Next year the Muppets will be 50 years old

[GelflingWaldo]

I guess we'll just have to put on our own party for them

 

[McFraggle]

The only group that would (or easily could) do something would be The Jim Henson Legacy to celebrate 50 years of Jim's career.

We will have the postage stamps coming in 2005, and the JHL may do a special event (like one of their weekend festivals of movies, TV shows, special, and guest speakers to celebrate the anniversary).

But don't expect commutative merchandise or a special production. With the rights spread all over 3+ companies it would be improper for one to do something and not the other (it is equally important for all; from Sesame to Kermit to the Fraggle), and if they were to do any products or productions they would have to be in the works now in order to be done for next year. Nothing special is being worked on, so I doubt we'll see any big explosion of anniversary stuff next year.

That does not mean nothing will happen in 2005, just nothing special for the anniversary. We have the postage stamps, Fraggle DVDs (and the 1st season set), other Henson productions DVDs, more action figures, and of course The Muppets Wizard of Oz.

Disney will show The Muppets Wizard of Oz as part of the Wonderful World of Disney. the Wonderful World of Disney usually has introductions to the film by stars and executives of Disney. They may use that time to mention that 50 years ago the Muppets began and a little bit about Jim.

But I doubt we’ll see anything big done about this celebration. Maybe the MHC will do something for the 30th of The Muppet Show in 2006 (maybe even season sets of the show on DVD). Since that is a celebration of something they own they can celebrate it easier than something speard between 3+ companies. It is a shame, but it look grim that any of these companies will focus on the anniversary of Jim’s first real apperance on television.

I would say Disney has big plans, but they are just waiting for the old licenses to expire.