The Muppets is one of the most beloved family-friendly franchises in popular culture. It was developed by Jim Henson, whose son Brian Henson has helped direct and puppeteer various Muppet outings. Now, Brian Henson will be involved with directing a rather non-family friendly puppet movie. In fact, the new red-band trailer for The Happytime Murders is most definitely NSFW.
It goes all out with murder, sleazy prostitutes, and extreme drug use – most of which centers around an endless array of puppets. But let’s not forget star Melissa McCarthy who even gets to snort ecstasy through a piece of licorice in one scene.
While this kind of thing has been done before, including with Peter Jackson’s Meet the Feebles, it’ll be interesting to see it come from someone who has such a connected history with The Muppets. It gives this film a controversial edge that might just be the push it needs for success.
As for the film’s plot…
In a world where puppets co-exist with humans as second class citizens, Phil Phillips, puppet private eye and disgraced ex-cop, is hot on the trail of the serial killer who murdered his brother and is now targeting the cast members of the 1980s television series The Happytime Gang. As the killings continue, Jenny, Phil’s former flame, is next on the list. It’s up to Phil and Detective Edwards, his ex-partner, to find the culprit, but as bad blood and old resentments resurface, the clues start pointing to the only viable suspect: Phil himself. Now he’s on the run with only his wits and hard-headed determination as he and his partner attempt to solve the Happytime Murders.
The film’s cast also includes Maya Rudolph, Joel McHale, Leslie David Baker, and Elizabeth Banks.
The Happytime Murders hits theaters on August 17, 2018.
What do you think of the film’s first trailer? Are you excited for the movie? Be sure to tell us all of your thoughts in the comments!