Bobin & Stoller Sign On For 'Muppets' Sequel, Segel Too Busy

[skier_pete]

Good news! This is really early and isn't even to the "greenlight" stage, but creatively this movie was one of the best I've seen in the last few years. I laughed WAYYYY harder at this than Bridesmaids. Worried that Jason Segel might be missed, but just because he's not hired to write doesn't mean no input. (Him and Stoller are super close.)

Link is here.

While the $153 million worldwide take for "The Muppets" probably was a bit below the numbers Disney were looking for with their franchise reboot, there are some things to note. Of all the Muppet movies so far, that film was the most financially successful at the box office, and on a purely creative/enjoyment level, we're not so sure any of the other films matched the wit and warmth that Jason Segel and Nicholas Stoller brought to their take on the iconic characters. But either way, Disney is happy and the good news is that we're going to be seeing more of our felt-covered friends soon.

Vulture reports that director James Bobin and writer Nicholas Stoller have been re-hired to get cracking on a sequel, but there is a caveat. The word is that Segel -- probably the biggest advocate and fan of the Muppets out of the three -- will not be returning to write citing a busy schedule, and what's more, he may not star. That's a bit of a bummer considering the Muppets reboot is pretty much owed to Segel's endless enthusiasm and his emphasis on bringing the characters into the 21st century.

All that said, given Stoller and Segel's close relationship, we presume he'll have some input, even if it's not official. The big question remaining is whether or not Oscar-winning songwriter Bret McKenzie will be hired back to write the songs. We presume that will be a decision made once the script nears completion and the studio decides to greenlight the project. But we're glad that the mouse house is keeping their faith in the Muppets, and news of a sequel hopefully means it won't be too long before we see Kermit and his pals again.

My hope would be once everyone sees what they missed in the theaters when it is out on DVD/Blu-Ray that the second one could be a bigger hit than the first. Seriously, if you didn't get to see this - go out and rent it. It may be only the second movie I've bought for myself on Blu-Ray.

 

[ASteelersMidget]

Sad about Segel, but on the bright side the movie made enough money to warrant a sequel and potentially another muppet attraction or at least more of a presence at DHS (I can dream)

 

[robertdangelo]

We enjoyed the movie in the theater and look forward to getting on Blue Ray too.

 

[Midnyghtchilde]

I'd be surprised if Segel wasn't involved, given his strong self-professed love of the Muppets. He was, as I understand, the primary driving force between the new movie even making it into theatres.

But this great news and I really hope it leads to more Muppets in DHS!

 

[skier_pete]

I'd be surprised if Segel wasn't involved, given his strong self-professed love of the Muppets. He was, as I understand, the primary driving force between the new movie even making it into theatres.

This is true, basically when he was doing the talk shot circuit for something-or-other, he started telling everyone when they asked what his next project was he said "Oh, we're doing a Muppet Movie", even though at that point he was just in talks to do it. It got such a positive response that's basically what got the green light from Disney. I suspect he will be involved with some respect...though even though the movie was great, I thought his and Amy Adams seemed so periphery to the movie that they wouldn't really be missed. He has in interviews since the movie came out said "I think the Muppets should stand on their own" so maybe he doesn't want to stay front and center.

 

[Farmland Fun Family]

While I love all the Muppet Movies....

This was the first one in forever that made me feel like a kid again, done in what I would consider the "Classic Muppet Style". It was such a pleasure to watch and a great enjoyment to be able to share these characters with my children. It was how I spent my Birthday, we ate some cake and then watched this awsome film as a family... who could ask for anything better!

And just to keep on topic.... If they can do another one with this level of awesome... Bring it on, we'll add it to our Family Favorites!

 

[Faldred]

I finally got around to seeing "The Muppets" last weekend (via Netflix), and I really enjoyed it -- especially the overt (and subtle) references to the original "Muppet Movie" and "The Muppet Show". I know it's a pipe-dream, but I'd love to see a revived "Muppet Show" (and I mean the real thing, not that "Muppets Tonight" that they tried) on Disney Channel or Family; even if it's just an occasional special rather than a regular series.

As for Segal and Adams, it would be very odd if they were in the next Muppet movie, no matter what it is (except possibly as cameo appearances). It doesn't make sense in a Muppet world for them to be involved directly in the next Muppet adventure/caper, and it's certainly nothing the Muppets ever did before in their previous films.

 

[coloneldebugger]

Steven Seagal is probably available. Peter Sagal too.