Steve Whitmire has left the Muppets, Matt Vogel to continue as Kermit

[DarthGonzo]

As far as im concerned, this could very well be the true beginning of the end for these characters. Disney has kicked to the proverbial curb the man Jim Henson himself hand picked to play Kermit. And even though Matt Vogel is a very talented man, all of this really seems like Disney is making a very hardcore effort to give themselves total control of what the frog says and does. That just makes me uncomfortable.

 

[ConsummateVs]

Can you post a link?

Never mind, I found it.

 

[mbmfrog]

Hearing this news reminds me of Joey Mazzarino and Sesame Street how he quit the show. Honestly it like these big wigs don't care about what makes these characters special anymore to the overall public.

 

[CBPuppets]

I did found this. It's really starting to feel is if Disney doesn't care about the effort the performers bring to the Muppets. (I mean no Disrespect Towards the Company) https://stevewhitmire-muppetpundit.com/2017/07/11/its-time-to-get-things-started/

 

[JimAndFrank]

As far as im concerned, this could very well be the true beginning of the end for these characters. Disney has kicked to the proverbial curb the man Jim Henson himself hand picked to play Kermit. And even though Matt Vogel is a very talented man, all of this really seems like Disney is making a very hardcore effort to give themselves total control of what the frog says and does. That just makes me uncomfortable.

If I recall correctly, Disney was anxious about Jim's demand that Kermit stays under his creative control in the original deal. They wouldn't even trust Jim.

 

[DARTH MUPPET]

This Is puzzling to be sure, he has been Kermit since what 1990? since Henson died. I thought when Whitmore started his lines were limited but he Honed the character over the years and Is now the best Kermit Disney could ever hope to find. Matt Vogel Is a veteran Muppeteer so I am sure he will do Ok but a loss to be sure.

 

[beakerboy12]

*climbs out of the bushes*
...So... how's everyone been doing?

 

[JimAndFrank]

*climbs out of the bushes*
...So... how's everyone been doing?

Oh, just swimmingly, thanks for asking! It's been such a lovely week for everyone involved.

 

[CBPuppets]

The only question on my mind is why Disney would do this?

 

[Duke Remington]

The only question on my mind is Why Disney would do this?

MuppetMaker (alias Dan Becker, host of the Getting Felt Up podcast) had this to say:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Muppets/co...s_finally_got_out_steve_whitmire_is/?sort=new