Disney News > Disney News Article
Disney Set To Revive The Muppets
9/22/2008 11:04 AM EST
The Muppets are back. Okay, while they never really left, they have been somewhat tossed aside and not properly promoted or utilized in latter years. Well, Disney is now changing all of that.The company has decided that it will take the Muppets to the next level... giving them the so-called "Hannah Montana treatment". This is laymen's terms means flooding the market with anything and everything Muppets, and creating some new stories, movies and possibly even theme park attractions that involve the famous puppet crew. Lylle Breier, a Disney executive who is also the new general manager of Muppets Studio said, "We think there is a Muppet gene in everybody."
Disney acquired the Muppets back in 2004.Since then, they have tried to find the perfect niche for them in their "World". All that has changed now, and they have a lineup of ideas to get things moving in Muppet arena.
Merchandise will be the first item on the agenda. Consumers will see Muppet clothing at Urban Outfitters and Limited Too stores, stuffed animals and tote bags, at Macy's, and even a Muppet boutique at F. A. O. Schwarz in New York.
While many children aren't familiar with the Muppets in the way that us as adults who used to watch the show are, Disney says that they will re-introduce them by mixing them in with teen wonders such as the Jonas Brothers and High School Musical actors.
Some are critical of Disney's lack of focus on the Muppets, such as Frank Oz, famous puppeteer for the Muppets. Also, many were upset abut Miss Piggy starring in Pizza Hut commercials. Jim Henson was never shy about the Muppets being commercial, however, The character of Rowlf was created for selling Purina Dog Chow back in 1962. But all hope is not lost in Disney and their ability to bring things back. Brian Henson, the co-chief executive officer of the Jim Henson Company said, "Have they been a little slow? Perhaps. But the most important thing to us is that they are careful. Now, more than ever, we believe they are doing just that."
They are being careful not to destroy what the Muppets are all about. Dick Cook, chairman of Walt Disney Studios said, "We want to be very, very careful that whatever we do is in the spirit of the Muppets and that we are enhancing the brand."
- Sign-up for daily Magical Mountain Disney news email
- Have you missed any Disney news from the past? Visit our Disney news archive to help you get your magical news of Disney days of yore.
- Follow Magical Mountain on facebook and twitter.
- Get great deals on everthing online by following Blue Sky Media Solutions Deals twitter.
© 2002-2010 Magical Mountain, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Shandy The Sugar Glider is a Trademark of Magical Mountain, LLC. For Shandy Merchandise visit our Magical Mountain Store. The Magical Mountain™ website is a hobbyist/enthusiast website for the fans of The Disney Company. Magical Mountain™ is not affiliated with, authorized or endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with, The Walt Disney Company, Disney Enterprises, Inc., or any of their affiliates. Some images are © The Walt Disney Company. No part of this site may be reproduced without permission. User-posted content, unless source quoted, is licensed under a Creative Commons Public Domain License.
