Revisiting ‘Muppet Treasure Island’ 25 Years Later

Muppet Treasure Island 0
Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

I wasn’t able to see a lot of The Muppet movies growing up, aside from what may have been shown on TV and my parents would tape them on our VCR. Waiting to see them until I was an adult, like many of my childhood favorites revisited, proved to be more fulfilling and gave me a greater appreciation for the jokes and cast. This includes Muppet Treasure Island, directed by Brian Henson and released on February 16, 1996.

Tim Curry played the pirate Long John Silver. Who else could’ve played this role? He’s suave and charming; Curry’s introduction as a lowly chef, cozying up to Kevin Bishop’s Jim Hawkins, acting as a father figure to the poor orphan. Coupled with the naiveté of The Muppets aboard their ship, it makes for a smooth, hurdle-free mutiny. It’s perhaps no wonder Curry identified this movie among his favorites in his career.

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What is perhaps forgotten in the shadow of Curry’s presence is the beginning of the story, and Billy Connolly. Connolly plays Billy Bones, the first targeted, and thus introducing us to the concept of the Black Spot, by the guild of pirates to end his position on board the ship as well as his life. This is how Hawkins receives the treasure map, and sets the story in motion. While Connolly is memorable enough on his performance, he also takes pride in the fact he was the first character to die in a Muppet movie.

Most are familiar with the story, but most are not familiar with the wild debacle that ensued because of this film. Notably between the makers of the film and Hormel foods. Hormel, being the makers of Spam, were not particularly thrilled at the idea of a puppet, the high priest that looked like a pig, was named Spa’am (voiced by Kevin Clash). They alleged that Jim Henson Productions “ha[d] intentionally portrayed the Spa’am character to be evil in porcine form.” They also objected to them planning to release the character in McDonald’s Happy Meals. When Hormel lost the suit September 22, 1995, the judge said “one might think Hormel would welcome the association with a genuine source of pork.”

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The behind the scenes provides a mix of emotions for anyone familiar, and fond, of the franchise. With the laughter of the lawsuit about Spa’am also comes the sadness with realizing how close it was to Jim Henson’s own death in 1990. This is evidenced by the fact Rowlf the Dog, considered the character closest to matching Henson’s own personality, appears in the film but doesn’t speak. He also didn’t speak in The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992).

All said, in light of the roller coaster of emotions, the movie ended up being a number one release, unlike the previous four Muppet movies. Where does Muppet Treasure Island stand with you within The Muppet films? Be sure to let us know!

Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

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