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Disney Original Documentary announced today its next feature project from Academy AwardⓇ-winning director Ron Howard, Academy Award-winning producer Brian Grazer and Imagine Documentaries’ Sara Bernstein and Justin Wilkes. The upcoming documentary will be the definitive portrait of Henson, produced with the full participation and cooperation of the Henson family, and will present a fascinating and intimate look at Jim’s illustrious career creating treasured characters and revolutionizing television and film. With never-before-seen personal archives, the film will give audiences an exciting first-person view into the life of one of the world’s most inspiring and iconoclastic creators through exclusive home movies, photographs, sketches, and Henson’s personal diaries. Joining Grazer, Howard, Bernstein, and Wilkes as producers is EmmyⓇ-winning Margaret Bodde (“George Harrison: Living in the Material World”). The film will be executive produced by Imagine Entertainment’s Michael Rosenberg and Disney Original Documentary’s Marjon Javadi. Howard will also be reteaming with his “Pavarotti and Beatles: Eight Days A Week – The Touring Years” collaborators Mark Monroe and Paul Crowder, who serve as the writer/producer and editor/executive producer, respectively. In his 36-year career, Jim Henson created some of the world’s most cherished characters, including classic Muppets like Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy and all of “Sesame Street”’s iconic residents, including Big Bird, Grover, Cookie Monster, and Bert and Ernie. He also created beloved fantasy films like “The Dark Crystal” and “Labyrinth,” which included iconic characters and technological advances that pushed the boundaries of the time. Tracing his life and work, the documentary will follow how the brilliant innovator came to shape the childhoods of generations to come. In a statement, Jim Henson’s family said, “The Jim Henson Company’s archive is a treasure reflecting our father’s work, personal life, and inspirations, and has been carefully maintained for the last 30 years under the leadership of archivist Karen Falk. It will be thrilling to see the story that emerges from these materials in the hands of a truly great filmmaker like Ron Howard, who has the perfect spirit and personality to tell Jim Henson’s story. “Jim Henson transcends generations through his iconic characters, and it’s one of the many reasons why I have been a lifelong fan,” said director Howard. “I can’t wait to share a side of him and his career that people have never seen before. Henson’s limitless imagination and restless creativity is like few others and has influenced so much of our world as we know it. I’m humbled to be able to share a deeper look into his life and story.” “Jim Henson has impacted our culture for generations, and his creative legacy continues to live on,” said Disney Original Documentary Vice President Marjon Javadi. As iconic storytellers in their own right, Ron Howard, Brian Grazer, Sara Bernstein, and Justin Wilkes are the best auteurs to share Jim Henson’s story with the world. We’re thrilled to be partnering with the team at Imagine Documentaries and the Henson family on this undoubtedly inspirational film.” The untitled film on Jim Henson is produced by Imagine Documentaries for Disney Branded Television under the Disney Original Documentary banner. The Disney Original Documentary banner will largely produce and acquire content for Disney+, as well as the suite of Disney Channels, with more announcements coming soon.

The long wait for Muppet fans is almost over! “The Muppet Show,” Jim Henson’s iconic variety series that started it all, will begin streaming Friday, February 19 exclusively on Disney+. In addition to the first three seasons, fans will be able to enjoy seasons 4 and 5, which have never previously been released on home entertainment. “The Muppet Show” stars Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo, the Swedish Chef, and more in a groundbreaking twist on the classic variety show, blending original songs, sketch comedy, and guest stars into a prime-time hit for all ages. "It's going to be great to welcome back longtime fans, and to give a new generation of fans a chance to see how we got our start, how Miss Piggy became a star and so much more,” said Kermit the Frog. “Today, I’m proud to say: ‘It’s time to play the music, light the lights and meet the Muppets on Disney Plus tonight!’ And as for Statler and Waldorf, the two old guys in the balcony, I can only add: ‘Sorry, guys, but….here we go again.” Originally premiering in 1976, some of Hollywood’s brightest stars stopped by “The Muppet Show” for unforgettable comedy and chaos including Steve Martin, Elton John, Liza Minnelli, Alice Cooper, Julie Andrews, Bernadette Peters, Diana Ross, Gladys Knight, Gene Kelly, and Mark Hamill. With all five seasons of “The Muppet Show,” Muppet favorites like “Muppet Treasure Island” celebrating its 25th anniversary next month, and new hits like “Muppets Now,” Disney+ is now the most sensational, inspirational, celebrational, Muppetational streaming service on Earth. To stream The Muppets Collection, visit www.disneyplus.com/franchise/the-muppets.

A Diamond Select Toys release! Another Legend is in the making! One of the Muppet Show's most iconic Muppets, Electric Mayhem drummer Animal, is the first felt fellow to be made into a half-scale bust in the Legends in 3D line! Standing approximately 10 inches tall, this resin bust of Animal was sculpted by Rocco Tartamella from a design by Joe Allard. Limited to only 1,000 pieces, each bust comes packaged with a numbered certificate of authenticity in a full-color, hand-numbered box. Look for it to be released in March 2019.