Fox Developing SESAME STREET Feature Film

The success of Disney's The Muppets was clear to us as Muppet fans. The film raked in over $150 million worldwide. While not a major blockbuster hit, it was still a major success given the film's small budget and marketing possibilities (that still have yet to be tapped). The success of The Muppets clearly inspired The Jim Henson Company and New Regency to move forward with the proposed feature film based on Fraggle Rock, which is now currently in the writing stages. Here we are, less than a month after the Fraggle Rock announcement, and yet another, even more beloved and classic Jim Henson show is planning a movie for the big screen. That's right... Sesame Street is getting another movie!!

The story broke late Tuesday night via The Hollywood Reporter, which revealed that not only was a Sesame Street officially in the works, but it was picked up by 20th Century Fox for development. The film will be produced  by veteran Shawn Levy (director of Night at the Museum, Real Steel, Date Night) and is being written by Sesame Street head-writer Joey Mazzarino (performer of Murray). Other producers include Michael Aguilar (producer: The Departed), Mark Gordon (producer: Saving Private Ryan), Guymon Casady (producer: The Expendables).

Plot details, shooting schedules, and a release date are scarce and have yet to be announced, but the fact that a Sesame Street movie has officially been announced is fairly huge. Even better, Joey Mazzarino is writing the film. For those who don't know, Joey Mazzarino, as head-writer for the show, is hugely responsible for the humor, charm, and feel of today's Sesame Street. To me, Joey Mazzarino is the best choice to helm a brand new Sesame Street feature. Virtually anything is possible with this film... and I can't wait to see what is to come from it.

To celebrate, I suggest taking in a viewing of Follow That Bird and The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland (or at least one of those).

Now if you'll excuse me... I have to prepare countless "So-and-So Figures Out How to Get to Sesame Street" article headlines for when celebrity cameos are announced.

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com