Muppets to the City

The Muppets in the City is a 2021 American musical comedy film directed by James Bobin and Kirk Thatcher and distributed by Walt Disney Pictures. It stars The Muppets, in their first theatrical film since 2014's Muppets Most Wanted. It is also the first Muppet film made after the departure of Steve Whitmire, who was fired from The Muppets Studio in 2016 (and thus the first to feature Matt Vogel as Kermit the Frog), and also the first to feature no antagonist.

In a plot somewhat similar to 1984's The Muppets Take Manhattan, the Muppets travel to New York to stage one last Muppet Show, one that, according to Kermit, "first, celebrates the history and lore of the Muppets, and second, panders to Muppet geeks like Walter and the nerds who run Muppet Wiki." Along the way, the Muppets reunite with several friends from their past, including several retired characters from The Muppet Show, several characters from Muppets Tonight, Kermit's old friends from Sam and Friends, the cast of The Jim Henson Hour, Kermit's childhood friends from Kermit's Swamp Years, the characters from Saturday Night Live's "Land of Gorch" segments, and even Scooter's twin sister Skeeter from Muppet Babies (in her first official appearance in puppet form, and as an adult).

Meanwhile, the original Muppet Show sign has gone missing, and it's up to a search party of Muppets (Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie, Gonzo, Scooter, Rowlf, Walter, Rizzo, Animal, Pepe, Robin, Sweetums, Camilla, and Uncle Deadly) to find it before it's curtains up on the show. Will they find the sign in time?

The film was released in the United States on September 24, 2021 (Jim Henson's 85th birthday) and received positive reviews from critics, praising the characterization and family appeal of the Muppets, the return of several classic Muppets, the film's nostalgic feel, the featured songs, acts and jokes, and the Muppeteers' performances (especially the classic Muppets recast with new performers), though most criticised the seven-year gap between this film and ''Muppets Most Wanted. ''It raised over $300 million against a $70 million budget, and is the longest Muppet film to date, clocking in at over 2 hours in running time. To reflect the film's old-school theme, instead of the current Walt Disney Pictures logo, the 1985 logo (and the 1992 Jim Henson Productions logo) is seen at the beginning and end of the film.

The film was released on DVD, Blu-ray and digital download on May 9, 2022 (Kermit the Frog's 67th birthday), and streamed on Disney+ on September 24. Continuing the retro theme, in place of the current Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment logo, the 1986 Walt Disney Home Video logo appears after the viewer chooses whether or not to watch the movie with audio description. Bonus features on the home video release include interviews with the Muppets and filmmakers, audio commentary from co-director Kirk Thatcher and Kermit the Frog, a sing-along feature, five behind-the-scenes featurettes (including one on the recreation of the retired Muppets, prominently featuring puppet builder James Wojtal), deleted scenes, trailers for other upcoming Disney titles, and more.

Songs & Sketches
Sam the Eagle gives a speech attempting to deter the viewer from witnessing the "undignified madhouse" that is the movie ("Trust me when I say it; watching a motion picture featuring frogs and pigs and bears and...weirdos engaging in 100% organic weird stuff withers your intelligence, and distracts from more educational activities, like watching a nature documentary, or walking to your local playground, or watching Ses...") until he is interrupted by Gonzo and Animal, who tell Sam to wrap it up so the movie can start.

Together Again - written by Jeffrey Moss, performed by Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear and the Muppets

The Muppet Show Theme - written by Samuel Pottle and Jim Henson, performed by Kermit the Frog, Statler and Waldorf, Fozzie Bear, Miss Piggy, The Great Gonzo and the Muppets (at the end of the song, Gonzo's trumpet plays perfectly, leaving him frustrated. "They were supposed to give me a gag horn!")

Hey a Movie! - written by Joseph Raposo, performed by Kermit the Frog, Fozzie Bear, The Great Gonzo, Miss Piggy, Statler and Waldorf and the Muppets

Piggy's Fantasy - written by Joseph Raposo, instrumental during Miss Piggy's entrance

Comedy Tonight - written by Stephen Sondheim, performed by Fozzie Bear and the Muppets

Rat Scat (Something's Cookin') - written by Jeffrey Moss, performed by Rizzo the Rat (as the Muppets prepare for their big reunion party)

I've Been Everywhere - written by Geoff Mack, performed by Rowlf the Dog

Life's a Happy Song - written by Bret McKenzie, instrumental during Walter's first appearance

Movin' Right Along - written by Paul Williams and Kenneth Ascher, performed by Kermit the Frog and Fozzie Bear

On the Road Again - written by Willie Nelson, performed by Walter and the Muppets

Never Before, Never Again - written by Paul Williams and Kenneth Ascher, performed by Miss Piggy and Female Singers

You've Got a Friend - written by Carole King, instrumental when the classic Muppets start to arrive

Muppet News Flash: The Newsman reports on the Muppet reunion show, until he claims it will be a "blast from the past", at which point Crazy Harry arrives and causes an explosion.

The Cat Came Back - written by Harry S. Miller, performed by Rowlf the Dog (this version is closer to the more contemporary version, with a Whatnot man named Mr. Johnson trying to get rid of Gaffer the Cat)

Money - written by Stan Freberg and Ruby Raskin, performed by Dr. Teeth

Love Ya to Death - written by Joseph Raposo, performed by Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem

Muppet Labs: Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and Beaker unveil the "all-new" Muppet Labs Cube-o-Matic, for people who are frustrated from trying to solve a Rubik's Cube.

Somebody Stole My Gal - written by Leo Wood, performed by Lubbock Lou and His Jughuggers

I Want to Go to Morrow - written by Lew Sully, performed by The Country Trio

Sesame Street Theme - written by Joseph Raposo, Jon Stone and Bruce Hart, instrumental during Bert and Ernie's cameo

Happiness Hotel - written by Joseph Raposo, performed by Pops, Lubbock Lou and His Jughuggers, Scooter, Rizzo the Rat, Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem, Rowlf the Dog, The Swedish Chef, Kermit the Frog, Fozzie Bear, The Great Gonzo, Sam the Eagle and the Muppets

Lady of Spain - written by Tolchard Evans, performed by Marvin Suggs and his Muppaphone

Conga - written by Enrique E. Garcia, performed by Miss Piggy (sung by Gloria Estefan)

Sax and Violence - written by Jim Henson, performed by Zoot and Mahna Mahna

Hugga Wugga - written by Joseph Raposo and Jim Henson, performed by Hugga Wugga and Iggy Wiggy

You Are My Sunshine - written by Jimmie Davis, performed by Happy Yellow Creature

Mr. Bassman - written by Johnny Cymbal, performed by Scooter and Floyd Pepper

Java - written by Allen Toussaint, instrumental by Al Hirt, performed by the Javas

Lydia the Tattooed Lady - written by Harold S. Arlen and Yip Harburg, performed by Kermit the Frog and Lydia the Pig

The Great Gonzo: For his stunt, Gonzo eats a rubber tire to the music of Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's "Flight of the Bumblebee", a stunt he previously performed on the first episode of ''The Muppet Show. ''He eats the whole tire, but after he goes backstage, Gonzo rushes to the bathroom to barf out the tire.

The Swedish Chef: The Chef prepares a chef's salad out of cheese, eggs and leaf vegetables, which explodes when he tries to flambe it. The Chef's Muppet Show theme music, composed by Derek Scott, plays through the sketch.

C'est Si Bon - written by Henri Betti and Andre Hornez, performed by Wilkins (replacing Gonzo) and two Whatnot backup singers (sung by Stan Freberg)

Veterinarian's Hospital: Dr. Bob (Rowlf the Dog), Nurse Piggy and Nurse Janice break into the bathroom to find Gonzo puking and doubling over in pain. Unlike usual Vet's Hospital skits, Rowlf and the others refrain from telling that many jokes (because Gonzo's stomach pain is too dire a concern to mock) and effectively rush him to a hospital (a real one).

Day-O (The Banana Boat Song) - traditional, performed by Pepe the King Prawn and the Muppets

La Bamba - written by Ritchie Valens, performed by Bean Bunny and the Muppets

Jump in the Line - written by Lord Kitchener, performed by Pepe the King Prawn and the Muppets

Happy Feet - written by Milton Ager and Jack Yellen, performed by Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and Robin the Frog (with whistling by Walter)

Smile - written by Charlie Chaplin, John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons, performed by Fozzie Bear and the Muppets (to Gonzo in the hospital)

Tales from the Vet: Dr. Phil van Neuter and Mulch tend to a violently barfing Gonzo.

Piano Man - written by Billy Joel, performed by Rowlf the Dog

Talking Machine: Big Mean Carl plays the monster in this version.

I Hope That Somethin' Better Comes Along - written by Paul Williams and Kenneth Ascher, performed by Rowlf the Dog and Kermit the Frog

Summertime - written by George and Ira Gershwin, and DuBois Heyward, instrumental during Angus McGonagle's gargling solo

Fever - written by John Davenport (Otis Blackwell) and Eddie Cooley, performed by Miss Piggy and Animal

I've Got You Under My Skin - written by Cole Porter, performed by Kermit the Frog and three Whatnot backup singers (sung by Stan Freberg)

Muppet Sports: Louis Kazagger reports on a match between two Muppet professional wrestlers (a muscular boar named Hulk Hoggin and a masked rat named Ratkind, whose real name is Mick Holey), officiated by a rooster named Steve Bawkstin. Holey wins by attacking Hoggin's weakness: his stubby legs.

Two Lost Souls - written by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross, performed by Robin the Frog and Sweetums

Talking Houses: The houses make jokes about family households. When their act is cut, one of them laments that they never did "raise the roof."

Simon Smith and the Amazing Dancing Bear - written by Randy Newman, performed by Scooter and Fozzie Bear

The Glow-Worm - written by Paul Lincke and Heinz Bolten-Backers, instrumental during sketch performed by Kermit the Frog and Big V

I'm Going to Go Back There Someday - written by Paul Williams and Kenneth Ascher, instrumental during flashbacks of Gonzo and Camilla's honeymoon

You and Me Against the World - written by Paul Williams and Kenneth Ascher, performed by The Great Gonzo and Camilla the Chicken (Gonzo originally sings to Camilla on his hospital bed, then vice versa when Gonzo resumes puking and cannot sing anymore; lyrics are added to Camilla's cluck-singing so the audience can sing along)

Don't Fence Me In - written by Cole Porter and Robert Fletcher, performed by Bobby Moynihan and Paul Revere

Halfway Down the Stairs - written by A.A. Milne, performed by Robin the Frog

Bein' Green - written by Joseph Raposo, performed by Kermit the Frog

Pigs in Space: The Swinetrek was originally supposed to be invaded by Dearth Nadir (played by Gonzo), but due to Gonzo's illness, he is replaced by a Muppet likeness of Emperor Palpatine.

Stand By Me - written by Ben E. King, Jerry Lieber and Mike Stoller, performed by Big Mean Carl and Bunnies

I Will Survive - written by Freddie Perez and Dino Fekaris, performed by Miss Piggy

Reporter Kermit covers the Koozebanian Galley-oh-Hoop-Hoop

Somewhere Over the Rainbow - written by Harold S. Arlen and Yip Harburg, performed by Wayne and Wanda (shortly before they're chased off by Muppet leprechauns)

Bad Romance - written by Stefani Germanotta and Nadir Khayat, performed by Miss Piggy (sung by Lady Gaga); Piggy is accompanied by a troupe of Muppet exotic dancers, one masquerading in a Kermit mask

Windy - written by Ruthann Friedman, performed by Annie Sue and two Whatnot backup singers (Amber O'Neill and Mancie O'Neill from That Puppet Game Show); as the song progresses, the two backup singers are nearly blown away by Beauregard with a large fan; one of them is eventually blown around, while the other is knocked off by a Muppet goat

Heatwave - written by Jimmy Somerville, Larry Steinbachek and Steve Bronski, performed by Kermit the Frog donning a black wig (sung by Jimmy Somerville); Miss Piggy provides tap dancing

Popcorn - written by Gershon Kingsley, performed by the Swedish Chef

Happy - written by Pharrell Williams, performed by Fozzie Bear and some Penguins (originally scheduled for Gonzo and some Chickens)

Turn the World Around - written by Harry Belafonte and Robert Freedman, performed by Rowlf the Dog and African Masks

Temptation - written by Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed, performed by Miss Piggy and the Muppet Glee Club

When the River Meets the Sea - written by Paul Williams, performed by Miss Piggy, Robin the Frog, and Kermit the Frog

Mahna Mahna - written by Piero Umiliani, performed by Mahna Mahna and the Snowths (the song ends abruptly when Mahna Mahna leaves and doesn't come back; the punchline comes during a post-credits scene)

English Country Garden - traditional, performed by Rowlf the Dog and Fozzie Bear on piano

The Tubmans of Porksmith: Carter informs Howard Tubman he'll earn $10 million of his late Aunt Polly's will if he loses 100 pounds.

That Old Black Magic: written by Harold S. Arlen and Yip Harburg, performed by Sam and Kermit the Frog in a black wig (sung by Louis Prima and Keely Smith)

I've Grown Accustomed to Your Face - written by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe, performed by Kermitina and Yorick (sung by Rosemary Clooney)

Chanson D'Amour - written by Wayne Shanklin, performed by Girl Singers and Crazy Harry

Cottleston Pie - written by A.A. Milne, performed by Rowlf the Dog

Vendaface: Vendaface gives an elderly Whatnot plastic surgery by replacing his facial features.

Beyond the Sea - written by Jack Lawrence and Charles Trenet, performed by Miss Piggy

Mama, I'm Coming Home - written by Ozzy Osbourne, Zakk Wylde and Lemmy Kilmister, performed by Fozzie Bear, Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem and the Muppets

The Flying Zucchini Brothers: The trio ups the stakes by adding acrobatics to their human cannonball act.

Fozzie's Comedy Acts: Fozzie ropes Walter into his "Good Grief, The Comedian's a Bear" routine.

Singin' in the Rain - written by Arthur Freed and Nacio Herb Brown, performed by Wayne and Wanda (they manage to complete the entire song for once)

Can You Picture That - written by Paul Williams and Kenneth Ascher, performed by Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem

Bohemian Rhapsody - written by Freddie Mercury, performed by The Great Gonzo, Camilla the Chicken, Rowlf the Dog, Animal, Pepe the King Prawn, Beaker, Bobo the Bear, Walter, Sweetums, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, Fozzie Bear, Statler and Waldorf, Sam the Eagle, Uncle Deadly, Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem, Clifford, Johnny Fiama, Sal Minella, Miss Piggy and the Muppets

All By Myself - written by Eric Carmen and Sergei Rachmaninoff, performed by Miss Piggy (sung by Celine Dion)

My Heart Will Go On - written by James Horner and Will Jennings, performed by Miss Piggy (sung by Celine Dion)

Love Led Us Here - written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, performed by Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy

Just One Person - written by Larry Grossman and Hal Hackady, performed by Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, Fozzie Bear and the Muppets

The Rainbow Connection - written by Paul Williams and Kenneth Ascher, performed by Kermit the Frog, Paul Williams, Miss Piggy and the Muppets

The Magic Store - written by Paul Williams and Kenneth Ascher, performed by Kermit the Frog and the Muppets

With a Little Help From My Friends - written by Paul McCartney and John Lennon, performed by Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem (during end credits)

Anvil Chorus - written by Giuseppe Verdi and Salvatore Cammanaro, instrumental during mid-credits scene where Gonzo begins destroying an automobile for his next act

C'est Si Bon - written by Henri Betti and Andre Hornez, performed by Eartha Kitt and Miss Piggy (during end credits; Kitt's original cover is combined with new vocals from Eric Jacobson as Miss Piggy)

Saying Goodbye - written by Jeffrey Moss, performed by Miss Piggy, Kermit the Frog, Scooter, The Great Gonzo, Camilla the Chicken, Rowlf the Dog, Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem and Fozzie Bear (during end credits)

The Rainbow Connection - written by Paul Williams and Kenneth Ascher, performed by Sarah McLachlan and Kermit the Frog (during end credits; McLachlan's original cover is combined with new vocals from Matt Vogel as Kermit)

Muppet Cast
Speaking:

'80s Robot, Afghan Hound, African Masks, ALF, Amber O'Neill, Andy and Randy Pig, Angelo, Angus McGonagle, Animal, Annie Sue, Arnie the Alligator, Baskerville the Hound, Beaker, Bean Bunny, Beard, Beauregard, Bert, Beverly Plume, Big Head, Big Mean Carl, Bill the Bubble Guy, Bill the Frog, Billy Bunny, Blotch, Blue Frackle, Bobby Benson, Bobo the Bear, Boo Monster, Brewster, Bubba, Bubba the Rat, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, Camilla the Chicken, Carter, Catgut, Chip, Clifford, Clueless Morgan, Crazy Harry, Croaker, Delbert the La Choy Dragon, Denise, Digit, Dr. Teeth, Doglion, Droop, The Elvises, Ernie, Female Koozebanian Creature, The Female Singers, Featherstone, Flash, Fleet Scribbler, Floyd Pepper, The Flying Zucchini Brothers, Foo-Foo, Fozzie Bear, Frank, Gags Beasley, Gary Cahuenga, George the Janitor, Gil, Girl Singers, Gladys, Gloria Estefan, Goggles, Gonzo, Gramps, Green Frackle, Grump, Happy Yellow Creature, Harry the Hipster, Hilda, Hobos, Hoggie Marsh, Horace D'Fly, Howard Tubman, Hugga Wugga, Hulk Hoggin, Iggy Wiggy, Jacques Roach, Janice, Jerry, J. G., Jill, Jim, Joe the Legal Weasel, Johnny Fiama, J.P. Grosse, Dr. Julius Strangepork, Kai-Lee, Kermit the Frog, King Goshposh, King Ploobis, Leo, Leon, Leroy, Lew Zealand, Limbo, Lindbergh, Lindy, Link Hogthrob, Lips, Lothar, Lou, Louis Kazagger, Lubbock Lou, Ma Bear, Mad Monty, Mahna Mahna, Male Koozebanian Creature, Mama Fiama, Mancie O'Neill, Marvin Suggs, Mick Holey, Mildred Huxtetter, Mirinda Craver, Miss Mousey, Miss Piggy, Mr. Poodlepants, Mo Frackle, Molly Monster, Mulch, The Muppaphone, Muppy, The Newsman, Nigel the Conductor, Nigel the Director, Paul Revere, Pepe the King Prawn, Dr. Phil van Neuter, Pierre the French Rat, Pilgrim, P.J., Polly Lobster, Pops, Queen Peuta, Rizzo the Rat, Robin the Frog, Rover Joe, Rowlf the Dog, Rufus, Sal Minella, Sam the Eagle, Scooter, Scred, Seymour, Skeeter, Slim Wilson, The Snowths, Spa'am, Spamela Hamderson, Splurge, Statler and Waldorf, Steve Bawkstin, The Swedish Chef, Sweetums, Talking Houses, Talking Machine, Taminella Grinderfall, Thig, Thog, Tom, Dick, and Harry, T.R., Tug Monster, Ubu, Uncle Deadly, Vazh, Vendaface, Vicki, Waldo C. Graphic, Walter, Wayne and Wanda, Wilkins and Wontkins, Wisss, Yolanda Rat, Zeke, Zippity Zap, Zondra, Zoot