The Making of Muppets Haunted Mansion with Kirk Thatcher

Disney & Scarlett Johansson Settlement

• 🤝 Disney and Scarlett Johansson have reached an agreement to resolve their dispute over "Black Widow," with both parties expressing optimism for future collaborations.
• 🎬 The settlement was announced with statements from both Johansson and Disney's Alan Bergman, who specifically mentioned upcoming projects like "Tower of Terror."

Robin Williams & Popeye

• 📜 A 1982 Playboy interview with Robin Williams reveals his thoughts on taking the role of Popeye, viewing it as a chance to break free from his television persona.
• 🎬 Williams felt confined by his work on "Mork & Mindy" and saw "Popeye" as an opportunity to showcase his full acting range.
• 💸 The film faced production challenges, including Paramount pulling funding, leading to a struggle to complete the slapstick finale, with Williams noting Disney's potential involvement if they had known the situation.

Fleischer Studios Centennial on TCM

• 🎬 Turner Classic Movies (TCM) is celebrating the 100th anniversary of Fleischer Studios with a programming event on October 2nd.
• 📺 The event includes a documentary, "Cartoon Carnival," and a series of Fleischer shorts from both the silent and sound eras.

Hotel Transylvania: Transformania Release Uncertainty

• ❓ The release of "Hotel Transylvania: Transformania" has been uncertain, with multiple date changes and speculation about a potential Amazon acquisition.
• 🗓️ Originally slated for a December 2021 theatrical release, the film's release has been repeatedly postponed, leading to confusion about its distribution.

Freeform's 31 Nights of Halloween

• 🎃 Freeform's "31 Nights of Halloween" programming event features a lineup including "Shrek" films, "Hocus Pocus," and "The Simpsons" Treehouse of Horror.
• 📺 "Hocus Pocus" is a staple of the event, airing multiple times throughout the month.

The Making of Muppets Haunted Mansion

• 👻 Kirk Thatcher discusses his nearly 30-year journey to get a Muppet Halloween special produced, culminating in "Muppets Haunted Mansion."
• 💡 Thatcher's initial concept for a Muppet Halloween special dates back to the mid-90s, with several iterations before the "Haunted Mansion" theme was approved.
• 🏰 The special leverages the iconic Disney "Haunted Mansion" ride, blending Muppet characters with the ride's elements.
• 🎭 Key casting decisions include Miss Piggy as Madame Leota (Madame Pigota) and Fozzie Bear as Gauzy the Hatbox Ghost.
• 🎶 Thatcher highlights the original music and songs written for the special, aiming for a "Muppetty" and "Disney" feel.
• 🎬 The production utilized advanced screen technology, similar to "The Mandalorian," to create the virtual "Haunted Mansion" environment.
• 🌟 The special features numerous Easter eggs for fans of both the Muppets and the "Haunted Mansion."
• 🎤 Thatcher expresses a desire to continue making Muppet holiday specials, particularly Halloween-themed ones.
• 🎢 He also hints at potential future Muppet projects inspired by other Disney attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean and Carousel of Progress.