Sometimes the most delightful film news drops in the most casual way possible.
Jennifer Lawrence, appearing on the Las Culturistas podcast with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, was in the middle of a conversation about Broadway’s hit show “Oh, Mary!” when she casually detonated a bombshell announcement that nobody saw coming:
“I don’t know if I can announce this, but I’m just going to. Emma Stone and I are producing a Miss Piggy movie.”
Wait, what?
Lawrence continued, revealing that “Oh, Mary!” creator Cole Escola is writing the screenplay for this unexpected Muppets project. When asked if she and Stone would also star in the film, Lawrence laughed and said, “I think so… We have to.”
And just like that, one of the most intriguing and unexpected Hollywood collaborations was unveiled—not through a carefully orchestrated press release or industry trade exclusive, but through Lawrence’s characteristic candor on a podcast.
A-List Actresses Meet Puppet Royalty
The pairing of Lawrence and Stone—two of Hollywood’s most acclaimed and bankable stars—with the iconic Miss Piggy creates a fascinating collision of worlds. Both actresses have Oscars (Lawrence for “Silver Linings Playbook,” Stone for “La La Land”), both have balanced blockbuster franchises with indie darlings, and both have cultivated public personas that blend authenticity with wit.
Miss Piggy, meanwhile, has been a cultural icon since her debut in the 1970s. Created by Jim Henson and originally performed by Frank Oz, she’s the definition of a diva—glamorous, karate-chopping, and perpetually pursuing her amphibian paramour, Kermit the Frog. She’s also, interestingly, a character who has always existed at the intersection of comedy and genuine pathos—not unlike the roles that have earned Lawrence and Stone their greatest acclaim.
The involvement of Cole Escola adds another intriguing layer. While Escola hasn’t written a theatrical feature before, their work on “Oh, Mary!”—a satirical take on Mary Todd Lincoln that became a surprise Broadway sensation—demonstrates a talent for blending absurdist comedy with unexpected emotional depth. Escola’s television writing credits include “The Other Two,” “At Home with Amy Sedaris,” and “Ziwe”—all shows known for their distinctive, off-kilter comedic sensibilities.
What Could a Miss Piggy Movie Look Like?
Without any plot details revealed, we’re left to speculate about what form this project might take. Will it be a Piggy-centric spinoff within the larger Muppets universe? A meta-comedy where Lawrence and Stone play fictionalized versions of themselves working with the puppet diva? Or something more unexpected—perhaps a character study that takes Miss Piggy more seriously than we’ve seen before?
The Muppets franchise has been in an interesting place in recent years. After Disney acquired the characters in 2004, there have been various attempts to revitalize the brand, with mixed results. The 2011 film “The Muppets,” starring and co-written by Jason Segel, was a critical and commercial success that effectively balanced nostalgia with fresh energy. Its 2014 follow-up, “Muppets Most Wanted,” performed less impressively, and subsequent television efforts like ABC’s mockumentary-style “The Muppets” series received mixed reviews.
More recently, the Muppets have found a home on Disney+ with projects like “Muppets Now” and the Halloween special “Muppets Haunted Mansion,” but they haven’t recaptured the cultural prominence they once enjoyed.
A Miss Piggy-focused feature with the star power of Lawrence and Stone could be exactly what the franchise needs—especially if it takes creative risks rather than relying solely on nostalgia. The involvement of Escola suggests this won’t be a conventional approach to the material.
The Timing Makes Sense
This announcement aligns with recent comments from both actresses about their upcoming projects. Stone recently mentioned having two mysterious projects lined up to shoot next year, while Lawrence is preparing to work with Martin Scorsese on “What Happens at Night,” which is eyeing a production start in January or February.
The Miss Piggy project could potentially fit into either actress’s schedule after these commitments, though no production timeline has been announced.
For Disney, which owns the Muppets, this project represents a significant opportunity. Attaching two A-list stars to a Muppets film immediately elevates its profile and suggests a level of creative ambition that could appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers to the franchise.
A Refreshing Approach to IP
What makes this announcement particularly interesting is how it stands apart from the typical way intellectual property is handled in today’s Hollywood. Rather than a carefully calculated corporate decision to exploit a familiar brand, this feels like a passion project born from genuine affection for the character.
Lawrence’s casual announcement has the energy of someone who’s excited about a creative collaboration, not someone fulfilling contractual media obligations. That enthusiasm, combined with the unexpected nature of the project itself, creates a refreshing contrast to the more formulaic approach that often characterizes franchise filmmaking.
It also speaks to the unique position both Lawrence and Stone have carved out in the industry. They’re big enough stars to get passion projects greenlit, and they’ve both demonstrated a willingness to take creative risks rather than playing it safe. A Miss Piggy movie might seem like an unusual choice for two Oscar winners, but it’s consistent with their track records of balancing commercial appeal with artistic curiosity.
For Miss Piggy herself, this represents a potential return to the spotlight. While always a fan favorite, she hasn’t had a vehicle centered specifically on her character since the 1990s TV movie “Miss Piggy’s Hollywood.” A feature film with Lawrence and Stone could reintroduce her to a new generation while giving longtime fans a fresh take on a beloved character.
The question now is when we’ll learn more details about the project. Lawrence’s impromptu announcement suggests it’s still in the early stages of development, but with talent of this caliber attached, it’s likely to move forward with some momentum.
Whatever form it ultimately takes, the Lawrence/Stone/Miss Piggy collaboration promises to be one of the more intriguing and unexpected projects on Hollywood’s horizon. In an era of predictable franchise extensions and risk-averse studio decisions, there’s something genuinely exciting about a project that nobody saw coming—especially one that brings together two of cinema’s most charismatic performers with one of puppetry’s most iconic divas.
What We Know About the Miss Piggy Movie So Far
Lawrence and Stone Are Producing
Jennifer Lawrence casually announced on the Las Culturistas podcast that she and Emma Stone are producing a Miss Piggy movie, potentially starring in it as well.
Broadway Talent Is Writing It
Cole Escola, creator of the Broadway hit “Oh, Mary!” is writing the screenplay. While Escola hasn’t written a theatrical feature before, they’ve contributed to shows like “The Other Two” and “At Home with Amy Sedaris.”
It’s Still Early Days
Lawrence’s off-the-cuff announcement suggests the project is in early development. No director, additional cast, or production timeline has been announced.
The Muppets Are Due for a Comeback
The last Muppets theatrical release was 2014’s “Muppets Most Wanted.” Recent Muppets projects have been primarily for Disney+ streaming.
It’s a Passion Project
The casual nature of the announcement and the unexpected pairing of these A-list actresses with Miss Piggy suggests this is a creative collaboration born from genuine enthusiasm rather than corporate calculation.
FAQ
Why would Oscar winners like Lawrence and Stone want to make a Miss Piggy movie?
Both actresses have consistently balanced prestige projects with more playful fare throughout their careers. The Muppets have a long history of sophisticated humor that appeals to both children and adults, and Miss Piggy specifically offers rich comedic potential that could attract performers of their caliber.
How does this fit into Disney’s Muppets strategy?
Disney has been trying different approaches with the Muppets since acquiring them in 2004, with varying success. Attaching major stars like Lawrence and Stone represents a significant investment in the property and suggests they’re looking to elevate the franchise rather than relegating it solely to streaming content.
Will this be a traditional Muppets movie or something different?
Without plot details, it’s hard to say, but the involvement of Cole Escola—known for subversive, boundary-pushing comedy—suggests this might not be a conventional Muppets adventure. Lawrence’s casual mention that she and Stone might star also hints at a potential meta approach.
Could this revitalize the Muppets franchise?
Potentially. The 2011 film “The Muppets” successfully reinvigorated the brand by combining nostalgia with fresh energy, but subsequent projects haven’t maintained that momentum. A Miss Piggy-focused film with A-list talent could offer a new entry point for both existing fans and newcomers.
When might we see this film released?
It’s too early to tell. Lawrence is set to begin filming Scorsese’s “What Happens at Night” in early 2026, and Stone has mentioned having two projects lined up for next year. Given typical development timelines, a 2027 or 2028 release seems most likely, but no official timeline has been announced.
