More Disney Parks-Inspired Muppets Specials Were Planned But Never Happened

In 2021, Disney+ released Muppets Haunted Mansion, which explored a Muppet version of the classic Disney attraction. Reportedly, Disney had more of these specials planned, but they never came to fruition.

Muppets Revivals

A report from The Wrap states the specials that never saw the light of day included one based on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

The hour-long Muppets Haunted Mansion, which starred Gonzo and Pepe, was generally well-received by audiences and critics. It came amid several attempts to revitalize the Muppets franchise in the past few years, including Muppets Now (2020) and The Muppets Mayhem (2023).

As The Wrap notes, the most successful and long-running Muppets series in recent years was the rebooted Muppet Babies, which ran from 2018 to 2022.

Disney is trying again with a revival special of The Muppet Show. Premiering on February 4, 2026, the special will take the gang back to the Muppet Theatre with celebrity guest Sabrina Carpenter. Carpenter executive produces with Seth Rogen, who will also make an appearance, as will Maya Rudolph.

Even trailers for the special poke fun at the attempt to reboot the series. Kermit says, “We are so excited to be back where it all started and then ended and then is maybe starting again depending on how tonight goes.”

The special coincides with the 50th anniversary of the original Muppet Show and is the first attempt to revive the original series format. Watch the trailer for the special below.