Disney, Jim Henson, and the History of the Muppets Acquisition (Ep. 34)

Jim Hill and Len Testa explore the long, complicated history between Disney, Jim Henson, and the Muppets. From Michael Eisner’s early interest in Henson’s characters to the ambitious Muppet-themed attractions once planned for Disney-MGM Studios, the episode traces a partnership that nearly transformed an entire section of the park. They also examine how Jim Henson’s death changed the negotiations, why the original Disney deal collapsed, and how the Muppets eventually became part of the Walt Disney Company. Along the way, Jim reveals unbuilt attractions, abandoned restaurant concepts, and the corporate decisions that shaped the future of Kermit, Miss Piggy, and MuppetVision 3D. Original Air Date: January 22, 2013Original Title: We Trusted Each Other! We Ate Granola! The History of the Muppets and Disney (Jan. 2013) HIGHLIGHTS • How Michael Eisner’s fascination with Jim Henson and the Muppets began before he joined Disney• The early television projects that led to The Muppet Show and the rise of Kermit the Frog• Why Jim Henson admired Walt Disney and wanted Disney to become the Muppets’ creative home• Disney’s original plans for a major Muppet-themed area at Disney-MGM Studios• The unbuilt Great Gonzo restaurant, Swedish Chef cooking school, and Muppet movie ride• How Jim Henson’s death dramatically changed Disney’s negotiations with the Henson family• Why the original Disney and Henson deal collapsed despite years of planning and development• How Disney finally acquired the Muppets in 2004 and struggled to relaunch the franchise HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | jimhillmedia.com• Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Instagram: @len.testa | touringplans.com FOLLOW • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews• YouTube: @jimhillmedia• TikTok: @jimhillmedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Remastered by: Len Testa If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices