I am pretty sure when Jason Segel started writing the script for Disney’s The Muppets with Nick Stoller he didn’t think he would find this common ground with a Mexico City reporter.
Why didn’t Jason Segel feel super weird about this occurrence?
Recently I had the amazing privilege to join a stellar group of bloggers for a Disney/DreamWorks event in LA. On that trip I got to sit down and interview the people behind the awesomeness that is Disney’s The Muppets.
Jason Segel & Nick Stroller
There was one interview that kept us all laughing which was no surprise since they wrote the script for the movie! In fact the only thing that was a surprise was when Jason Segel told us about the day Kermit the Frog made him cry.
Q: How was your first encounter with Miss Piggy and Kermit?
Jason Segel: My first encounter was at a table read in New York where they surprised us and brought the puppets out for the table read. And when Kermit first spoke line that we had written I literally cried at the table read and they had to stop the table read for a second while I pulled it together.
Nick Stroller: Shameful!
Jason Segel: It was because I’m a grown man. I should be able to handle this. This is also my profession. But no, I cried like a little baby just for a second. But it happened.
During our interview it was evident that Nick Stoller and Jason Segel put a lot of time and love into this movie. Every word spoken about writing and filming this movie filled with passion, and respect for previous Muppet endeavors.
Q: Since you are so passionate and knowledgeable about the Muppets did you have a mentor that you looked at for this?
Nick Stoller: Well I think, I think what we look towards was the legacy that they had created with those first three movies and the TV show. That was really our model and we didn’t have to stray very far from that time or try to update it or anything like that. The Muppets, their style of humor is pretty timeless and you know, he really moves in cycles. And I think we somehow, you know CGI is amazing but I feel a little bit like its Hollywood playing with their new toy, you know.
To get back to something here like you know, puppetry and the Muppets style of just kind humor I was excited about that.
…
I just remember at that point realizing what the Muppets did that was so special is the whole family could sit and enjoy that. Kids are just watching a goofy guy sing a song with a bunch of puppets and it’s fun. And adults are experiencing it on a whole different level and I think there’s something neat about the whole family walking away having enjoyed something together, having a shared experience.
I look forward to taking my son to this movie, and I know him being only 2.5 years old, and me 30 years, we will be laughing at different things. But that is how it was when I was growing up as well. My whole family enjoyed the Muppets.
So thank you Jason and Nick for making the movie in the tradtion of what made the Muppets famous in the first place, a funny, silly, family movie!
I do wonder who Kermit will have crying next time!
The Muppets opens in theaters November 23rd!
Disney/DreamWorks provided me with an all expenses paid trip to LA for an special clips screening of The Muppets. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. I am in no way obligated to provide positive reviews.
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That is so sweet! I bet it’s one of those childhood fantasy’s coming true for them!!