The classic Jim Henson Muppets Christmas special, Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas is getting a reboot thanks to The Jim Henson Company and Flight of the Conchords’ Bret McKenzie according to a new report from Variety. Based on a children’s book by Russell Hoban, the story told the tale of a family of an economically challenged family of otters who are trying to win some much-needed cash in a Christmas talent show.
When it was first adopted in the early 80’s, the script was written by Muppet veteran Jerry Juhl and directed by Jim Henson with music and songs from award-winning musician (and the composer of The Rainbow Connection), Paul Williams. It also featured an appearance by The Muppets themselves with Kermit narrating the tale.
The good news is that McKenzie isn’t exactly a newbie to the Muppets either. He was the music supervisor for the last two Muppets films and won an Oscar for best original song for the song Man or Muppet. His deal also offers him a chance to direct the new film, but there’s no word on if he’ll take that on or not.
Here are a few scenes from the original: