly follow their directives and adhere to the type of Muppets they envision. According to Oz, Disney's versions lack the essence and spirit of the original projects led by Henson, resulting in a noticeable deficiency in humor compared to the originals. Read Oz's complete statement below:
Changes Made To The Muppets Over The Past Two Decades
"I would be delighted to have the opportunity to work with the Muppets once more. However, Disney has expressed that they are not interested, and I haven't been approached by Sesame Street in the past decade. The reason for their lack of interest is because I am unwilling to conform to their instructions and create the type of Muppets they envision. I firmly believe that the essence, or soul, is what brings about growth and humor. Unfortunately, it appears to be missing in their current productions. Nevertheless, I truly miss and have a deep affection for the Muppets."
In a tragic turn of events, Henson passed away from streptococcal toxic shock syndrome in 1990 when he was only 53 years old. More than ten years later, Disney acquired the rights to The Muppets in 2004. However, they were unable to secure Sesame Street, which is currently being aired on Max. Since obtaining The Muppets, Disney has embarked on various projects, including the successful 2011 film, The Muppets, which grossed a staggering $165.2 million worldwide. Interestingly, in 1980, The Muppet Show foreshadowed Disney's acquisition of Star Wars, a franchise in which Oz portrays Yoda.
Despite changes in leadership, The Muppets continue to receive critical acclaim. The Disney+ show, The Muppets Mayhem, has achieved the highest Rotten Tomatoes score for the franchise since 2011. The TV series follows The Electric Mayhem Band, a Muppet musical group, as they strive to achieve platinum status.
While Disney's recent versions of The Muppets may not resonate with those who are devoted to the original puppets and puppeteers from Jim Henson's 1970s era, the continued viewership and ongoing projects related to the ensemble speak to the enduring power of Henson's concept. This idea has thrived in the entertainment industry for almost 70 years.
Source: The Guardian
