Credit: DisneyWhile The Muppet Christmas Carol hasn’t ventured far from the original 1992 theatrical version, there are a few other ways you can enjoy the Muppet-filled Dickensian classic.
There’s a version of the film that’s played in front of a live orchestra (soon to return to venues throughout the U.K.), and there’s also a storybook adaptation titled “The Muppet Christmas Carol: The Illustrated Holiday Classic” (2020). There’s even a 4DX version that has previously appeared in select U.S. theaters and other venues during the holiday season.
Each version is deeply immersive in its own right, but will we ever get a live stage play adaptation of the beloved holiday classic? The live orchestra show is the closest thing we have to a stage play, but will the film one day be adapted for the West End and Broadway?
Related: ‘The Muppet Christmas Carol’ Version Without Any Songs Explained
The Muppet Christmas Carol has delighted fans of all ages for well over 30 years. Its ability to seamlessly blend the Dickensian world as depicted in “A Christmas Carol,” which has been adapted countless times on television, in film, and on the stage, with the whimsical world of the equally iconic Muppets, is impressive, to say the least.
Michael Caine’s performance as the merry-less miser Ebenezer Scrooge is also one of the most beloved portrayals ever.
Though there are no signs of a sequel, The Muppet Christmas Carol continues to resonate with new generations and remains a cultural touchstone within its genre.
Over three decades on, the film is still widely celebrated, and despite obviously not being a completely faithful adaptation of Dickens’ book (Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gonzo the Great, need we say more?), it is, without question, one of the most beloved adaptations of all time.
Related: Where To Watch ‘The Muppet Christmas Carol’ This Month
But the film isn’t just a happy blending of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” and The Muppets — it’s also a musical in its entirety.
With songs from “One More Sleep ‘Til Christmas” to “Marley and Marley”, The Muppet Christmas Carol features several musical numbers, which can be purchased on audio CD, vinyl, or digitally. But given the popularity of the soundtrack, it’s rather surprising that we’re yet to see a live stage adaptation.
One film that instantly comes to mind is 2003’s Elf, directed by Jon Favreau. Another beloved Christmas classic, the Will Ferrell-led film has since found its way onto the stage in the form of a musical in the West End and on Broadway.
However, the difference is that The Muppet Christmas Carol is already a musical, so why hasn’t the film been adapted? Unfortunately, there are no answers, but hopefully, one day, we’ll be eating our words, but until then: “Bah! humbug!”
Is The Muppet Christmas Carol Still on Disney+?
The Muppet Christmas Carol is still streaming on Disney+, where you’ll find two versions of the film; the original theatrical cut and the one featuring the restored song “When the Love Is Gone”–although you’ll have to go into the bonus features section to find it.
Here’s the official description for the film from Disney+:
“Tis the season for love, laughter and one of the most cherished stories of all time. Join Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and all the hilarious Muppets in this merry, magical version of Charles Dickens’ classic tale. Michael Caine gives a performance that’s anything but ‘bah, humbug!’ as greedy, penny-pinching Ebenezer Scrooge. One fateful Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. Together with kind, humble Bob Cratchit (Kermit the Frog) and his family, these Spirits open Scrooge’s eyes–and his heart–to the true meaning of Christmas.”
The film stars Kermit the Frog/Bob Cratchit (Steve Whitmire), Miss Piggy/Emily Cratchit (Frank Oz), The Great Gonzo/Charles Dickens/Narrator (Dave Goelz), Fozzie Bear/Fozziewig (Frank Oz), and Ebenezer Scrooge (Michael Caine).
Are you a fan of this heart-warming film? Let us know in the comments down below!