Story Announcement #12

September 2020. Back at the Muppet theater, everyone was wondering what to do after Season 1 of Muppets NOW concluded.

"I just got the news today, everyone!" Said Kermit, holding a letter. "It's a letter from Disney! Maybe they'll renew us for a second season! 'Dear Mr. the Frog, we regret to inform you that because of our busy schedule, we won't pick up Muppets NOW for a second season. However, we will put seasons 1 through 3 of The Muppet Show, Little Muppet Monsters, Bear in the Big Blue House, and a dozen of the old Muppet specials on Disney+ some time in 2021. Enclosed are storyboards for two upcoming animated films, Disney/Pixar's Soul and Disney's Raya and the Last Dragon.'"

"That's horrible!" Said Walter. "The world needs the Muppets!"

"But how are we gonna show them that we can still be fresh and relevant?" Asked Fozzie.

"Kermit." Said Robin. "I have a suggestion. You know how the Muppets used to do specials and movies based on classic stories?"

"Yeah, I remember." Said Kermit. "I appeared in a few of them."

"Perhaps we could do one based on an old Disney movie that would be ripe for the Muppets' brand of humor."
"Frozen?" Guessed Miss Piggy.

"Lady and the Tramp?" Guessed Rowlf.

"Brother Bear?" Guessed Fozzie.

"Chicken Little?" Guess Gonzo, though everyone looked at him weirdly.

"No!" Said Robin. "Who Framed Roger Rabbit!" Joe from Legal, the Muppets' official lawyer, objected to this.

"Rejected!" He said. "Who Framed Roger Rabbit may be rated PG, but would definitely be rated PG-13 if it were released today. There's swearing, alcohol consumption, gunplay, and strong innuendos. Not suitable for the Muppets family-friendly image."

"We could make changes!" Suggested Kermit. "Walter, you and Scooter are gonna write the script for our story. Fozzie, you will play Roger."
"That's a role fit for me!" Said Fozzie. "Wocka wocka!"

"Kermie?" Said Piggy. "Can I play Jessica Rabbit?"
"Sorry, Piggy." Said Kermit. "I think Janice is more suited for the role. However, before you deliver your signature karate chop, I will pick someone for you to play."

"You better." Threatened Piggy.

"Additional casting will be Scooter's responsibility." Claimed Kermit. "Bunsen and Beaker, you will be in charge of visual effects and cinematography. Nigel, you'll do the score. Summer Penguin, if we can find her, will serve as art director. Joe, do you suppose you could help us get the rights to non-Muppet puppet characters? You can't be as cruel as JP Grosse."

"Who?" Asked Joe.

"He was my stingy uncle who owned the Muppet Theater." Said Scooter, handing a book to Joe. "Here's his page from the official Muppets Encyclopedia."

"Hmm." Said Joe. "I'll do it, as long as the puppet characters come from family-friendly properties. I WILL NOT DO MR. MEATY!" That made Kermit shudder.

"Amen to that." Said the frog. "Walter? How long will it take you to adapt the story?"

"Maybe two weeks?" Replied Walter.

"That's terrific!" Said Kermit. "We'll have the movie ready by next year!"

Who Framed Fozzie Bear, a Muppets version of Who Framed Roger Rabbit that will be more family-friendly than the original source material. Coming February 3rd, 2021.