A few thoughts on the recent announcment that Bill Barretta and Brian Henson were working on a Muppet script:
It's been 8 years since we last saw a theatircally released Muppet movie. It will be 9 or 10 years before we might see the next (depending on how fast the process goes). This will mark the longest waiting period between Muppet movies ever, just beating time between The Muppets Take Manhattan and A Muppet Christmas Carol (at 8 years). Just as then, alot has happened between the two films. A Muppet Christmas Carol started with a touching dedication to Jim Henson and Richard Hunt. In the time since Muppets From Space, we have lost at least one other valued member of the Muppets, one whose name has appeared on every theatrically released Muppet movie to date: Jerry Juhl.
With the sad absence of Jerry's name this time around, and the possibility of a few other names gone missing, it will be interesting noting the results. It's possible that Frank Oz and Jerry Nelson may be unable to participate in the film's production, though we all hope they'll be able to. How will this effect the film? As with A Muppet Christmas Carol, of course, something may seem to be missing. It may be sad, though joyful with the return of the Muppets to the big screen.
I'm anxiously looking forward to what may come, and a bit nervous. I do hope the film gets made, though. I can't wait for an official announcement!