Summary
Kermit the Frog takes on the role of Paul Atreides in a hilarious crossover art, imagining The Muppets in Dune's universe.
Kermit is depicted in the artwork wearing Paul Atreides' iconic outfit, which includes Filt-plugs. Additionally, a colossal sandworm with Animal's visage is showcased.
A Muppet version of Dune has the potential to offer a more lighthearted approach to the intricate and weighty themes within the franchise, potentially resulting in financial success. Unfortunately, this possibility seems remote due to Legendary Pictures' ownership of the film rights.
In a comical crossover, an artwork circulating on Twitter depicts Kermit the Frog, beloved character from The Muppets, portraying the role of Lisan al-Gaib, the messianic figure in the science fiction novel Dune. This humorous portrayal replaces Timothée Chalamet's character, Paul Atreides, who survived an assassination plot orchestrated by Baron Harkonnen and subsequently sought shelter with the native Fremen in the deserts of Arrakis. While 2021's film adaptation by Denis Villeneuve only covers half of the original book, the upcoming Dune: Part Two in 2024 will explore Paul's development of his Bene Gesserit abilities and his rise as the foretold messiah of the Fremen. The artwork presents a new messiah leading the mission to reclaim Arrakis, with Kermit the Frog entertainingly embodying the role of Paul Atreides.
Why A Muppet Adaptation of Dune Would Be Amazing
Kermit dons Chalamet's distinctive outfit, complete with Filt-plugs snugly placed in his nostrils to gather and conserve exhaled moisture in Arrakis' unforgiving desert environment. Standing behind him, a colossal sandworm rises from the sand, featuring the visage of the Muppets' resident percussionist, Animal.Regarded as an immensely influential work of science fiction, Herbert's 1965 novel and its subsequent sequels have served as the inspiration for numerous attempts to bring its epic story to the big screen. While Villeneuve's adaptation joins the ranks of David Lynch's 1984 film and John Harrison's 2000 miniseries, other notable filmmakers, such as avant-garde director Alejandro Jodorowsky and Alien director Ridley Scott, came close to attempting their own adaptation of the material. Furthermore, Dune's profound impact extended beyond the film industry, serving as a source of inspiration for other renowned sci-fi franchises like Star Wars and Mad Max.
The history of bringing Dune to the screens has been filled with intriguing and sometimes offbeat ideas. However, no one has ever attempted to use Jim Henson's beloved Muppets to tell the iconic tale. With its heavy themes and complex political plot, the franchise could benefit from a lighter approach featuring Kermit and his friends. The Muppets have already successfully adapted Treasure Island and A Christmas Carol, so there is no reason why they couldn't tackle Herbert's masterpiece in the future. Unfortunately, Legendary Pictures currently holds the film rights and is focused on expanding the Dune franchise with a spinoff television series. This means that a Muppet adaptation of Dune is unlikely to happen anytime soon. Nevertheless, the idea has great potential.
Source: Conor Nolan/Twitter