Here Come the Muppets…Again: EW has the first look of the new Muppet movie which is entitled “Muppets…Again”. The plot is revealed to be that while on a world tour the criminal mastermind, Constantine, is intent on stealing a large diamond. Of course, the fact that Constantine looks like Kermit might make things interesting. You can read EW’s interview with Kermit for more details, but I found it interesting that Walter appears in the first image from the film. So apparently he will be more than a one-film wonder and is officially a Muppet.
Meet Kathy Kennedy: The Hollywood Reporter has an interview with Lucasfilm head, Kathleen Kennedy. In the interview she discusses Lincoln’s Oscar chances, wooing J.J. Abrams to Star Wars, and her relationship with Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn. What I find interesting is her desire to turn Lucasfilm in to a full production company that produces many films. How would these films fit in with Disney’s film strategy of franchise focused limited production? This could be an interesting story to watch play out.
Hawkeye Battles Sandy: Today Marvel released Hawkeye #7 which features two special stories that deal with Hurricane Sandy. This special issue is made even more special by the author, Matt Fraction, who is donating a portion of his proceeds from this issue to the Red Cross.
D23 Is Great and Powerful: D23 has revealed that their next issue, due out February 12th will feature “Oz: The Great and Powerful” as their cover story. Oz is the first Disney produced original release since Wreck-It Ralph on November 2nd. This gap causes a lot to be riding on Oz, however if it falters expect them to squarely blame the prior regime. D23 Gold Members will also receive reproductions of vintage Disney Valentine’s Day cards with their issue.
Let’s Go Play: Disney has announced that they will be supporting UNICEF’s Play initiative to bring portable playgrounds to children living in disaster-recovery conditions and extreme poverty with a $1-million founding grant. This continues Disney’s relationship with UNICEF that goes back to “it’s a small world” at the 1964 World’s Fair.
More Katie: Disney-ABC Domestic Television has announced that they have renewed Katie Couric’s talk show for a second season. “Katie” is the number one new syndicated talk show of the season beating all its freshman and sophomore competition. This renewal comes on the heels of Katie’s high-profile interview with Notre Dame Quarterback Manti Te’o regarding his “catfish” experience. She recently lost her Executive Producer, Jeff Zucker, who left to head CNN.
Hola: ESPN has made an arrangement with Univision Deportes to carry the English-language broadcasts of the Mexican National Team (a.k.a. El Tri). This is the second major deal Disney has made with Univision as ABC News is creating a news channel with them that will be launching later this year. One might wonder if Bob has considered acquiring a new asset that caters to a domestic emerging market.
Happy Birthday IllumiNations: The original edition of IllumiNations premiered 25 years ago. With Reflections of Earth, the current incarnation, premiering in 1999, isn’t it time for this show to get a refresh?