If theres one film I would love to be involved with this year its the new Muppets movie. I can only imagine my giddy joy at getting to hang out with Kermit, Piggy, et al; in a re-fit of the old Muppet Show theatre. Yes, I know theyre only puppets, but the Muppet performers commitment to their characters is often hilarious, and it seems nigh-on impossible not to treat a Muppet like an equal in the endless array of celebrity cameo clips Ive watched of Sesame Street (this Ricky Gervais and Elmo one being a surprising highlight).And now that wonderment is reflected in this simple yet charming official promo shot (above) from the new Muppet movie, which is currently considering a new title after The Greatest Muppet Movie Ever Made was bandied about on the film's original script. I mean, just look at star and writer Jason Segels face, his happiness at hanging out with the Muppets is clearly evident and hopefully will be palpable on screen in the forthcoming film co-written by Segel and Nicholas Stoller (Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Get Him To The Greek) and directed by James Bobin (Flight of the Conchords). This will mark the first time the Muppets have appeared on the big screen since 1999s surprisingly funny Muppets From Space (though there have been a string of sloppy DTV features), and hopefully will mark a comeback for Jim Henson Studios who are also developing some intriguing projects in the shape of The Happytime Murders and a mooted The Dark Crystal sequel. Additionally, Vogue magazine confirmed previous reports that Miss. Piggy is hired as a plus-sized fashion editor for Vogue Paris in the new film; and they also revealed a few more plot details chiefly that the film will focus on Segal and Adams trying to save the ailing Muppet theatre by convincing the Muppets to reform. As they try and get the gang back together they discover Piggy's appointment to Vogue, Fozzie's casino tribute band called The Moppets, Animal receiving anger management therapy at a Santa Barbara clinic and Gonzo has become a high powered plumbing magnate (that nose could definitely unclog a u-bend). They also note the film's release as February 2012, which - if true - means I'll have to wait even longer before I get to regress to childhood! The new Muppets movie has a suitably off-beat cast list including Oscar nominee Amy Adams, Golden Globe winner Emily Blunt, Jack Black, Danny Trejo, Chris Cooper, Katy Perry, Billy Crystal, Alan Arkin and Jean-Claude Van-Damme. How could you not be excited?!
