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Credit: The Jim Henson CompanyThe Muppets find themselves in a strange period of transition. It appears that Disney doesn’t know what to do with the Jim Henson creations.
Disney is removing Muppet Vision 3D from Hollywood Studios and replacing the last attraction Henson worked on with Monsters, Inc. Land. Disney has decided to move the Muppets to the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster to replace Aerosmith.
However, with Muppets Courtyard disappearing, the rethemed Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster will be the only attraction left in Disney World that includes the beloved Jim Henson creations. Despite rumors of a new Muppets film, Disney has not confirmed anything. So, with such a limited use, what’s a Muppet to do?
It turns out that Kermit the Frog has booked himself a special solo gig, and it’s a big one with close ties to his creator.
Kermit the Frog will deliver the 2025 commencement address at the University of Maryland, where Henson graduated in 1960 with a degree in home economics. Kermit will address the more than 12,000 graduates to mark the 65th Anniversary of Henson’s graduation.
UMD President Darryll J. Pines said:
I am thrilled that our graduates and their families will experience the optimism and insight of the world-renowned Kermit the Frog at such a meaningful time in their lives. Our pride in Jim Henson knows no bounds, and it is an honor to welcome Kermit the Frog to our campus, 65 years after Mr. Henson graduated from the University of Maryland. I sincerely thank the Muppets Studio, Disney and their creative teams for making this possible.
This isn’t the first time Kermit has addressed Maryland students. In 2024, he spoke to a sold-out crowd during the College of Arts and Humanities Dean’s Lecture series.
Kermit said of his commencement address:
Nothing could make these feet happier than to speak at the University of Maryland. I just know the class of 2025 is going to leap into the world and make it a better place, so if a few encouraging words from a frog can help, then I’ll be there!
During Henson’s freshman year, he created Sam and Friends, which aired on Washington D.C.’s NBC affiliate, WRC-TV. He worked on that project with Jane Nebel, and the two would be married in 1959.
While Henson and Nebel were still at the University of Maryland, they co-founded Muppets, Inc., which would later be named The Jim Henson Company.
Now, Kermit will come full circle to celebrate his creator by speaking at his alma mater. Perhaps this is the Rainbow Connection he’s been searching for.
What Disney character would you like to see give a commencement address?