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[ManaByte]

Frank Oz Says Disney Shunned Him for Muppets Projects Because He “Won’t Follow Orders”

The actor-director said he does not watch current Muppets or 'Sesame Street' projects. And he doesn't pull punches as to why: “The soul’s not there."

www.hollywoodreporter.com

“I’d love to do the Muppets again but Disney doesn’t want me, and Sesame Street hasn’t asked me for 10 years,” he said. “They don’t want me because I won’t follow orders and I won’t do the kind of Muppets they believe in.”

Oz said he does not watch current Muppets or Sesame Street projects. And he doesn’t pull punches as to why. “The soul’s not there,” he said. “The soul is what makes things grow and be funny. But I miss them and love them.”

Oz is steadfast when he talks about how, in his opinion, the Disney acquisition forever changed The Muppets.

“There’s an inability for corporate America to understand the value of something they bought. They never understood, with us, it’s not just about the puppets, it’s about the performers who love each other and have worked together for many years,” he said.

The Muppets Disney believes in:

 

[haxan7]

Good to see someone in Hollywood with integrity. A rare beast indeed.

 

[Quasicat]

Between Oz and Whitmire, Disney is mostly replacing the original performers, which is sad. I love what Oz did with Muppet Guys Talking. It’s seriously worth a watch and it’s still available on his website.

 

[AJUMP23]

He is right and it is sad that his talents aren’t being used. I remember him talking about writing a backstory for Yoda so he could get in the headspace for the character, and said he would never show it because it was just for him. Made me want to see his treatment.

 

[sol_bad]

Frank Oz mentions Muppets and sesame Street. Hollywood Reporter only mentions Disney in title.
OOOOOOKKKKKK

 

[ManaByte]

Frank Oz mentions Muppets and sesame Street. Hollywood Reporter only mentions Disney in title.
OOOOOOKKKKKK

Did you not read his quote?

 

[Dirk Benedict]

Heh. I like this guy. The only thing... is every time I hear Grover he reminds me of what I would imagine as a teenage Yoda and vice-versa (Yoda as old Grover)