'The Muppets': A look at upcoming guest stars on the new ABC show
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Molly Driscoll Staff writer
We now know another guest who will be appearing on ABC’s upcoming program “The Muppets.”
“The Hunger Games” actor Liam Hemsworth recently posted on Instagram about his appearance on the TV show, and it looks like he’ll be vying for the affections of a certain female Muppet.
In addition to the “Hunger” franchise, Hemsworth has also appeared in such films as “The Last Song” and “Paranoia” and is set to star in the new “Independence Day” film.
Other celebrities scheduled to appear on “The Muppets,” which debuts on Sept. 22, include “Wild” actress Reese Witherspoon, Topher Grace of “American Ultra,” “Scandal” actress Kerry Washington (“Scandal” is also an ABC program), “Pitch Perfect 2” director Elizabeth Banks, Nathan Fillion of “Castle” (also an ABC show), and the band Imagine Dragons.
The Muppet characters, including Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, and Fozzie Bear, appeared on TV on the popular program “The Muppet Show,” which ran from 1976 to 1981. The group also starred in various films in the late 1970s and early 1980s, including “The Muppet Movie” and “The Great Muppet Caper.” The 1999 film “Muppets from Space” wasn’t well-received, but the Muppets came back in pop culture with the release of the 2011 film “The Muppets,” which was well-reviewed and did well at the box office. 2014’s “Muppets Most Wanted” also did fairly well, though it grossed less at the box office and was received less positively by reviewers.
The Muppets’ previous high-profile TV gig, “The Muppet Show,” was hailed for being enjoyable for children and adults and as it became even more famous, the show drew guest stars like Mark Hamill, Ethel Merman, Elton John, and Roger Moore.
Now the new program reflects change in comedy. Mockumentary-style shows have become ubiquitous with the popularity of programs like NBC’s “The Office” and “Parks and Recreation” and ABC’s own “Modern Family.” According to ABC, the new program will also include behind-the-scenes looks at the Muppets in their homes and elsewhere outside the studio.
