People complaining about Matt Vogel replacing Steve Whitmire as Kermit the Frog

[GuySmileyfan]

I think people are going to be particularly critical when it comes to whoever performs Kermit because he's the heart and soul of the Muppets, much like Mickey Mouse is to Disney, and as such, there's probably a greater sense of responsibility in regards to preserving the integrity of the character - those are some pretty big shoes to fill. It's not just Matt, but let's not forget that one time Artie Esposito performed Kermit for "Don't Go Breakin' My Heart," people were absolutely losing their $#!+ over that.

Oh yes, I remember that.

 

[antsamthompson9]

I mean, that does actually concern me too, not just regarding Kermit and Big Bird, but let us also not forget that Matt does a majority of Jerry's characters these days as well: Count, Floyd, Uncle Deadly. . . .

I could be wrong, but I seem to recall it being brought up on this forum once that each of the performers can contractually only perform up to six major characters.

When Matt became Kermit, he recommended Peter Linz to be Robin, but kept playing everyone else. I don't think we have to worry. Still as JD Hansel said, "He really does do a lot of performing and directing, that I don't know how he manages to stay so energetic when he's doing something like Below the Frame."

 

[D'Snowth]

Boy, do I miss the virtual version of BTF on Facebook, those were always so much fun to watch and participate in. I still remember Carmen answering my question as to why Rosita had eventually lost her wings (and her even blowing me a kiss after answering my question), and later Peter confirming that it was a real fire hydrant, not a prop, that came close to smashing his head.

 

[Muppets02]

With all due respect to Matt Vogel, while I am not going to waste time bashing his performance as Kermit, I also cannot bring myself to accept it either. I do wish that Steve Whitmire was still working with the Muppets and Sesame Street, but it is what it is at this point, and at least he has been able to move on with his life.

 

[LittleJerry92]

Gonna be honest, Matt isn’t my favorite Kermit but he has at least gotten a bit more tolerable for me.

That said, I really can’t stand these annoying Jim Henson bootlickers that constantly say “mAtT’s KeRmIt SoUnDs JuSt LiKe JiM hENsOn” no. Literally not even close at all.

 

[The Count]

Can't really say one way or ther other... All I've really heard of Matt's is his interaction in Muppets Haunted Mansion and it's okay enough for me though I don't pretend it to be something everyone else will agree on.

That said, the one recast that does sound off to me is Eric Jacobson's , it just doesn't have the quality rasp that I recognize as the green grouch.

And before I leave... From LittleJerry's post above, whoever those people are, they're creating an acronym of "ATKRISUDJSLKJMENO", impinging on bad internet protocol in capitalizing almost every other letter in their comments. *SMH.

 

[LittleJerry92]

The capitalization is more a mocking term with these comments, which may not make my own response look any better, I fully acknowledge that, but it is an annoying trend I see with people who praise Matt’s Kermit, which more power to them if they enjoy his Kermit, but going as far as to say he sounds JUST like Jim Henson is, I think, absolutely ridiculous, and only contributes to this toxic mindset I very often see in this community where every single Muppet franchise “died” the minute Jim was no longer with us.

He is a great creator, writer and performer while he was alive on this planet, but I really feel like there are times people give him WAY too much credit with these franchises.

 

[MWoO]

That said, the one recast that does sound off to me is Eric Jacobson's , it just doesn't have the quality rasp that I recognize as the green grouch.

I'd say Eric's Oscar sounds like Oscar with a cold in the same way Matt's Big Bird sounds like he has a cold. It's like they are speaking, but they can't get too lound.

I do think both are good, though. Probably as good a recast as we could get.