Muppets in the City is a 2020 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, along with Sam Rockwell. It is also the first Muppet film made after the departure of Steve Whitmire, who was fired from The Muppets Studio in 2016.
In a plot somewhat similar to 1984's The Muppets Take Manhattan, the Muppets travel to New York to stage one last Muppet Show. Unbeknownst to them, an enemy from Kermit's past returns with vengeance, and it's up to the frog and his friends to put a stop to him once and for all. 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 SNL'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, 2020 (Jim Henson's 84th 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, the Muppeteers' performances (especially the classic Muppets recast with new performers), and Rockwell's turn as Doc Hopper, though most criticised the six-year gap between this film and Muppets Most Wanted. It also raised over $300 million against a $70 million budget. This is to date the longest Muppet movie, running at over 2 hours long.
Songs & Sketches
Sam the Eagle gives a speech attempting to deter the viewer from witnessing the "undignified madhouse" that is the movie, until he is interrupted by Gonzo and Animal.
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, Gonzo and the Muppets
Hey a Movie! - written by Joseph Raposo, performed by Kermit the Frog, Fozzie Bear, 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
I'm Number One - written by Bret McKenzie, instrumental during Constantine's appearance
Life's a Happy Song - written by Bret McKenzie, instrumental during Walter's first scene
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 says the phrase "blast from the past" and explodes.
The Cat Came Back - written by Harry S. Miller, performed by Rowlf the Dog (this version is closer to the more contemporary version of the song, with a Whatnot man named Mr. Johnson trying to get rid of Gaffer)
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 Automatic Wastebasket 2.0
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, 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 Thingy-Thing
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 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 by Derek Scott plays throughout the whole sketch.
C'est Si Bon - written by Henri Betti and Andre Hornez, performed by Wilkins (replacing Gonzo) and 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 barfing and doubling over in pain. Unlike other Vet's Hospital skits, Rowlf and friends refrain from telling that many puns (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
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 Backup Singers (sung by Stan Freberg)
Muppet Sports: Louis Kazagger reports on a wrestling match between two Muppet professional wrestlers (a muscular boar named Hulk Hoggin and a masked rat named Ratkind, real name 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 the houses admits 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 Gonzo and Camilla's honeymoon flashback
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 any longer; lyrics are added for Camilla's cluck-singing)
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
Reporter Kermit reports on 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 attacked 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 as Kermit
Windy - written by Ruthann Friedman, performed by Annie Sue and Backup Singers
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)
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 Robin the Frog, Miss Piggy 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's fortune if he loses 100 pounds.
That Old Black Magic - written by Harold S. Arlen and Johnny Mercer, 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 the 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 some of his facial features.
Beyond the Sea - written by Jack Lawrence and Charles Trenet, sung 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 up the stakes by adding acrobatics to their human cannonball act
Fozzie's Comedy Acts: Fozzie ropes Walter into helping him with 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)
I'm Gonna Always Love You - written by Jeffrey Moss, performed by Miss Piggy, Kermit the Frog, Fozzie Bear, Scooter, Rowlf the Dog, and Gonzo
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, Mahna Mahna and the Snowths, 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
War - written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, performed by Walter and the Muppets
My Heart Will Go On - written by James Horner and Will Jennings, performed by Miss Piggy (sung by Celine Dion) (during the climactic battle)
My Way - written by Paul Anka, performed by Johnny Fiama (during the climactic battle)
Love Led Us Here - written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, performed by Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy (during the climactic battle)
I Will Survive - written by Freddie Perez and Dino Fekaris, performed by Robin the Frog (during the climactic battle)
Sweetums - written by Joseph Raposo and Jerry Juhl, performed by Sweetums (as he tries to get revenge on Constantine for killing Robin)
Wind Beneath My Wings - written by Jeff Silbar and Larry Henley, performed by The Great Gonzo during Robin's memorial
The Rainbow Connection - written by Paul Williams and Kenneth Ascher, performed by Kermit the Frog, Paul Williams, and the Muppets (in memory of Kermit's nephew Robin after his death during the battle; Robin walks in during the final verse to sing along)
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, Automatic Wastebasket 2.0, Baskerville the Hound, Beaker, Bean Bunny, Beard, Beauregard, Bert, 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, Constantine, Crazy Harry, Croaker, Delbert the La Choy Dragon, Denise, Digit, Dr. Teeth, Doglion, Droop, 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, 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, The Mighty Favog, Mildred Huxtetter, Mirinda Craver, Miss Mousey, Miss Piggy, Miss Poogy, Mr. Poodlepants, Mo Frackle, Molly Monster, The Moopets, 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, Thingy-Thing, 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
Non-Speaking:
Agnes Stonewick, Angel Marie, Anthony, Babies, Baby Bear, Baby Koozebanian Creatures, Banana Nose Maldonado, Bananas, Beakie, Bears, Beautiful Day Monster, Beaver, Behemoth, Bernie the Easter Bunny, Beth Bear, Betsy Bird, Big V, Billy the Bear, Birds, Black Dog, Black Rooster, Blonde Nose-less Female Whatnot, Blue Bird Frackle, Blue Koozebanian Phoob, Blustering Bellowpane Monster, Bossmen, Bouncing Borcellino Brothers, Brontosaurus, Brown Bat, Brown-Haired Woman, Bruce, Buffy, Bull, Burlington Bertie, Buster and Colfax Bergman, Butch, Cactus, Calico, Captain Pighead, Cashmere Ramada, Chester Rat, Chick, Chickens, Chico, Chopped Liver, The Christmas Turkey, Clams, Clarissa, Clodhoppers, Clyde, Cows, Crainiac, Crocodiles, Crow, Cue Card Monster, Cynthia Rose, David Hoggselhoff, David Lazer Muppet, Deer, Dog (Tale of the Bunny Picnic), Dogs, Doris, Ducks, Duke, The Early Bird, Ector, Eel, Elderly Gray Frackle, Emerald Green Frackle, Eric the Parrot, Ernest Pleth, Ernst Stavros Grouper, Eugene, The Extremes, Fazoobs, Fern, Flaubert, Fletcher Bird, Flower-Eating Monster, Flowers, Flute-Snatcher, Francois Fromage and his Dancing Cheeses, Franklin, French Poodle, Frogs, Gaffer, Garth, Gary Muppet, Gawain, Gawky Birds, Geri and the Atrics, Ghosts, Giant Chicken, The Gills Brothers, Gimley's Boss, Gnu, Goat, The Gogolala Jubilee Jugband, Goldfish, Gorgon Heap, Green Bird Frackle, Green-Furred Frackle, Green Koozebanian Phoob, Gypsy, Harold the Woodpecker, Harvey, Heaps, Herbie the One-Octopus Band, Hopper, Horse, Inchworm, James Bobin Muppet, Japanese Cake, Javas, Jowls, Kangaroo, Kay, Kermitina, Larry and Oliver, Laundress, Lenny the Lizard, Leprechauns, Lobsters, Luncheon Counter Monster, Lydia, Lyle, Magda, Mary Louise (girl), Mary Louise (woman), Masterson Rat, Maxine, Mean Mama, Mel, Merdlidops, Mickey Moose, Miss Appleby, Miss Kitty, Mr. Bitte, Mr. Johnson, Molly and Melville, Mouse Family, Muppets Tonight Band, The Mutations, Mutt, Norman the Ram, Old Skyball Paint, Old Tom, One-Eyed Jack, Opossum, Penguins, Pigeons, Pigs, Pink Frackle, Pink-Skinned Red-Head Woman, Pokey, Porcupine, Prairie Dogs, Purple Frackle, Quongo, Rabbits, Raccoons, Rats, Real Old Tom, Red-Haired Woman, Roy, Sam, Scabby Frackle, Scudge, Seals, Shakey Sanchez, Shark, Sheep, Shirley (bird), Shirley (woman), Short-Haired Blonde Whatnot, Short-Haired Brunette Whatnot, The Shouting Lady, Silver Beak, Snake Frackle, Snakes, Snerf, The Snerfs, The Snowman, Socks the Cat, Solid Foam Drummer, Sopwith the Camel, Spaniel, Spotted Dick, Stalks, Sundance, Super Sheep, Svengali, Svengali's Assistant, Tatooey Rat, Thudge, Timmy Monster, Trolls, Trumpet Girl, Turkey, Two-Headed Singer, Two-Headed Woman, Undertaker, Unemployed Bear, Vicki the Snake, Vile Bunch Drummer, Vile Bunch Guitarist, Walleye Pike, Wally, Walrus, Wesley, Whatnots, Winky Pinkerton, Winny, Witch Doctor, Wolf, Wolfhound, Woodland Animals, Yorick, Zelda Rose
Closing Credits Cameos:
Billy and Sue, Charlie the Ogre, Chicken Liver, Chuckie, Cloverland Cow, Conrad Love, Fred, Fred's son, Hank and Frank, Henrietta, Icky Gunk, animated Jim Henson, The King of Id, Little Girl Sue, Longhorn and Shorthorn, Mack, Mert, Moldy Hay, Mushmellon, The Nightmare, Nutty Bird, Omar, Princess Gwendolinda, Professor Madcliffe, Rock and Roll Monster, Scoop and Skip, Sneegle, Sour Bird, The Southern Colonel, The Spook, Summer Penguin, Suzy, Tommy and Fred, Two-Headed Muppet Monster, The Wizard of Id
Cast
Sam Rockwell as Doc Hopper
Matt Vogel as Kermit the Frog, Camilla, Constantine (voice), Uncle Deadly, Sgt. Floyd Pepper, Sweetums (voice), Dr. Julius Strangepork, Pops, Lew Zealand, '80s Robot (voice), Crazy Harry, Baskerville, Fozzie's Ma, Louis Kazagger, J.P. Grosse, Angus McGonagle, Featherstone, Slim Wilson, Jerry Nelson Muppet, Mad Monty, T.R. the Rooster, Fleet Scribbler, Scred, Paul Revere, Beard, Mama Fiama, Tom, Flying Zucchini Brother, House 2, Muppaphone, Snowth, Janice Moopet, Rowlf Moopet
Eric Jacobson as Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Animal, Sam Eagle, The Newsman, Marvin Suggs, George the Janitor, Splurge (voice), The Mighty Favog, Frank Oz Muppet, Hulk Hoggin (puppeteer), Hugga Wugga, Rufus, Gramps, Male Koozebanian Creature, House 3, Bert
Dave Goelz as The Great Gonzo, Waldorf, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, Zoot, Beauregard, Randy Pig, Digit, Bill the Frog, Brewster, Bill the Bubble Guy, Chip, Doglion (voice), Gary Cahuenga, Lubbock Lou, Muppy, Dick, Kermit Moopet
Bill Barretta as Rowlf, Pepe the King Prawn, The Swedish Chef, Dr. Teeth, Bobo, Andy Pig, Johnny Fiama, Harry the Hipster, Wontkins, Croaker, Horace D'Fly (voice), Big Mean Carl, Clueless Morgan, Howard Tubman, King Goshposh, Mr. Poodlepants, King Ploobis, Hoggie Marsh, Thig (puppeteer), Lothar, Zippity Zap, Mahna Mahna, Bubba the Rat, Green Frackle, Hobo 1, Lead Elvis, Muppaphone, ALF (puppeteer)
David Rudman as Scooter, Janice, Beaker, Grump, Wilkins (voice), Wayne, Thig (voice), Bobby Benson, Boo Monster, Wisss, Big Head, Gladys, Fire African Mask, Muppaphone, Baby Koozebanian Creature, Miss Poogy
Peter Linz as Walter, Robin, Rizzo, Statler, Link Hogthrob, Lips, Foo-Foo, Thog (voice), Taminella Grinderfall, Leo, Jacques Roach, Miss Mousey, Gil the Frog, Jim Henson Muppet, Joe the Legal Weasel, Rover Joe, Droop, Zeke, Flash, Blue Frackle, Thingy-Thing, La Choy Dragon (puppeteer), Gloria Estefan, Elvis, Flying Zucchini Brother, House 1 (puppeteer), Muppaphone, Snowth, Baby Koozebanian Creature, Ernie
Amy Adams as Mary
Julie Andrews as Herself
Steve Austin as Steve Bawkstin (voice)
Jack Black as Hobo King
Jim Carrey as Himself
Chris Cooper as Tex Richman
Joan Cusack as Rachel Bitterman
Mick Foley as Ratkind (voice)
Paul Fusco as ALF (voice)
Zach Galifianakis as Hobo Joe
Ricky Gervais as Dominic Badguy
Whoopi Goldberg as Herself
Charles Grodin as Nicky Holiday
Dave Grohl as Animal Moopet
Neil Patrick Harris as Himself
Hulk Hogan as Hulk Hoggin (voice)
Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Himself
Ian McDiarmid as Emperor Muppet (voice)
Bobby Moynihan as Himself
Jerry Nelson as The Announcer (via archival audio)
Austin Pendleton as Max
Jason Segel as Gary
Cree Summer as Pilgrim (voice)
Danny Trejo as Unlucky Prisoner
Paul Williams as Himself
NY Muppet Performers: Pam Arciero, Anthony Asbury, Heather Asch, Billy Barkhurst, Jennifer Barnhart, Betsy Baytos, Tau Bennett, Ronald Binion, Cheryl Blaylock, Rickey Boyd (Waldo puppeteer), Warrick Brownlow-Pike, Lisa Buckley, Leslie Carrara-Rudolph (Spamela Hamderson, Female Koozebanian Creature, "C'est Si Bon" Backup Singer, Girl Singer puppeteer), Ed Christie, R. Bruce Connelly, Frankie Cordero (Bean Bunny), Stephanie D'Abruzzo ("I've Got You Under My Skin" Backup Singer), Bill Diamond, Ryan Dillon (Nigel the Conductor, Tug Monster, Sam, voice of Limbo, Spirit African Mask, Mr. Johnson, Steve Bawkstin puppeteer), Jeff Dunham, Olga Felgemacher-Marin, Peter Friedman, Mark Gale, Cameron Garrity, James Godwin, Christopher Thomas Hayes, Andy Hayward, Lynn Hippen, Phillip Huber, Haley Jenkins, Camille Kampouris (Kai-Lee, Molly Monster, Female Singer), Francis Kane, Vicki Kenderes-Eibner, John Kennedy (Blotch, Arnie the Alligator, Talking Machine, "I've Got You Under My Skin" Backup Singer, Harry puppeteer), Adam Kreutinger, Rollie Krewson, Jim Kroupa, Michael Lisa, Spencer Lott, John Lovelady (voice of Harry, Iggy Wiggy, House 1), Jon Ludwig, Rick Lyon (Splurge puppeteer), Lara MacLean, Noel MacNeal (Bubba, Mountain African Mask, "C'est Si Bon" Backup Singer, Sweetums puppeteer, Ratkind puppeteer), Amanda Maddock, Boitumelo Betty Maretele, Jim Martin, Ed May, Joey Mazzarino (Goggles, Leroy the Donkey), Brian Meehl, Dan Milano, Kathryn Mullen (Jill the Frog, Gaffer, Female Singer), Carmen Osbahr, Bob Payne (Mirinda Craver puppeteer), Marc Petrosino, Martin P. Robinson (voice of the La Choy Dragon, Big V, Pierre puppeteer), Bart. P. Roccoberton Jr., Daniel Seagren, Andy Stone, John Tartaglia ("I've Got You Under My Skin" Backup Singer), Gabriel Velez, James Wojtal, Bryant Young, Paul Zaloom
with
Drew Allison, Cheryl Bartholow, Lawrence Basgall, Jake Bazel, Carol Binion, John Boone, Mary Brehmer, Jeffrey Breslauer, Lindsey Z. Briggs, Matt Brooks, Lee Bryan, Jessica Honor Carleton, Brian Carson, Ceili Clemens, Josh Cohen, Jeff Conover, Austin Michael Costello, Todd Coyle, Melissa Creighton, Carole D'Agostino, Leo Daignault, Julia Darden, Paul Vincent Davis, Emily DeCola, Jamie Donmoyer, Sophie Doyle, Tommy Duren, Ben Durocher, Jodi Eichelberger, Mindy Escobar-Leanse, Bob Fappiano, David Matthew Feldman, John C. Fields, David Fino, Galen Fott, Matthew Furtado, Aymee Garcia, Rob Gardner, Noah Ginex, Stacey Gordon, Jenny Hann, Elizabeth Hara, Paul Hartis, Zach Haumesser, Scott Hitz, Joshua Holden, Patrick Holmes, Ulysses Jones, David Jordan, Liz Joyce, Jean Marie Keevins, Kathleen Kim, Joe Kovacs, Mary Robinette Kowal, Tiffany Lange, Michael Latini, Matthew Lavin, Jonathan Little, Weston Chandler Long, Peter MacKennan, Alex May, Robin May, Cathy McCullough, Megan McNerney, Tracie Mick, Andrew Moriarty, Jason Murphy, Jim Napolitano, Sarah Nolen, Eric Novak, Anney Ozar, Adam Pagdon, Chris Palmieri, Tim Parati, John Pavlik, Annie Peterle, Bill Remington, Julio Robles, Abby Roderick, Christina Rodriguez, Adam Rudman, Joey Rudman, Christine Schisano, Benjamin Schrader, Michael Schupbach, Michael Schwabe, Jessica Simon, Thom Stanley, David Stephens, Ian Sweetman, Russell Tucker, Basil Twist, Cynthia von Orthal, Stacey Weingarten, Daniel Weissbrodt, Steven Widerman, Susan Widerman, Chad Williams, Eric Wright, Evy Wright, Matt Yates, Emre Yilmaz, Teddy Yudain
LA Muppet Performers: Brad Abrell, Steve Axtell, Grant Baciocco (Amber O'Neill), Greg Ballora, David Barclay (Automatic Wastebasket 2.0), Nate Begle, Tim Blaney, Patrick Bristow, Julianne Buescher (Yolanda Rat, Denise, Wanda, Hilda, Queen Peuta, Zondra, House 4, Lydia, Female Singer), Tyler Bunch (Angelo, Lindbergh, voice of Vendaface, J. G., Flying Zucchini Brother, Elvis, Hobo 2, Muppaphone, Fozzie Moopet, Thog puppeteer, Emperor Muppet puppeteer), Kevin Carlson, Raymond Carr, Kristin Charney, Charles Chiodo, Edward Chiodo, Stephen Chiodo, Brian Clark, Kevin Clash (Clifford, P.J., Billy Bunny, Polly Lobster, Leon, voice of Mirinda Craver, Spa'am, Carter, Mulch, Doglion puppeteer), John Criswell, Nathan Danforth, Dorien Davies, Alice Dinnean (Vicki, Catgut, Vazh, Baby Koozebanian Creature, Pilgrim puppeteer, Girl Singer puppeteer), Nameer El-Kadi, Artie Esposito, Peggy Etra, Darci Lynne Farmer, Terry Fator, Tom Fisher, Thom Fountain, Louise Gold (Annie Sue, Mildred Huxtetter, Lou, Afghan Hound, Water African Mask, voices of Girl Singers), Jerome Green, BJ Guyer, Tanya Haden, Terri Hardin, Brian Henson (Sal, Seymour, Dr. Phil van Neuter, Nigel the Director), Rachel Herrick, Dave Hulteen Jr., Patrick Johnson, Scott Johnson, Sean Johnson, Avery Lee Jones, Brian Jones, James Kemp, Donna Kimball, Tim Lagasse (voice of Mancie O'Neill, Muppaphone, Baby Koozebanian Creature, Limbo puppeteer), Scott Land, Bruce Lanoil (Lindy, Mo Frackle, voice of Pierre the French Rat, Hobo 3, Muppaphone), Len Levitt, Jayden Libran, Paul Louis, Pons Maar, Greg Manion, Alexander Mantia, Drew Massey (Big Java), Paul McGinnis, Jess McKay, Ted Michaels, Rob Mills (Ubu), Alison Mork, James Murray, Sarah Oh (Mancie O'Neill puppeteer), Michael Oosterom, Brett O'Quinn, Christine Papalexis, Karen Prell (Skeeter, Kermitina, Wilkins puppeteer, Girl Singer puppeteer), Tony Sabin Prince, David Quesal, Mike Quinn (Yorick, Muppaphone, Iggy Wiggy puppeteer, Constantine puppeteer), Tim Rose, Paul Rugg, Bruce Schwartz, Michelan Sisti, David Skelly, Colleen Smith, Lisa Sturz, Jack Tate, Leif Tilden, Allan Trautman (voice of Waldo C. Graphic), Steve Troop, Tony Urbano, Art Vega, Russ Vick, Alex Villa, Russ Walko, Robin Walsh, Mak Wilson (Gags Beasley), Mark Bryan Wilson, Chase Woolner, Victor Yerrid (Small Java)
with
Peter Abrahamson, Catherine Adell, Christian Anderson, Rachel Appelbaum, Connor Asher, A. Winslow Barger, Phil Baron, Beau Brown, Pat Brymer, Tamara Carlson-Woodard, Neil Cicierega, Luman Coad, Joe Colwell, Marsian De Lellis, Roberto Ferreira, Genevieve Flati, Dina Fraboni, Dan Garza, Alex U. Griffin, Sam Koji Hale, David Liebe Hart, Chris Heady, Ric Heitzman, David Hosay, Robin Howard, Charles Hubbell, John Jennings, Jonathan Kidder, Doug Kincaid, Andy Rocco Kraft, Erik Kuska, Todd Gerson Levin, Derek Lux, Karen Maruyama, Sarah McChesney, George McGrath, Wendy Morton, Russell Nauman, Michael Paul, Ian Petrella, Steven Ritz-Barr, Lisa Rocco, Melissa Roja, Misty Rosas, Carla Rudy, Justin Sane, Nicolette Santino, Rob Saunders, Tomas Seidita, Joe Selph, Pam Severns, Chad Ethan Shohet, Benjamin Siemon, James Silson, Scott Silson, Jennifer Skelly, James Sloane, Jeff Speetjens, Kenny Stevenson, Trey Stokes, David Strassman, Norman Tempia, Zachariah Tolchinsky, Winston Tong, Star Townshend, Jack Venturo, Justin Walters, April Warren, Wayne White, Vanessa Whitney, Scott Woodard, Michelle Zamora
'80s Robot Puppeteers: David Covarrubias, Richard Haugen, Matt Heimlich, Trevor Hensley, Richard Landon, Shane Mahan, Jason Matthews, Lindsay McGowan, Brian Namanny, John Rosengrant, J. Alan Scott, Christopher Swift
Additional Voices: Brad Abrell, Charlie Adler, Lori Alan, Carlos Alazraqui, Kirk Baily, Dee Bradley Baker, Troy Baker, Ogie Banks, Eric Bauza, Jeff Bennett, John Bentley, Greg Berg, Bob Bergen, Jeff Bergman, Steven Blum, David Boat, Julianne Buescher, Rodger Bumpass, Max Burkholder, Steve Burns, Corey Burton, Ben Burtt, Cam Clarke, Robert Clotworthy, Townsend Coleman, Antonio Raul Corbo, David Cowgill, Peter Cullen, Brian Cummings, Jim Cummings, Stephanie D'Abruzzo, E.G. Daily, Matt Danner, Debi Derryberry, Jessica DiCicco, John DiMaggio, Ben Diskin, Mark Dodson, Michael Donovan, Holly Dorff, Terri Douglas, Robin Atkin Downes, Chris Edgerly, Paul Eiding, Chad Einbinder, Gideon Emery, Bill Fagerbakke, Bill Farmer, Keith Ferguson, Jeff Fischer, Quinton Flynn, Jennifer Crystal Foley, Sandy Fox, Pat Fraley, Eddie Frierson, Soleil Moon Frye, Donald Fullilove, Elisa Gabrielli, Teresa Ganzel, Jackie Gonneau, Barbara Goodson, Grey DeLisle Griffin, Khamani Griffin, Nicholas Guest, Jennifer Hale, Jess Harnell, Melanie Harrison, Gary Hecker, Bridget Hoffman, Richard Steven Horvitz, Brian Hull, Sirena Irwin, Danny Jacobs, Nick Jameson, Tom Kane, John Kassir, David Kaufman, David Kaye, Josh Keaton, Tom Kenny, Chris Knowings, Maurice LaMarche, Phil LaMarr, Bruce Lanoil, Carolyn Lawrence, Katie Leigh, Sherry Lynn, Tress MacNeille, Howie Mandel, Danny Mann, Jason Marsden, Mona Marshall, Mickie McGowan, Scott Menville, Matthew Mercer, Jim Meskimen, Candi Milo, Mike Nawrocki, Fred Newman, Laraine Newman, Nolan North, Raymond Ochoa, Peter Oldring, Colleen O'Shaughnessey, Paul Pape, Donovan Patton, Rob Paulsen, Pat Pinney, Phil Proctor, Randy Rainbow, Kevin Michael Richardson, Will Ryan, Noah Schnapp, Kevin Schon, Ben Schwartz, Frank Sharp, Mariel Sheets, Susan Silo, Jenny Slate, Christopher Corey Smith, Roger Craig Smith, Andre Sogliuzzo, Marilyn Sokol, Kath Soucie, Cole Sprouse, Dylan Sprouse, Kelly Stables, Steve Staley, Mindy Sterling, Tara Strong, James Patrick Stuart, Cree Summer, Pepper Sweeney, Shane Sweet, Jill Talley, Fred Tatasciore, James Arnold Taylor, Lauren Tom, Phil Vischer, Kari Wahlgren, Hynden Walch, Doug Walker, Jim Ward, Rick D. Wasserman, Frank Welker, Claudette Wells, Billy West, Colette Whitaker, April Winchell, Mick Wingert, Wally Wingert, Michael Winslow, Ariel Winter, Sam Witwer, Matthew Wood, Michael-Leon Wooley, Michael Ann Young, Lynnanne Zager
Crew
Directed by James Bobin and Kirk R. Thatcher
Written by Jim Lewis and Nicholas Stoller
Additional Screenplay by Craig Shemin
Produced by David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman
Executive Producers: Martin G. Baker, John G. Scotti, and Nicholas Stoller
Director of Photography: Don Burgess, ASC
Edited by James Thomas
Production Designers: Val Strazovec and Andy Walmsley
Costume Designers: Rahel Afiley and Polly Smith
Original Score by Christophe Beck
Music Supervisors: Bret McKenzie and Ed Mitchell
Unit Production Manager: John G. Scotti
Choreographer: Michael Rooney
Based on Disney's Muppet Properties and Characters, created by Jim Henson
Muppet Workshop
Puppeteer Captain: Bill Barretta
Muppet Workshop Supervisor: Jane Gootnick
Muppet Workshop Production Crew: Greg Ballora, Mary Brehmer, Gretchen Crookes, Andrea Detwiler, Alex "Jurgen" Ferguson, Scott Johnson, Peter MacKennan, Thomas O. Newby, Stephen Rotondaro
Puppet Design Consultants: Ed Christie, Ed Eyth, Michael K. Frith
Puppet Specialists: Sherry Amott, Pam Arciero, Leslee Asch, Cheryl Bartholow, Abigail Belknap, Carol Binion, Ronald Binion, Cheryl Blaylock, Maria Boggi, Fred Buchholz, Lisa Buckley, Dorothy Bulac, Tim Carroll, James Chai, Travis Chinick, Tim Clarke, Debbie Coda, Ron Cole, Lyle Conway, Don Creech, Leigh Donaldson, Brad Elliott, Bonnie Erickson, Jitka Exler, Bob Fappiano, Bob Flanagan, Thom Flowers, Nomi Frederick, Wendy Froud, Larry Galanter, Rob Gardner, Jon Gellman, Amy van Gilder, Deborah Glassberg, James Gray, Joanne Green, Jerry Gum, BJ Guyer, Marianne Harms, Taylor Harrison, Tim Hawkins, Cheryl Henson, Heather Henson, Jane Howell, Larry Jameson, Ulysses Jones, Mari Kaestle, Tacy Kneale, Marian Keating, Mimi Kingsley, Janet Knechtel, Tad Krzanowski, Emily Lawson, Barry Link, Laurent Linn, Dick Loveless, Sarah Luraschi, Christopher Lyall, Noel MacNeal, Maria McNamara, Susan Moore, Will Morrison, Lyndon Mosse, Bob Payne, Elena Pellicciaro, Susan Pitocchi, Katherine Profeta, Kip Rathke, Tim Rose, Jan Rosenthal, Mark Ruffin, Barret Schumacher, Michael Schupbach, David Skelly, Goran Sparrman, Kay Stuntz, Norman Tempia, Richard Termine, Whitney Thayne, David Velasquez, Russ Walko, Robin Walsh, Jean-Guy White, Karena Wienands, Caroly Wilcox, Darryl Worbey, Carlo Yannuzzi, Julie Zobel
Puppet Costume Specialists: Lisa Boquist, Carmel Dundon, Sarah Iams, Rebecca Jarrell, Tom Keller, Thomas Prager, Carol Spier, Mary Strieff
Key Puppet T.A.: Tiff Gravel
Muppets Designed and Built by Puppet Heap: Paul Andrejco, Lauren Attinello, Megan Bailey, Marc Borders, Barbara Bosak, Matthew Brennan, Kelli Burton, Michael Bush, Stephanie Cathro, Vanessa Chan, Rhys Chapman, Ceili Clemens, Melissa Creighton, Carole D'Agostino, Amy Delay, Isabelle Dufour, Richard Dyar, Henri Ewaskio, Morgan Filteau, Andrea Gilletti, Duncan Gillis, Vanessa Gifford Gillis, James Godwin, Ariella Goldstein, Anthony Grosso, Kellie Haines, Elizabeth Hara, Paul Hartis, Deb Hertzberg, Ann Marie Holdgruen, Lisa Howard, Jean Marie Keevins, Jim Kroupa, Janet Kuhl, Lara MacLean, Laura Manns, Cathy McCullough, Tom McLaughlin, Jeff Mills, Colette Nickola, Danielle Obinger, John Orberg, Anna Paniccia, Jane Pien, Maria Scheibe, Diana Schoenbrun, Matt Stoddart, Brendan Yi-Fu Tay, Sally Thomas, Mari Tobita, David Valentine, Laureen Vierno, Julie Wigg, Nate Wilson, James Wojtal, Cynthia Woodie
Interns: Jane Andrejco, Margaret Andrejco, Owen Andrejco, Emily Irvine, Casey Miller, Sarah Pickup, Nelly Reyes, Yu-Chun Wang, Chase Woolner
Additional Muppet Construction by The Jim Henson Company NY Creature Shop: Heather Asch, Zea Barker, David Bizarro, Erin Slattery Black, Matt Brooks, Brian Carson, Frankie Cordero, Ben Durocher, Victoria Ellis, Joel Gennari, Muriel Stockdale Grabe, Brian Haimes, Tyler Hall, Michelle Hickey, Joshua Holden, J. Douglas James, Ariella Knight, Rollie Krewson, Sarah Lafferty, Tim Lagasse, Matthew Lish, Kari Love, Amanda Maddock, Brittany Moskowitz, Anney Ozar, Constance Peterson, Lily Rosen, Kate Rusek, Sierra Schoening, Jessica Simon, Polly Smith, Melissa Smith-Cruz, Keely Snook, Jason Weber, Stacey Weingarten, Matt Withiam
Interns: Jill Colley, Janelle Courts, Gabriella Degennaro, Alana De Matteo, Carolyn Fanelli, David Roberts, Joseph Roddy, Jason Seck
In Memory of our Friend Tim Miller
Trivia
This Muppet movie is unique in that it contains a mid-credits scene and a post-credits scene. The mid-credits scene features Gonzo claiming to have learned his lesson about eating rubber tires, before revealing he is practicing a less hazardous stunt: destroying a vintage automobile to the music of the "Anvil Chorus" (Gonzo already tried this stunt in The Muppet Show's third episode). When Camilla asks what Gonzo plans on doing with the pieces, he replies that he'll sell them as scrap metal. In the post-credits scene, after the reunion show is over, the classic Muppets leave and Beauregard cleans up the mess, Scooter receives a phone call. He answers the phone, then calls for the Snowths because the call is apparently meant for them. When the Snowths pick up the phone, the caller on the other end utters one last "Mahna Mahna." The final six notes of the song play, then the screen cuts to black.
Early on in production, the casts of Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock and Bear in the Big Blue House were considered for cameo appearances in this film, and even included in rough drafts of the story (scenes included Red Fraggle hugging an uncomfortable Miss Piggy and Cookie Monster conversing with Animal). However, Disney was unsuccessful in asking Sesame Workshop and the Jim Henson Company permission to use characters from the first two shows (Sesame Workshop did, however, allow the use of Bert and Ernie and the Sesame Street theme music, and the Jim Henson Company permitted the use of the Sam and Friends characters, characters from the Muppets' early commercials, and original puppets from their Puppet Up stage shows). Bert and Ernie do indeed make a cameo, asking for directions to the Happiness Hotel (a pit stop on the way to Sesame Street).
ALF also makes a cameo, speaking in the audience after the Pigs in Space sketch. Paul Fusco reprised ALF's voice, while his puppet was performed by Bill Barretta, with assistance from Carmen Osbahr and Michelan Sisti.
The yellow woman puppet from the Puppet Up version of "I've Grown Accustomed to Your Face" is used for the film version of the song, alongside the rebuild of the original Yorick; the credits refer to her as "Kermitina" (performed here by Karen Prell against ex-husband Mike Quinn as Yorick). There were originally plans to have Wilkins in drag take Kermit's place, but were scrapped for unknown reasons. Likewise, the puppets used on That Puppet Game Show as Amber O'Neill and Mancie O'Neill (both of whom were recycled from generic Whatnots from The Muppet Show) appear to accompany Annie Sue in singing "Windy", as in the Puppet Up version of the sketch, replacing lines like "What the f**k are you doing?" with the less offensive "What the hell are you doing?" and "You already got the f**king job! You don't need to prove anything!" with "You got the job! What else do you have to prove, you idiot?!" both directed at Beauregard. Amber was performed by Grant Baciocco, while Mancie was puppeteered by Sarah Oh and voiced by Tim Lagasse. Additional "Windy" performers include James Murray, Brian Clark, Colleen Smith, Brian Jones, and Jess McKay.
Around 200 long-lost recurring and background Muppets were rebuilt for this film by Puppet Heap Workshop, in collaboration with the Jim Henson Company and the Jim Henson New York and Los Angeles Creature Shops. Paul Andrejco, the founder of Puppet Heap, and the workshop's designers and builders used original designs by Jim Henson, Michael K. Frith, Bonnie Erickson, and others as inspiration when rebuilding the classic Muppets, a project spearheaded by builder James Wojtal. These Muppets included the main cast of Sam and Friends, Wilkins and Wontkins (performed by Karen Prell (puppeteer) and David Rudman (voice) as Wilkins, and Bill Barretta as Wontkins), several long-lost characters from The Muppet Show, and an adult puppet version of Skeeter from Muppet Babies (using artwork from The Muppet Show Comic Book as inspiration), performed by Karen Prell; as well as a puppet version of Fozzie's comedy writer, Gags Beasley (performed by Mak Wilson).
Former Muppet performers Frank Oz, Steve Whitmire, and Fran Brill also contributed to the film in a non-performing capacity, most notably teaching newer puppeteers how to do the voices of their own original characters. While on-set, Whitmire took time to reconcile with the Henson family.
This is also the first speaking appearance of Rizzo the Rat since Steve Whitmire's departure from the Muppets; the character is now performed by Peter Linz. Several of Whitmire's other Muppet characters, including Bean Bunny (performed by Frankie Cordero) and Waldo C. Graphic (voiced by Allan Trautman) also make return speaking appearances. Nigel the conductor, Thog, and Hilda also make their first speaking appearances in over 40 years, performed now by Ryan Dillon as Nigel, Peter Linz as Thog, and Julianne Buescher as Hilda. Dillon had previously performed Nigel in The Muppets Take the Bowl and The Muppets Take the O2, both in silent roles.
A new Camilla puppet was built for this film. To distinguish her from other Muppet chickens, she is given vibrant blue eyelids, a darker orange beak, fluffier feathers, grey highlights on her tail, and bulkier, reddish-orange feet with a sharper toe shape. Her wings are longer, and controlled by rods, another contrast to the other chickens. This helps Gonzo identify the real Camilla out of a large crowd of Muppet chickens.
The Camilla character is also given a more active role here (developing a much stronger personality) than in the other Muppet movies, as not only Gonzo's girlfriend, but also confidant and moral conscience. She assists Gonzo in preparing for his stunt of eating a rubber tire to "Flight of the Bumblebee" (by keeping track of Gonzo's eating habits), puts her wing on Gonzo's chest and comforts him as he tries to vomit chunks of the tire in the theater bathroom (not caring at all if her wings are puked on), slaps and kicks his back to help regurgitate the tire, accompanies Gonzo to the hospital (personally giving Gonzo a hypodermic needle shot), helps look for the missing Muppet Show sign before Gonzo does his act, leads all of the Muppet chickens against the villains, is the first Muppet to react with horror when Constantine wounds Robin, calls everyone to the little frog's limp body, and is the first to attack Constantine, tackling him like a football player and mercilessly pecking his eye while Gonzo, as angry as everyone else about what had happened to Robin, cheers for her to take down the evil frog and try to take away his gun. She is also one of the few Muppets (along with Rizzo, Pepe, and Sam Eagle) not to cry or sniffle during Robin's memorial, instead bowing before a picture of the frog (Pepe whispers, "Adios, mi amigo. You will be remembered, okay," Rizzo says, "Catch ya later, pal," and Sam salutes the picture like an American soldier). The end credits sequence shows her dancing with Chicken Liver from Sam and Friends while Gonzo fiddles.
When Gonzo finishes puking in the bathroom and comes out looking like a wreck, the puppet used for Gonzo is a slightly bigger replica of the Gonzo puppet used in The Muppet Show's first season, with a more polished look and yellow eyelids instead of green. Dave Goelz's voice also becomes similar to the season 1 Gonzo. Kermit is one of the Muppets to find Gonzo sick, so Camilla was puppeteered by Carmen Osbahr to Matt Vogel's vocals.
The Gonzo puppet's first appearance as Snarl the Cigar Box Frackle from The Great Santa Claus Switch is referenced. In a scene early in the movie, Gonzo hangs out with Boppity, Gloat, Thog, Droop, J.G., Mo, Scabby, Lothar, Thig, and eight other Frackles. When Camilla finds him, Gonzo quips, "I almost feel like I'm one of them." To add to the reference, the music that plays in this scene is the same as when Cosmo Scam and the Frackles are first seen in The Great Santa Claus Switch.
This film features Miss Piggy at perhaps her nicest (and most childlike). While she's still a bombastic diva with a large ego and a very violent temper, her more playful side is noticeably more emphasised here. In the film, she accompanies Robin on a fishing trip in a local park while Kermit is busy running his show out of genuine love for his nephew rather than reluctance, tap dances with Kermit and Robin (even donning frog-like flippers when dancing), uncharacteristically recommends Annie Sue to sing "Windy" in her place, is the first to rush over when Robin is fatally wounded by Constantine during the climatic battle (an act even Uncle Deadly, Statler and Waldorf find appalling), and hugs and smooches Robin when the frog is resurrected near the end. She gets really angry, and uses her infamous karate chop, only once, and that's to beat Constantine to a pulp when he calls the (temporarily) dead Robin "dull" compared to his fellow Muppets (this speaking of ill to the dead infuriates even the normally calm Rowlf), preceded by an equally furious Kermit stating, "This is for Robin". The end credits sequence shows her, Skeeter and Summer Penguin playing a friendly prank on Kermit.
Matt Vogel was assisted in performing Kermit (donning a black wig) by Michael Oosterom for "That Old Black Magic". Likewise, Colleen Smith assisted Ryan Dillon in performing Sam.
For "C'est Si Bon", David Quesal assisted Karen Prell on Wilkins, while the backup singers were performed by Leslie Carrara-Rudolph and Noel MacNeal.
For "I've Got You Under My Skin", Kermit was performed by Kevin Clash, assisted by Ronald Binion, while the backup singers were performed by John Tartaglia, Stephanie D'Abruzzo, and John Kennedy.
"Happy Feet" sees Kermit, Miss Piggy, and Robin dance in front of a black background which was digitally altered to a CGI dance studio in post-production. Additional performers, besides Matt Vogel, Eric Jacobson and Peter Linz, include Alice Dinnean, Drew Massey, Paul McGinnis, Mike Quinn, Bruce Lanoil, and Julianne Buescher.
Performers for "Conga" include Eric Jacobson (Miss Piggy), Paul McGinnis (Miss Piggy assistant), David Rudman, Peter Linz, Bill Barretta, Kevin Clash, Matt Vogel, Tyler Bunch, Alice Dinnean, Julianne Buescher, Mike Quinn, Noel MacNeal, Drew Massey, Leslie Carrara-Rudolph, Bruce Lanoil, Stephanie D'Abruzzo, Tim Lagasse, John Tartaglia, Victor Yerrid, Allan Trautman, John Kennedy, Rick Lyon, Ryan Dillon, and Karen Prell.
In scenes where Delbert the La Choy Dragon and the Swedish Chef appear together, Peter Linz, who usually assists Bill Barretta on the Chef by serving as his hands, puppeteers the dragon (assisted by Stephanie D'Abruzzo), while the Chef's hands are those of Ryan Dillon.
The six chickens at the beginning of "Bohemian Rhapsody" were performed by Matt Vogel (Camilla), Julianne Buescher, Peter Linz, Alice Dinnean, Noel MacNeal, and Tyler Bunch. According to Gonzo, the other five are named Chico, Curly, Carmen, Cecilia, and Shemp. He also mentions Camilla having cousins named Edgar, Bil, Burr, Wayland, and Shari.
During the song "Sweetums", Noel MacNeal was assisted in performing the ogre by Sarah Oh (performing his right hand) and Kevin Carlson (operating his eyes via RC control). Alice Dinnean assisted Mike Quinn on Constantine.
Performers during "The Rainbow Connection" include Matt Vogel (Kermit), Eric Jacobson (Miss Piggy), Dave Goelz (Gonzo), Bill Barretta (Rowlf), David Rudman (Scooter), Peter Linz (Walter), Tyler Bunch (Fozzie), Noel MacNeal (Sweetums), Brian Henson, Kevin Clash (Clifford), Mike Quinn, Bruce Lanoil, Tim Lagasse, Ryan Dillon, Paul McGinnis, Karen Prell (Skeeter), Julianne Buescher, Alice Dinnean, Louise Gold, John Kennedy, Joey Mazzarino, Carmen Osbahr, Martin P. Robinson, John Tartaglia, Leslie Carrara-Rudolph, Stephanie D'Abruzzo, Allan Trautman, Victor Yerrid, Pam Arciero, Haley Jenkins, Donna Kimball, Colleen Smith, Michelan Sisti, Tim Blaney, Artie Esposito, Grant Baciocco, Jim Kroupa, Alison Mork, Kevin Carlson, Warrick Brownlow-Pike, Drew Massey, Frankie Cordero, Michael Oosterom, James Murray, BJ Guyer, Rickey Boyd, Sean Johnson, James Godwin, Vicki Kenderes-Eibner, Sarah Oh, Nathan Danforth, Dorien Davies, Lara MacLean, Lisa Buckley, Spencer Lott, Marc Petrosino, Patrick Johnson, Brett O'Quinn, Heather Asch, and Jennifer Barnhart.
The film is dedicated in memory to longtime Muppet builder Tim Miller, who passed away in 2019. He helped build many characters, including the original Clifford and Chip, as well as Gobo and Sprocket from Fraggle Rock.