If there’s anything The Muppets are known for, it’s finding a balance between the silliness of humor and the warmth of friendship. Fortunately, their latest special has both of these aspects. In “Muppets Haunted Mansion,” the Great Gonzo and Pepé are challenged with spending Halloween night in the dreaded Haunted Mansion. The special is funny, heartfelt and a great reminder of what makes the Muppets so beloved. It’s also not too scary, making it a great fit for kids and families.
The special combines the Muppets with Disney’s iconic Haunted Mansion rides. Gonzo meets familiar characters from the ride that guide or trick him, like the Ghost Host voiced by Will Arnett, Constance Hatchaway voiced by Taraji P. Henson, and the Ghostly Choir that includes voices by including Chrissy Metz, Danny Trejo, and Ed Asner.
Several scenes in the special are taken straight from the Disney attraction. In fact, the graveyard outside of the mansion resembles the line to get on the ride. Early on, a room with eerie portraits starts to stretch upwards, a segment taken straight from the Haunted Mansion ride.
Like “The Muppets Christmas Carol” and “Muppets Treasure Island,” some of the Muppets appear as the characters from the Haunted Mansion ride. For example, Miss Piggy is a bossy, sassy version of the ride’s Madame Leota, and Fozzie Bear plays the Hatbox Ghost. Not only is this fresh for new and old fans of both properties, but the funny portrayals work well with the rest of the comedy throughout the special.
The comedy is wacky but also natural, true to Muppets form. Like many other shows and movies from “The Muppets” there are several funny guest stars, like Craig Robinson, Yvette Nicole Brown and John Stamos. There’s also a recurring joke about how some Muppets can’t stay long due to the special’s budget, and I still chuckle thinking about it now.
I also find myself thinking about the messages of the special. Characters learn lessons that can be applied to anyone watching. There is a particular lesson about acceptance and how people are worthy of friendship on their own. It sets an important reminder that people don’t have to pressure themselves to be enough, because they already are.
Lastly, the original songs sprinkled throughout the special are catchy and lively, especially “Life Hereafter.” It has a classic feel that’s reminiscent of other Muppets songs, like the original theme song of “The Muppets Show”.
Overall, I can’t recommend “Muppets Haunted Mansion” enough. It’s energetic but also comforting, and it’s just the right combination of spooky and silly for families to watch over Halloween. Compared to Disney’s other attempts to revitalize The Muppets, like the 2020 series “Muppets Now,” this feels like one of the more passionate projects from Disney. If this is an indication of what’s to come for The Muppets, then they have a bright future ahead of them.
“Muppets Haunted Mansion” is now available to stream for all Disney+ subscribers.
