Disney News

Category: The Muppets

  • Disney+ Adds Content Disclaimer to ‘The Muppet Show’ Episodes

    Disney+ Adds Content Disclaimer to ‘The Muppet Show’ Episodes

    Disney Plus has added a content warning to the beginning of 18 episodes of The Muppet Show, which first aired in 1976 and started streaming on the platform on Friday.

    Disclaimer warnings have previously been added to Disney films such as Aladdin, Peter Pan, Lady and the Tramp, The Jungle Book, The Aristocats and Dumbo.

    “This programme includes negative depictions and/or mistreatment of people or cultures,” the disclaimer reads. “These stereotypes were wrong then and are wrong now.”

    It’s unstated precisely what Disney considers to be offensive on the show, but some characters depict Native American, Middle Eastern and Asian people.

    And in season five, legendary country singer Johnny Cash is seen performing in front of a Confederate flag.

    Disney’s disclaimer added: “Rather than remove this content, we want to acknowledge its harmful impact, learn from it and spark conversation to create a more inclusive future together.”

    The advisory note comes after several months of revisionism around films and TV programmes which could be considered offensive by the standards of today.

  • All Five Seasons of The Muppet Show are Heading to Disney Plus

    All Five Seasons of The Muppet Show are Heading to Disney Plus

    Disney has announced, all five seasons of “The Muppet Show,” which first debuted on television nearly 45 years ago, will be available for streaming on Disney+ starting next month.

    The fourth and fifth seasons, Disney noted, have “never previously been released on home entertainment.”

    The hit show makes it’s way to Disney+ on February 19. Take a look at the tweet below:

    You can relive the early antics of Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie, Gonzo and the gang, or watch them for the very first time in their hilarious variety show which features sketch comedy, original songs and guest performances from timeless and legendary stars such as Steve Martin, Elton John, Liza Minelli, Alice Cooper, Julie Andrews, Bernadette Peters, Diana Ross, Gladys Knight, Gene Kelly, Mark Hamill and so many more.

    During the life of the series, which originally aired from 1976 to 1981, “The Muppet Show” welcomed guest stars like Steve Martin, Elton John, Liza Minnelli, Julie Andrews, Diana Ross and more.

    The beloved series joins other Muppets-related content like Disney+ original “Muppets Now” on the streaming service, which is also home to films like “Muppet Treasure Island” and “The Muppet Christmas Carol.”

  • The Dark Crystal Prequel Reveals All-Star Voice Cast Including Mark Hamill, Simon Pegg, Keegan-Michael Key

    The Dark Crystal Prequel Reveals All-Star Voice Cast Including Mark Hamill, Simon Pegg, Keegan-Michael Key

    A series based on Jim Henson’s 1982 film “The Dark Crystal” is in the works, and now Netflix has revealed the series’ impressive voice cast along with a few stunning pictures of the three main Gelflings that the show is centered around.

    Taron Egerton (the Kingsman films), Anya Taylor-Joy (The Witch) and Nathalie Emmanuel (Game of Thrones) have been set as respective Gefling heroes Rian, Brea and Deet, and other actors including Mark Hamil, Keegan-Michael Key, Helena Bonham-Carter, Toby Jones, Alicia Vikander, Simon Pegg, Andy Samberg also lend their voices to the film.

    • The Dark Crystal
    • The Dark Crystal
    • The Dark Crystal

    A beloved classic from the 80s marks its return as Netflix will bring The Jim Henson Company’s The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance exclusively to members around the world. The 10-episode fantasy adventure series is a prequel to the groundbreaking 1982 fan favorite The Dark Crystal, and takes place many years before the events of the film. The series will be shot in the U.K., and will star an ensemble of fantastical, state-of-the-art creatures created by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop and Brian Froud, the original feature’s conceptual designer.

    The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance returns to the world of Thra with an all new adventure. When three Gelfling discover the horrifying secret behind the Skeksis’ power, they set out on an epic journey to ignite the fires of rebellion and save their world.

    Feature film director Louis Leterrier (Now You See Me, The Incredible Hulk) will executive produce the series and direct. The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance will be a Netflix original series produced by The Jim Henson Company and executive produced by Letterier, Lisa Henson and Halle Stanford. Longtime Henson collaborator Rita Peruggi will serve as producer and Henson’s Blanca Lista will serve as a co-executive producer. Leading the writing are co-executive producers Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews (Life in a Year), and Javier Grillo-Marxuach (Lost, The 100).

    “The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance will combine the art of puppetry perfected by The Jim Henson Company, with Louis’ vision, powerful storytelling and a mix of cutting-edge digital imagery and visual effects,” said Cindy Holland, Vice President of Original Content at Netflix. “I can’t wait for families around the world to see how we bring these unique characters to life.”

    “Louis Leterrier is passionate about the world of The Dark Crystal and has an incredible creative vision for the series. He brings this passion to every facet of the production as he leads the talented team of artists and writers that are bringing this entire universe to life,” said Lisa Henson, CEO of The Jim Henson Company. “Netflix has a deep respect for my father’s original work and the many people it inspired. They are the perfect partners to create this next epic chapter in The Dark Crystal story for new fans and the loyal fans who have waited so long for more adventures from this world.”