While the $153 million worldwide take for "The Muppets" probably was a bit below the numbers Disney were looking for with their franchise reboot, there are some things to note. Of all the Muppet movies so far, that film was the most financially successful at the box office, and on a purely creative/enjoyment level, we're not so sure any of the other films matched the wit and warmth that Jason Segel and Nicholas Stoller brought to their take on the iconic characters. But either way, Disney is happy and the good news is that we're going to be seeing more of our felt-covered friends soon.
Vulture reports that director James Bobin and writer Nicholas Stoller have been re-hired to get cracking on a sequel, but there is a caveat. The word is that Segel — probably the biggest advocate and fan of the Muppets out of the three — will not be returning to write citing a busy schedule, and what's more, he may not star. That's a bit of a bummer considering the Muppets reboot is pretty much owed to Segel's endless enthusiasm and his emphasis on bringing the characters into the 21st century.
All that said, given Stoller and Segel's close relationship, we presume he'll have some input, even if it's not official. The big question remaining is whether or not Oscar-winning songwriter Bret McKenzie will be hired back to write the songs. We presume that will be a decision made once the script nears completion and the studio decides to greenlight the project. But we're glad that the mouse house is keeping their faith in the Muppets, and news of a sequel hopefully means it won't be too long before we see Kermit and his pals again.