The closure of Muppet*Vision 3D at Walt Disney World was a tough pill to swallow. Still, in the midst of that disappointment, the Muppets are quietly gaining steam in their 70th year… From their presence at Disney’s parks, Marvel comic books, a rumored TV series, and a surprise Broadway stint, let’s review what’s going on in the world of our favorite felt friends!
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets
Among the most exciting theme park developments is the upcoming Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster reimagining to star The Muppets, replacing Aerosmith.
Filled with psychedelic paint jobs, music from the Electric Mayhem, and starring plenty of Muppets, including animatronic versions of Scooter and some penguins in the pre-show, the reimagined rock ‘n’ roll road-trip coaster will open sometime in 2026 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Merch and Festival Spotlights
Any merchandise starring the Muppets tends to sell out quickly. Between the few pieces and their popularity, they’re tough to find! The Muppet Studios tends to release coveted capsule collections at D23 events, but we’re left wanting so much more, and for them to be more accessible for that matter.
You can currently find this Muppet Christmas Carol ornament at Disney World’s Christmas shops:
I’ve personally been on the hunt for this Muppets Haunted Mansion Disney pin, which is supposedly an open edition release, but they can’t keep enough on the shelves!
While we await more merchandise tied to the reimagined Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, along with the promise of more Muppet-themed items arriving soon on Sunset Boulevard, EPCOT has already welcomed its own seasonal Muppets collection.
For the past few EPCOT International Food & Wine Festivals, a Muppet Labs-themed line has been introduced, starring Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and his loyal assistant, Beaker. Though relatively small, the collection has consistently resonated with fans. This year, it even includes a limited-edition LUG bag!
70 Years of Muppet Magic
This year marks a significant milestone: the 70th anniversary of the Muppets. Celebrations began in August 2024 and will continue through 2025, featuring social media spotlights of different characters, digital trading cards and magnets at Disney parks, and a companion fan podcast, “70 Years, 70 Muppets.”
On May 9, 2025, Disney and The Muppets Studio officially commemorated the anniversary by declaring it Kermit the Frog Day; marking 70 years since Kermit’s television debut in Sam and Friends in 1955. That same day, the California Legislature issued a proclamation honoring his legacy.
At Walt Disney World, a Skyliner gondola was wrapped with decals featuring Fozzie, Miss Piggy, Sam Eagle, Statler, Waldorf, and Kermit:
Image: BlogMickey
Over at Disney California Adventure, the Muppets are currently leading a colorful pre-show for World of Color – Happiness!
Beyond the parks, Marvel Comics is joining in with 10 variant covers set to release in October 2025, featuring Muppets characters parodying iconic Marvel moments. Thor-Miss Piggy and Kermit as Spider-Man? Yep.
Rumored TV Series
For the last few months, rumors have been circulating on a reboot of The Muppet Show. According to the Film & Television Industry Alliance‘s production tracker, an upcoming pilot is in the works and is being described as:
“The Muppet Show pilot is set to reintroduce the beloved characters with a fresh twist, blending classic charm with new comedic sketches. The project aims to capture the heart and humor that made the original a cultural icon.”
The pilot is said to be produced by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg through their company, Point Grey Pictures, in collaboration with 20th Television, The Muppets Studio, and The Jim Henson Company. While not officially confirmed, the pilot is rumored to begin filming this week on the Fox Studio Lot.
The Muppets Take Broadway!
On stage, the Muppets are about to make a splash in Rob Lake Magic with Special Guests The Muppets. This is a 12-week limited-engagement magic‑and‑Muppet spectacle at the Broadhurst Theatre. Previews start October 28, 2025, with an opening night on November 6, and the production will run through January 18, 2026.
This marks the Muppets’ first live Broadway run outside the fictional premise of 1984’s The Muppets Take Manhattan! Finally, after all this time.
Despite the closure of Muppet*Vision (during The Muppets’ 70th anniversary, of all years), there is certainly a resurgence unfolding before our very eyes. Fellow Muppet fans, how are you doing? What do you think of the current state of Kermit and the gang? Where or how would you like to see them next?
