Muppets Most Wanted

Muppets Most Wanted is a 2014 American musical comedy caper film produced by Walt Disney Pictures andMandeville Films, and the eighth theatrical film featuring the Muppets.[4]  Directed by James Bobin and written by Bobin and Nicholas Stoller, the film is a sequel to 2011's The Muppets and stars Ricky Gervais, Ty Burrell, and Tina Fey as well as Muppet performers Steve Whitmire, Eric Jacobson, Dave Goelz, Bill Barretta, David Rudman, Matt Vogel, and Peter Linz.[5]  In the film, the Muppets find themselves unwittingly involved in an international crime caper while on tour in Europe.[6]

The majority of the production team behind The Muppets returned for Muppets Most Wanted including Bobin, Stoller, producers David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman,[7]  music supervisor Bret McKenzie, and composer Christophe Beck.[8] [9]  Principal photography commenced in January 2013 at Pinewood Studios in London.[10]

Muppets Most Wanted premiered at the El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles on March 11, 2014 and was released theatrically in North America on March 21, 2014. The film received positive reviews, although it was not as commercially successful as its predecessor, grossing only $78 million worldwide.



Contents
[hide]  *1 Plot  ==Plot[ edit] == Immediately following the events of their last film, the Muppets find themselves at a loss as to what to do for their sequel. They are approached by Dominic Badguy, who offers to manage the group and schedule a European tour. Meanwhile, the criminal mastermind Constantine, a near-exact double for Kermit the Frog in appearance, escapes from a SiberianGulag and joins his subordinate Badguy to begin a plot to steal the Crown Jewels of England.
 * 2 Cast
 * 2.1 Muppet performers
 * 2.2 Cameo guest stars
 * 3 Production
 * 3.1 Development
 * 3.2 Filming
 * 3.3 Post-production
 * 3.4 Music
 * 4 Release
 * 4.1 Marketing
 * 4.2 Home media
 * 5 Reception
 * 5.1 Box office
 * 5.2 Critical response
 * 6 Sequel
 * 7 References
 * 8 External links

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:17.9200000762939px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14.3999996185303px;">Once the Muppets arrive in Berlin, Badguy secures them a show at a prestigious venue. Kermit, frustrated with the troupe's ludicrous requests and Miss Piggy's insistent hints at marriage, goes for a walk at Badguy's suggestion. Constantine ambushes him and glues a fake mole onto his cheek, matching Constantine's own, then slips away; the locals mistakenly identify Kermit as the criminal, and he is arrested and sent to the Gulag. Constantine takes Kermit's place, raising the suspicions of no one except Animal, and he and Badguy steal several paintings from a museum during the show. The next morning, Interpol agent Jean Pierre Napoleon and CIA agentSam Eagle grudgingly team up to apprehend the culprit, whom Napoleon believes to be his nemesis, "The Lemur" - the number-two criminal in the world.

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:17.9200000762939px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14.3999996185303px;">Following instructions hidden behind one of the stolen paintings, Constantine and Badguy divert the tour to Madrid. Constantine informs the Muppets they can perform any act they wish, much to Walter's puzzlement. During this show, Constantine and Badguy break into a museum and destroy a roomful of busts to find a key needed for their plan. Even though the performance is a disaster, the Muppets receive critical acclaim. Sam and Napoleon deduce that the connection between the crimes is the Muppet tour, and the pair interrogate the Muppets with little success. The instructions on the stolen key lead Constantine and Badguy to schedule the next show inDublin, Ireland.

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:17.9200000762939px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14.3999996185303px;">In Dublin, Walter discovers that Badguy has been giving away show tickets and bribing critics to ensure a packed house and rave reviews, and Fozzie Bear notices the resemblance between Kermit and Constantine. The two realize that Constantine has taken Kermit's place and brought in Badguy as his accomplice. Constantine attacks Walter and Fozzie, but Animal fends him off and the three escape from the train so they can rescue Kermit. During the Dublin performance, Badguy steals a locket from a museum and Constantine proposes to Miss Piggy onstage; she accepts, and the pair plan a ceremony to be held at the Tower of London, where the Crown Jewels are kept.

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:17.9200000762939px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14.3999996185303px;">Meanwhile, Kermit has been making numerous attempts to escape from the Gulag, each one thwarted by prison guard Nadya. Aware of his true identity and obsessed with him, Nadya orders Kermit to help organize the prisoners' annual talent show. Fozzie, Walter, and Animal reach the Gulag on the night of the performance, and Kermit uses it as a front to allow them, himself, and all the prisoners to escape.

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:17.9200000762939px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14.3999996185303px;">The four Muppets infiltrate the Tower as the wedding begins, and Badguy (with the help of Bobby Benson's Baby Band) uses the stolen key and locket to disable the security system protecting the jewels and steals them. Kermit interrupts the ceremony, revealing Constantine's true identity, but the criminal takes Piggy hostage and flees to a waiting helicopter. He is intercepted by Badguy - actually the Lemur and now dressed in a lemur costume - who intends to double-cross Constantine and keep the jewels for himself. Constantine ejects him from the helicopter and tries to take off with Piggy, but Kermit jumps aboard and the rest of the Muppets climb atop each other to stop the escape. Kermit and Piggy knock Constantine out, with Kermit slapping the fake mole onto Constantine's face, and both criminals are arrested.

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:17.9200000762939px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14.3999996185303px;">Nadya arrives in London to return Kermit to the Gulag, but the other Muppets tell her that if she arrests him, she will have to take all of them as well. She decides to let the Muppets complete their tour by performing at the Gulag with Constantine and the prisoners participating. ==Cast<span class="mw-editsection" style="-webkit-user-select:none;font-size:small;margin-left:1em;line-height:1em;display:inline-block;white-space:nowrap;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">[ edit<span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">] == ===Muppet performers<span class="mw-editsection" style="-webkit-user-select:none;font-size:small;margin-left:1em;line-height:1em;display:inline-block;white-space:nowrap;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">[ edit<span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">] === ===Cameo guest stars<span class="mw-editsection" style="-webkit-user-select:none;font-size:small;margin-left:1em;line-height:1em;display:inline-block;white-space:nowrap;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">[ edit<span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">] === <p style="margin-top:0.5em;line-height:17.9200000762939px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14.3999996185303px;">Dexter Fletcher,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-29" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[29]  Bridgit Mendler, Debby Ryan, and Peter Serafinowicz filmed scenes that were cut from the film. These scenes were later reinstated in the Blu-ray release's extended version. ==Production<span class="mw-editsection" style="-webkit-user-select:none;font-size:small;margin-left:1em;line-height:1em;display:inline-block;white-space:nowrap;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">[ edit<span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">] == ===Development<span class="mw-editsection" style="-webkit-user-select:none;font-size:small;margin-left:1em;line-height:1em;display:inline-block;white-space:nowrap;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">[ edit<span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">] === <p style="margin-top:0.5em;line-height:17.9200000762939px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14.3999996185303px;">In March 2012, after the critical and commercial success of the The Muppets, Walt Disney Studios negotiated a deal with James Bobin and Nicholas Stoller to direct and write, respectively, an eighth installment.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Vulture1_5-1" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[5]  Disney green-lit the film on April 24, 2012.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-30" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[30]  Along with Brian Henson, Bobin is the only other person to have directed two Muppet films.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Collider1_31-0" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[31]
 * Ricky Gervais as Dominic Badguy, alias "The Lemur", the world's second most-wanted criminal and Constantine's accomplice who poses as the manager of a fictional international talent agency.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-THR1_11-0" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[11]  His last name is pronounced "bædgee" which is a French pronunciation.
 * Ty Burrell as Jean Pierre Napoleon, a French Interpol agent who works with Sam Eagle on finding Constantine.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-THR1_11-1" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[11]
 * Tina Fey as Nadya, a high-ranking prison guard at Gulag 38B who is obsessed with Kermit the Frog. Interviewed by phone in the "Inside the Gulag" featurette, Nadya identifies herself as the warden.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-THR1_11-2" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[11]
 * Steve Whitmire as Kermit the Frog, Foo-Foo, Statler, Beaker, Lips, Rizzo the Rat, Link Hogthrob, The Newsman<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-officialpr_12-0" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[12]
 * Eric Jacobson as Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Sam Eagle, Animal<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-officialpr_12-1" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[12]
 * Dave Goelz as The Great Gonzo, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, Zoot, Beauregard, Waldorf<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-officialpr_12-2" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[12]
 * Bill Barretta as Rowlf the Dog, Pepé the King Prawn, Dr. Teeth, The Swedish Chef, Bobo the Bear, Big Mean Carl, Baby Boss, Carlo Flamingo, Leprechaun Security Guard<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-officialpr_12-3" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[12]
 * David Rudman as Scooter, Janice, Bobby Benson, Wayne, Miss Poogy<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-officialpr_12-4" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[12]
 * Matt Vogel as Constantine, Floyd Pepper, Sweetums, Pops, Robin the Frog, Lew Zealand, Crazy Harry, '80s Robot, Camilla the Chicken, Uncle Deadly<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-officialpr_12-5" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[12]
 * Peter Linz as Walter, Manolo Flamingo<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-officialpr_12-6" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[12]
 * Tony Bennett as himself, he was seen during the "We're Doing a Sequel" song.
 * Hugh Bonneville and Tom Hollander as Irish journalists, two reporters who take bribes from Badguy to write a glowing review of the Muppets' performance.
 * Sean "Diddy" Combs as himself, seen gambling with Pepé on the Muppets' train.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-P._Diddy_to_Meet_P._Prawn_13-0" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[13]
 * Jemaine Clement as Prison King, a Gulag 38B inmate who is the leader of the inmates following Constantine's escape and wears a crown made of sporks.
 * Rob Corddry as First assistant director, the assistant director of The Muppets.
 * Mackenzie Crook and Toby Jones as Prado museum security guards.
 * Celine Dion as Miss Piggy's Fairy Godmother<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-digitalspy.co.uk_14-0" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[14]
 * Lady Gaga as herself, she was seen during the "We're Doing a Sequel" song.
 * Zach Galifianakis as Hobo Joe<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-15" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[15]
 * Josh Groban as Maximum security prisoner, a Gulag 38B inmate with a good singing voice who spends the majority of the film locked in a sweatbox.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-16" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[16]
 * Salma Hayek as herself, participating in Gonzo's indoor "Running of the Bulls" act.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-17" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[17]
 * Tom Hiddleston as "Great Escapo," a Gulag 38B inmate who is an escape artist.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-18" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[18]
 * Frank Langella as Beefeater Vicar, a minister who presides over the wedding of Constantine the Frog and Miss Piggy.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[19]
 * Ray Liotta as Big Papa, a Gulag 38B inmate who is a fan of Boyz II Men.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-20" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[20]
 * Ross Lynch as Young Florist, he provides the flowers for the wedding of Constantine the Frog and Miss Piggy.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-ibtimes_21-0" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[21]
 * James McAvoy as UPS guy
 * Chloë Grace Moretz as Russian newspaper delivery girl
 * Dylan "Hornswoggle" Postl as Gulag 38B prisoner #1<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-22" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[22]
 * Usher Raymond as Wedding Usher<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-23" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[23]
 * Miranda Richardson as Berliner in window
 * Saoirse Ronan as herself, performing a ballet set to The Nutcracker with two Mutations.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-24" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[24]
 * Til Schweiger as German police officer<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-25" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[25]
 * Russell Tovey as Champagne deliveryman, he delivers the champagne to Constantine the Frog and Miss Piggy's wedding.
 * Danny Trejo as Danny Trejo, a fictional version of the actor who is a Gulag 38B inmate.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-26" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[26]
 * Stanley Tucci as Ivan, a Gulag 38B Watchtower Guard.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-27" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[27]
 * Christoph Waltz as himself, appearing in a waltz with Sweetums.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Waltz_28-0" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[28]

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:17.9200000762939px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14.3999996185303px;">Writing began in April 2012 after a couple of weeks of outlining.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Collider2_32-0" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[32]  Jason Segel, co-writer and star of the previous film, declined any involvement with the eighth entry, citing that he had accomplished his ambition of bringing the characters to the forefront with the 2011 film.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-33" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[33]  Despite this, Bobin and Stoller quickly began work on the film based on Disney's demand. Taking on the form of a caper, the film was inspired by both The Great Muppet Caper and The Muppets Take Manhattan as well as The Pink Panther and The Thomas Crown Affair.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Collider1_31-1" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[31] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Collider2_32-1" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[32]  Bobin said that the film was "a tip of the hat to the old-school crime capers of the '60s, but featuring a frog, a pig, a bear, and a dog—no panthers, even pink ones—along with the usual Muppet-y mix of mayhem, music and laughs".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-THR1_11-3" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[11] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-34" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[34]

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:17.9200000762939px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14.3999996185303px;">The first actor to be attached to the film was Christoph Waltz in the role of an Interpol inspector. Waltz dropped out due to scheduling conflicts and was replaced by Ty Burrell.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-35" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[35]  In December 2012, Ricky Gervais confirmed his casting.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-NME1_36-0" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[36]  Tina Fey was later confirmed in January of the following year.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-37" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[37] ===Filming<span class="mw-editsection" style="-webkit-user-select:none;font-size:small;margin-left:1em;line-height:1em;display:inline-block;white-space:nowrap;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">[ edit<span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">] === <p style="margin-top:0.5em;line-height:17.9200000762939px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14.3999996185303px;">Originally commissioned under the title The Muppets... Again!,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-EW1_4-1" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[4]  principal photography began in January 2013, at London's Pinewood Studios in Iver, Buckinghamshire.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-SlashFilm1_10-1" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[10] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-38" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[38]  Filming also took place at the Tower of London, where Kermit and Miss Piggy get married again.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-39" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[39]  Additional filming locations in London included Leicester Square, Tower Hill, the Richmond Theatre, Wilton's Music Hall, and Freemasons' Hall.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-40" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[40]  In addition to the United Kingdom, scenes were also shot at Union Station and on Hollywood Boulevard (to recreate the previous film's ending) in Los Angeles.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-41" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[41] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-42" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[42]  On June 13, 2013, the title of the film was changed from ''The Muppets... Again! to Muppets Most Wanted''.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-EW2_43-0" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[43] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-44" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[44] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-45" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[45]

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:17.9200000762939px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14.3999996185303px;">The production design was done by Eve Stewart, who took a tongue-in-cheek approach to each country setting while also being influenced by the retro style of "crime capers of the '60s and '70s".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-46" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[46]  Rahel Afiley returned as the costume designer, compiling the wardrobe for both Muppet and human characters. In addition to Afiley's own creations, English fashion designer Vivienne Westwood also contributed four outfits for Miss Piggy while United States retailer Brooks Brothers created more than 200 items for the male cast.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-47" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[47] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-48" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[48]  Discussing Miss Piggy's wedding gown, Westwood said, "It's called the Court dress and is inspired by 17th-century English royalty and the court of King Charles II. It has been designed [...] in a white pearl sequin fabric made from recycled water bottles."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-49" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[49] ===Post-production<span class="mw-editsection" style="-webkit-user-select:none;font-size:small;margin-left:1em;line-height:1em;display:inline-block;white-space:nowrap;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">[ edit<span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">]  === <p style="margin-top:0.5em;line-height:inherit;">"If we are doing CG compositing, [...] we always have puppeteers perform it. We never go down the road of having a full CG character, which you could easily do. It feels that the joy of this movie is the Muppets exist. They're real; you can touch them. There are very few forms of entertainment in the contemporary world that exist like that, and Muppets are the last bastion of it, and it would be shame to lose that."

—James Bobin on balancing practical and digital effects.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-50" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:9.60000038146973px;">[50] <p style="margin-top:0.5em;line-height:17.9200000762939px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14.3999996185303px;">Visual effects were done primarily by The Senate Visual Effects. The effects studio worked on 425 shots that included CG builds and set extensions, matte paintings, particle and laser effects, animation, and rod removals.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-51" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[51]  Additional visual effects work was done by Double Negative, Factory VFX, and Nvizible.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-52" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[52]  As with the previous installment, the film required blue screen for scenes that requireddigital compositing. While green screen is more traditional for color keying, the screen's shade of green would clash with Kermit and therefore be unusable; Sam Eagle's shade of blue is suitable on blue screen.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-53" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[53]

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:17.9200000762939px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14.3999996185303px;">Audio mixing and editorial services were done by Todd Soundelux and 424 Post. Based out of Todd-AO's Santa Monica facility,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-54" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[54]  Kevin O'Connell and Beau Borders worked on the film as re-recording mixers alongside 424 Post's supervising sound editors Kami Asgar and Sean McCormack.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-55" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[55]

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:17.9200000762939px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14.3999996185303px;">The first assembly cut of the film ran around two and a half hours.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-56" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[56] ===Music<span class="mw-editsection" style="-webkit-user-select:none;font-size:small;margin-left:1em;line-height:1em;display:inline-block;white-space:nowrap;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">[ edit<span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">] === Main article: Muppets Most Wanted (soundtrack)<p style="margin-top:0.5em;line-height:17.9200000762939px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14.3999996185303px;">The musical score for Muppets Most Wanted was composed by Christophe Beck, with additional songs by Bret McKenzie. A soundtrack album was released by Walt Disney Records on March 18, 2014.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-57" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[57]  It features six original songs by McKenzie as well as re-recordings of contemporary music and past Muppet songs, including "Together Again" from The Muppets Take Manhattan.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-58" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[58]  A separate album entirely containing Beck's score (paired with the score for The Muppets, also composed by Beck) was released by Walt Disney Records and Intrada Records on April 15, 2014.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-59" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[59] ==Release<span class="mw-editsection" style="-webkit-user-select:none;font-size:small;margin-left:1em;line-height:1em;display:inline-block;white-space:nowrap;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">[ edit<span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">] == <p style="margin-top:0.5em;line-height:17.9200000762939px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14.3999996185303px;">Muppets Most Wanted held its world premiere on March 11, 2014, at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, California.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-premiere_60-0" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[60]  The film was released in the United States on March 21 and in the United Kingdom on March 28, 2014.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-61" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[61]  Theatrically, the film was accompanied by Pixar's Monsters University short Party Central.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-62" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[62] ===Marketing<span class="mw-editsection" style="-webkit-user-select:none;font-size:small;margin-left:1em;line-height:1em;display:inline-block;white-space:nowrap;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">[ edit<span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">] === <p style="margin-top:0.5em;line-height:17.9200000762939px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14.3999996185303px;">A teaser trailer was released on August 6, 2013, and was attached theatrically to screenings of Planes.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-63" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[63]  On November 20, 2013, two different trailers were released, one for the United States and one for the United Kingdom.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-64" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[64] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-65" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[65]

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:17.9200000762939px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14.3999996185303px;">In February 2014, the Muppets starred alongside Terry Crews in a commercial for Toyota that aired during the Super Bowl.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-66" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[66]  Later that month, Disney partnered withSubway to promote healthy eating through an advertisement featuring the Muppets.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-67" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[67]  In early March, the restaurant chain started giving away free Muppet-themed bags with kids meals.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-68" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[68]  Spoof posters were released for the film, parodying Skyfall (called Frogfall), The World Is Not Enough (called The Pig Is Not Enough), Face/Off(called Fraud/Frog), and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (called Animal Piggy Frog Spy).<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-69" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[69]

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:17.9200000762939px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14.3999996185303px;">In February, the Android and iOS game My Muppets Show added content from the film, including a Big House stage, various props from the movie, and Constantine as a discoverable/purchasable character.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-70" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[70]  From March 20 to April 1, Disney's online game Club Penguin hosted a special Muppets World Tour event. Players were able to visit nine country-themed rooms and perform alongside several Muppets.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-71" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[71] ===Home media<span class="mw-editsection" style="-webkit-user-select:none;font-size:small;margin-left:1em;line-height:1em;display:inline-block;white-space:nowrap;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">[ edit<span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">] === <p style="margin-top:0.5em;line-height:17.9200000762939px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14.3999996185303px;">Muppets Most Wanted was released by Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment on Blu-ray Disc and DVD on August 12, 2014. Blu-ray bonus features include three cuts of the film: the original theatrical cut (107 minutes), the truncated Statler and Waldorf cut (2 minutes), and an extended cut featuring 12 minutes of scenes not shown in theaters (119 minutes). Also included are a blooper reel, a featurette called "Rizzo's Biggest Fan," and a music video of "I'll Get You What You Want" featuringBret McKenzie.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-72" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[72] ==Reception<span class="mw-editsection" style="-webkit-user-select:none;font-size:small;margin-left:1em;line-height:1em;display:inline-block;white-space:nowrap;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">[ edit<span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">] == ===Box office<span class="mw-editsection" style="-webkit-user-select:none;font-size:small;margin-left:1em;line-height:1em;display:inline-block;white-space:nowrap;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">[ edit<span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">] === <p style="margin-top:0.5em;line-height:17.9200000762939px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14.3999996185303px;">Muppets Most Wanted grossed $51,183,113 in North America, and $27,000,000 in other countries, for a worldwide total of $78,183,113.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-mojo_3-2" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[3]  The film earned $4,662,265 on its opening day,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-73" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[73]  and opened to number two in its first weekend, with $17,005,126, behind Divergent.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-74" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[74]  Considering that pre-release tracking had forecastMuppets Most Wanted at opening with takings of more than $20 million,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-75" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[75] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-76" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[76] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-77" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[77]  Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures distribution chief Dave Hollis said the film's opening was "definitely disappointing". Hollis said there was never a comparison between the previous film and the sequel, since Thanksgiving is a concentrated time for family moviegoing.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-78" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[78]  In its second weekend, the film dropped to number three, grossing $11,279,128, leading to a better second weekend than its predecessor.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-79" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[79] In its third weekend, the film dropped to number five, grossing $5,131,458.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-80" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[80]  In its fourth weekend, the film dropped to number nine, grossing $2,275,944.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-81" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[81] ===Critical response<span class="mw-editsection" style="-webkit-user-select:none;font-size:small;margin-left:1em;line-height:1em;display:inline-block;white-space:nowrap;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">[ edit<span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">] === <p style="margin-top:0.5em;line-height:17.9200000762939px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14.3999996185303px;">Muppets Most Wanted received positive reviews from film critics.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-82" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[82]  Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes gave the film a score of 79% based on reviews from 168 critics, with a rating average of 6.8 out of 10. The site's consensus stated: "While it may not reach the delirious heights of The Muppets, Muppets Most Wanted still packs in enough clever gags, catchy songs, and celebrity cameos to satisfy fans of all ages."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-83" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[83]  Metacritic gave the film a score of 61/100 based on 37 indicating "generally favorable reviews".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-84" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[84]  CinemaScore audiences gave Muppets Most Wanted a "B+" grade rating on an A+ to F scale.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-85" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[85]

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:17.9200000762939px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14.3999996185303px;">Alonso Duralde of The Wrap compared the film favorably to the 2011 predecessor, elaborating, "Muppets Most Wanted remains sensational and celebrational, proving beyond a doubt that these beloved characters will continue to lead a plush life on the big screen for years to come."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-86" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[86]  Despite reservations over the previous installment, Brian Henson called Most Wanted a great Muppets film, saying, "I think my dad would be thrilled the Muppets are continuing. That's a big deal."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-VarMojo_2-1" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[2]  Peter Hartlaub of the San Francisco Chronicle gave the film three out of four stars, saying "It just feels like something the original Muppet creators might have done."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-87" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[87]  John Hartl of The Seattle Times gave the film three out of four stars, saying "Most of the laughs come courtesy of Tina Fey, in the role of a Siberian prison guard who can't/won't stop dancing."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-88" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[88]  Todd McCarthy of The Hollywood Reporter had a mixed reaction; praising Bret McKenzie's songs and the film's humor, but labeling the film overall as "an oddly off-key follow-up".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-89" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[89]  Justin Chang of Variety gave a negative review, stating that the film "looks and sounds eager to please but immediately feels like a more slapdash, aimless affair, trying—and mostly failing—to turn its stalled creativity into some sort of self-referential joke."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-90" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[90]  Anna Smith of Time Out gave the film three out of five stars, saying "'Everybody knows that the sequel's never quite as good,' sing our fluffy friends during the opening number of a film with much to live up to after 2011's terrific reboot, The Muppets. The joke proves self-fulfilling."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-91" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[91]  Bill Goodykoontz of The Arizona Republic gave the film four out of five stars, saying "Although this movie has lots of laughs and a willingness to poke fun at itself, it doesn't quite recapture the magic of the last movie. Close, but not quite."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-92" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[92]

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:17.9200000762939px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14.3999996185303px;">Jake Coyle of the Associated Press gave the film two and a half stars out of four, saying "Muppets Most Wanted fails to whip up the kind of furry frenzy that makes the Muppets special."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-93" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[93]  Kyle Smith of the New York Post gave the film two and a half stars out of four, saying "The movie seems longer than it is, plus it's just plain too long. Ah, but those jokes are frequently brilliant."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-94" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[94]  Peter Travers of Rolling Stone gave the film two and a half stars out of four, saying "The breaking point of stretching this one joke is reached early. Luckily, Muppet good will helps get you through the rest."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-95" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[95]  Joe Neumaier of the New York Daily News gave the film three out of five stars, saying "The film's slightly overplotted feel is offset by the zippiest musical numbers since the Muppets' deservedly beloved 1979 film."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-96" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[96]  J. R. Jones of theChicago Reader gave the film a negative review, saying "The verbal wit is fairly weak this time around, though as in the previous film there's an endless succession of three-second star cameos."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-97" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[97]  Tom Russo of The Boston Globe gave the film three out of four stars, saying "The well-worn plot basics are dressed up nicely by the film's consistently clever humor, as well as a celebrity cameo roster that's stacked even by Muppet standards."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-98" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[98]  Bill Zwecker of the Chicago Sun-Times gave the film three out of four stars, saying "The pacing is spot-on, and Fey's Russian guard and Ty Burrell's Interpol agent are wonderful human additions to this comedic romp."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-99" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[99] Neil Genzlinger of The New York Times gave the film a positive review, saying "It all adds up to an eventful entry in the Muppet film library but not a classic one."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-100" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[100] Claudia Puig of USA Today gave the film three out of four stars, calling the film "A breezy, mirthful caper enlivened by the comic talents of Ricky Gervais, Ty Burrell and Tina Fey."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-101" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[101]

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:17.9200000762939px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14.3999996185303px;">Frank Lovece of Newsday gave the film three out of four stars, saying "While it may not be sensational, it's still an inspirational, celebrational, Muppetational Muppet show."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-102" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[102]  Peter Howell of the Toronto Star gave the film two and a half stars out of four, saying "You don't go to a Muppet movie looking for anything other than a few laughs with beloved puppet pals. Mission accomplished—ka-ching!—on that front."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-103" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[103]  David Hiltbrand of The Philadelphia Inquirer gave the film two and a half stars out of four, saying "Sunny and cheerful, Muppets Most Wanted is a cascade of epic silliness, good for a few fleeting and familiar chuckles."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-104" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[104]  Chris Nashawaty ofEntertainment Weekly gave the film a B, saying "The songs are infectious, but the rest (despite turns by Tina Fey and Ty Burrell) lacks some of the gang's usual feel-good joy."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-105" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[105]  Christopher Orr of The Atlantic gave the film a positive review, saying "Kids will enjoy it, and there are more than enough clever gags to keep parents amused. But the film lacks the tenderness and rich nostalgia that made The Muppets such an improbable delight."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-106" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[106]  Erik Adams of The A.V. Club gave the film a B-, saying "The Muppets are creatures of indulgence, and their sense of humor is one of excess. Muppets Most Wanted is a mess of a movie, but anything tidier would be a poor fit."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-107" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[107]  Betsy Sharkey of the Los Angeles Times gave the film a positive review, saying "Though there are many delicious little moments tucked inside, the action heads in so many directions it can be dizzying to keep up."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-108" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[108]  Steve Persall of the Tampa Bay Times gave the film a B, saying "Muppets Most Wanted is pleasant enough to recommend as family entertainment. But the movie falls short of what immediately preceded it, musically and emotionally."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-109" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[109]

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:17.9200000762939px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14.3999996185303px;">Dana Stevens of Slate gave the film a negative review, saying "There’s something sour and strained about this movie that’s at odds with the usual Muppet ethos of game, let’s-put-on-a-show cheer. Maybe that’s because of the inordinate amount of screen time spent on the rivalry between two villains who are as uninteresting as they are unpleasant."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-110" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[110]  Michael Phillips of the Chicago Tribune gave the film two out of four stars, saying "Part of the problem here is one of proportion: The movie throws a misjudged majority of the material to the villains and lets the unfashionably sincere and sweet-natured Muppets fend for themselves."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-111" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[111]  Robbie Collin of The Daily Telegraph gave the film two out of five stars, saying "Muppet film number eight is a resounding disappointment: it’s uneven and often grating, with only a few moments of authentic delight, and almost none of the sticky-sweet, toast-and-honey crunch of its vastly enjoyable 2011 forerunner."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-112" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[112]  James Berardinelli ofReelViews gave the film three out of four stars, saying "The inevitable sequel, arriving three years later, isn't as giddily entertaining as its predecessor but much of the charm remains, making this an ideal destination for a family excursion."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-113" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[113]  Eric Henderson of Slant Magazine gave the film three out of four stars, saying "Freed from the burden of starting anew, the film restores the Muppets' rightful place as stars of their own show."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-114" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[114]  Steve Davis of The Austin Chronicle gave the film three out of five stars, saying "This re-energized franchise has found its second wind, bursting with a creative vitality and boisterous humor that makes everything seem new again."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-115" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[115] ==Sequel<span class="mw-editsection" style="-webkit-user-select:none;font-size:small;margin-left:1em;line-height:1em;display:inline-block;white-space:nowrap;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-family:sans-serif;"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">[ edit<span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color:rgb(85,85,85);">] == <p style="margin-top:0.5em;line-height:17.9200000762939px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14.3999996185303px;">Stoller and Bobin have both expressed interest in a sequel, with Stoller stating that they have some ideas and that a ninth film could depend on the home media sales ofMuppets Most Wanted.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-116" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[116]

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:17.9200000762939px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14.3999996185303px;">There has also been some talk of another Muppets television series in the works.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-117" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-size:11.1999998092651px;">[117]