"Sesame Street's 'Knives Out' Parody Fails to Satisfy Muppet Fans"

This year has been full of ups and downs for Muppet fans, and while there is now a Muppet-Knives Out crossover, its not the one they were hoping for. For years, fans have imagined a scenario where director Rian Johnsons Benoit Blanc, played by Daniel Craig, solves a murder mystery involving the Muppets. After all, Frank Oz, a Muppet legend, already appeared in the original Knives Out.

Many fans wondered why Miss Piggy couldnt have made a cameo. When Glass Onion, the second Benoit Blanc film, premiered in 2022, Johnson commented on the idea of merging the two worlds. He said, Its a joke that I thought was brilliant, and I gave it serious consideration. I take Muppet movies seriously, just like murder mysteries.

However, Johnson explained that the two universes might not blend well. They follow very different rules, he said. A Benoit Blanc mystery with Muppets would feel out of place. A Muppet movie with Benoit Blanc would feel like a Muppet movie. I wouldnt want to compromise either. To do it right, youd have to sacrifice one for the other. If I ever make a Muppet movie, I want it to be a great Muppet movie.

While promoting his new Knives Out project, Wake Up Dead Man, which has no Muppets, Johnson again addressed fan hopes. The idea of a Knives Out Muppet movie comes up a lot online, he told The Hollywood Reporter. Its not a bad idea, but Muppet movies and Benoit Blanc films are so different. Putting Muppets in a Benoit Blanc story would feel wrongtheyd be facing murder.

Historically, the Muppets have engaged in murder-themed plots. Season four of The Muppet Show saw Statler and Waldorf go on a killing spree, only to be stopped by Detective Kermit and Liza Minnelli. Additionally, the holiday special A Muppet Family Christmas featured the Swedish Chef trying to kill Big Bird.

Following these discussions, Sesame Street released a new Knives Out parody titled Forks Out. In it, puppet detective Beignet Blanc investigates Cookie Monsters missing triple berry pie. While the skit, which Johnson approved on social media, has entertained many, it hasnt fully satisfied fans craving a live-action Muppet-Benoit Blanc collaboration. The original dream was a feature film with Daniel Craig interacting with Muppets, reminiscent of Michael Caine in The Muppet Christmas Carol, not just a short puppet spoof. For those still hopeful, the question remains: could Liza Minnelli make a return?

Author: Caleb Jennings