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beaker
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So folks, are the Muppets in a transitional phase, or on life support to continue linger and wither?
Does anyone know of ANY Muppet or Muppet related things to be excited about in 2008? No news of any muppet projects, films, shows, merchandise, special stuff, events, etc. Dark Crystal 2 isnt due til 2008.
Does anyone even have any industry insider rumblings, rumors or hush hush stuff that may even *hint* as to what we may have to be excited about?
I've been a big fan of Muppet Central and a user of the forums for 8 years now...and toward the end of each year I always wonder "Will next year be the glorious return?" I'm not going to say the franchise has been completely on life support since 1990. The 2001-2003 era was an extremely good year for merchandise, and neat little surprises here and there. But as the 50th anneversary of the Muppets came and went last year, and as Disney continued to keep our beloved franchise in the proverbial broom closet...is there still hope left?
What I see that's happened is that where Jim Henson Company/The Muppets were once this juggernaut of imagination, two things have now happened.
The franchise is very scattered, and on I hate to say it, but life support. There isn't even the "nostalgic factor" being used anymore that kept the Muppets in some sort of spotlight 2001-2003. But at the same time, Muppet workshop and creature builders and alumni have branched off into their own things. I forget who does it now, but the new Muppet builders independent company is pretty cool. The Muppets have spawned a lot of very talented
people who have gone to spread the seeds of puppetry and animatronics...from right here on the forum to seasoned pros.
Avenue Q is a big example of something spawned independently of the JH/SW/MHC LLC world.
As for right now, it seems movie reissues and boxsets are the only thing to look forward to. (The JH Improv thing is cool for the few people who get to see it...THIS should be getting its own show, not just Late Night Buffet)
Is there even any new children's Muppet shows in the works? Animal Jam I think was the last one. I just never remember a year where virtually NOTHING was planned or there was nothing to be excited about.
What the heck is Disney doing? And is Fraggle Rock really going to get a revival? What about Bear in the Big Blue House?
Does anyone know of ANY Muppet or Muppet related things to be excited about in 2008? No news of any muppet projects, films, shows, merchandise, special stuff, events, etc. Dark Crystal 2 isnt due til 2008.
Does anyone even have any industry insider rumblings, rumors or hush hush stuff that may even *hint* as to what we may have to be excited about?
I've been a big fan of Muppet Central and a user of the forums for 8 years now...and toward the end of each year I always wonder "Will next year be the glorious return?" I'm not going to say the franchise has been completely on life support since 1990. The 2001-2003 era was an extremely good year for merchandise, and neat little surprises here and there. But as the 50th anneversary of the Muppets came and went last year, and as Disney continued to keep our beloved franchise in the proverbial broom closet...is there still hope left?
What I see that's happened is that where Jim Henson Company/The Muppets were once this juggernaut of imagination, two things have now happened.
The franchise is very scattered, and on I hate to say it, but life support. There isn't even the "nostalgic factor" being used anymore that kept the Muppets in some sort of spotlight 2001-2003. But at the same time, Muppet workshop and creature builders and alumni have branched off into their own things. I forget who does it now, but the new Muppet builders independent company is pretty cool. The Muppets have spawned a lot of very talented
people who have gone to spread the seeds of puppetry and animatronics...from right here on the forum to seasoned pros.
Avenue Q is a big example of something spawned independently of the JH/SW/MHC LLC world.
As for right now, it seems movie reissues and boxsets are the only thing to look forward to. (The JH Improv thing is cool for the few people who get to see it...THIS should be getting its own show, not just Late Night Buffet)
Is there even any new children's Muppet shows in the works? Animal Jam I think was the last one. I just never remember a year where virtually NOTHING was planned or there was nothing to be excited about.
What the heck is Disney doing? And is Fraggle Rock really going to get a revival? What about Bear in the Big Blue House?
