The Great Muppet Killer (Wizbang Pop!)

The Jim Henson Co. has picked up a spec script that may signal a daring turn into adult territory for the company behind Kermit the Frog and Fozzie Bear.

"The Happytime Murders" is a film noir murder mystery that will fall under the company's Henson Alternative banner, a division that develops projects not intended for children.

Brian Henson, co-CEO of the Jim Henson Co. and one of the late puppeteer's sons, is on board to direct.

The story takes place in a world where humans and puppets co-exist, with the puppets viewed as second-class citizens. When the puppet cast of an '80s children's TV show called "The Happytime Gang" begins to get murdered one by one, a disgraced puppet LAPD detective turned private eye -- with a drinking problem, no less -- takes on the case. The script was written by Todd Berger from a story he worked on with Dee Austin Robertson.

This would not be the first time that Henson is delving into more adult fare. In 1982, the company made "The Dark Crystal," which featured a dark tone and, in one scene, nudity. But "Happytime" will also have an absurdist and comedic quality to it, comparable to Broadway's "Avenue Q."

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Comments (2)

Sounds like Who Framed Roge... (Below threshold)

1. Posted by TGOBG | October 15, 2008 9:44 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

TGOBG:

Sounds like Who Framed Roger Rabbit done with the Muppet touch

Posted on October 15, 2008 09:44

I got the feeling that it w... (Below threshold)

2. Posted by epador | October 16, 2008 12:43 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

epador:

I got the feeling that it would be a lot darker and nastier than Roger Rabbit. THis doesn't sound funny or fun to me.

Posted on October 16, 2008 00:43

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