Credit: DisneyThe Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) is a cherished holiday classic. Though far from the first, or last adaptation of Charles Dickens’ timeless novella, “A Christmas Carol,” it’s the only one with the actual Muppets in it, and for that reason alone, it deserves to be considered the best.
The film stars Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchit, Miss Piggy as Emily Cratchit, Fozzie Bear as Fozziewig, Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge, and The Great Gonzo as Charles Dickens himself, who also acts as a narrator, often pitching in and out with his sidekick Rizzo the Rat.
Another Version of The Muppet Christmas Carol — With a Twist
Like his fellow Muppets, Gonzo brings plenty of whimsy to the film–in true Muppets fashion, his storytelling is not without some hilarious antics. But did you know that there’s a version of the beloved 1992 film that, technically, doesn’t feature Gonzo as the narrator?
“The Muppet Christmas Carol: The Illustrated Holiday Classic” (2020), written by Brooke Vitale with artwork from Luke Flowers, is a storybook reimagining of the iconic film.
While Gonzo is still telling the story, just as he does in the film, he isn’t the only one–if you’re reading to someone else, whether it’s your child, or your Muppet Christmas Carol-fanatic partner, then, naturally, you get to replace Gonzo/Charles Dickens as narrator.
Related: ‘The Muppet Christmas Carol’ Version Without Any Songs Explained
The Muppet Christmas Carol is returning in front of a live orchestra in theaters and venues throughout the U.K. this winter for the fifth consecutive year.
With a screening of the complete film (including the restored song “When Love Is Gone”) with its entire musical score performed by a live orchestra, the show will span several major cities, including Manchester, London, Edinburgh, and Sheffield, starting from November 21.
Where Can I Watch The Muppet Christmas Carol?
The Muppet Christmas Carol is streaming on Disney+.
“Tis the season for love, laughter and one of the most cherished stories of all time,” the Disney+ synopsis reads. “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.”
Are you a fan of this heart-warming film? Let us know in the comments down below!