'Flight of the Conchords' co-creator will direct Disney's Muppet movie

"Flight of the Conchords" co-creator James Bobin has decided it's time to play the music and it’s time to light the lights, signing on to direct Disney’s new Muppet movie.

The project, being overseen by senior exec Kristin Burr, had been a priority of the former Dick Cook/Oren Aviv Disney administration and the new toppers Rich Ross and Sean Bailey continued to push it forward.

The Muppet movie follows their goal of creating more branded entertainment under the Disney banner. Bobin’s name emerged as the lead choice after “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs” directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller were on track to directed but abruptly did a detour, inking a deal to helm “21 Jump Street” at Sony instead. As reported by New York Magazine, Bobin faced a choice of directing Muppets or a Judd Apatow comedy titled “Bridesmaids” at Universal. Bobin made the decision to throw his lot with Kermit and Miss Piggy late Thursday night.

Jason Segel and Nicholas Stoller wrote the new Muppet project. Segel is described as a “Muppet freak” by those close to him, with paraphernalia from the Jim Henson show all over his pad. Plot details are being kept secret, but Bobin is expected to bring a musical sensibility to the project, which is being produced by Mandeville’s David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman.

In addition to “Conchords,” CAA-repped Bobin was a writer on “Da Ali G Show” and has the comedy “Moon People” set up at Sony.

Comments

[Oonceoonce]

!!!

[Faitherina]

Yeeeeees!

[Ryan]

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY

[ethan bryson]

I'll only go see this movie if Jemaine and Bret have a cameo!

[lestthevamp]

PIIIIIIGGGGS INNN SPAAACCCEEEE: THE MOVVVVIIIIIEEEE!

[cheap r4i]

Its been way too long since the awesome revival in Muppets from Space and now with awesome youtube skits and comics, the time has never been better for them to get back on the big screen!!!!

[jon gellert]

I have a 4 year old son with a bizarre fear of Kermit. I really hope that he outgrows it by the time the movie is made.

[Sloop John B.]

Wha-??? A Muppet movie? Good god, and we thought Disney had a lousy movie slate LAST year!

[Spadaque]

This is good. this is very good.

[rani]

Statler and Waldorf better make an appearance. Just sayin'...
And the plot of 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall' makes a lot more sense knowing Segal's muppetophilia (which I share)... The muppetlike musical production he put on felt like a shout-out to Count Von Count of Sesame Street.

[maya tutorials]

I acknowledge that it's complete bullcrap in terms of accuracy. But I don't feel that it takes anything away from the power of the script. In no way is it making itself out to be a documentary. It does not present itself as truthful. Because of this I have less of a problem with The Muppet Man than I do a bio-film that takes some creative licenses or even something like the many WW2 films that show a situation of the allies losing without the Americans joining in.

[mystic tash]

Christmas Carol or Treasure Island? I mean yes, Michael Cain is amazing in Carol, BUT billy connolly and jennifer saunders in treasure island basically made my childhood worth living. Alright that sounded a little weird...

[kelly brester]

wow im so excited a new muppet movie wellcome back kermit miss piggy and the rest of the muppet gang i love you kermit and miss piggy love your muppet fan kelly

[free movies]

I love "Flight of the Concords"
Should be some interesting twists & adds to the new muppet movie.

[Matt T.]

INCREDIBLE!!!!! AHHHHH this is tooo good to be true!!!!

[iedge karte]

Wow, The Flight of the Conchords may be permanently grounded at HBO, but one of its guiding forces may soon help the Muppets take flight.

[computer repair miami]

It's great! I love the Flight of the Conchords, they are amazing. Kids will love everything they make. And not only the kids!