Fist Over Hand

As a kid at the height of their popularity in the 70's and 80's I have to admit I have been super excited about the new film featuring The Muppets.

Given that an article in The Hollywood Reporter says the original writers and performers of the classic characters have some deep reservations about the pic gives me pause though

Specific names aren't quoted, but their concerns have to do with character integrity and story that they say are being sacrificed by writer/actor  Jason Segel and director James Bobin for jokes or convenience. 

The piece notes that most of these old guard haven’t seen the film yet, so comments like “they’re looking at the script on a joke-by-joke basis, rather than as a construction of character and story,” have to be taken with a grain of salt.

Fozzie Bear (my personal fave) and his fart gag in the most recent trailer....

"We wouldn't do that; it's too cheap. It may not seem like much in this world of [Judd] Apatow-humor, but the characters don't go to that place".

The script reportedly "creates a false history that the characters were forced to act out for the sake of this movie" said one person.  Kermit owning a mansion for example....

The great Frank Oz  previously told a British paper "I wasn't happy with the script. I don't think they respected the characters. But I don't want to go on about it like a sourpuss and hurt the movie."

It was Segel's passion for the characters helped get the film made and he wants to "do right by them", even if Muppets pros have concerns that this isn't as much about reviving the brand as it is Disney making nice with Segel - "My biggest hope is that it comes across as a Muppets film and not a Jason Segel film that the Muppets happen to be in."

Some of the classic performers felt the "pervasive attitude on the film was dismissive of those who originated the characters". 

The trade claims a couple of key players, including the performer behind Kermit the Frog, "considered removing their names from the credits" but ultimately didn't.

Some of the gripes seem small yes--but the fact that they are present at all a month before release has me dismayed--Call me a Muppet purist

The Muppets return November 23rd