On February 16th, 1996, Muppet Treasure Island was released. Even if you aren’t a huge Muppet fan, the story remains much the same – with brilliant songs and fun and silly characters. The film does include its classic Muppet humor – alongside swashbuckling pirates, and of course – a wonderful callback to the first Disney live-action film.
Featured in the movie are some major heavy hitters – Tim Curry as Long John Silver, Billy Connolly as Billy Bones, and a very honest Kermit as Captain Smollett. What may come off as a remake of a classic story ends up holding its own with quotable lines, plenty of sing-along moments, and is a neverending good laugh.
Looking to know more about this Muppet Masterpiece? Check out the facts below!
- Forever A Favorite
- Tim Curry has played a lot of iconic roles – but playing Long John Silver was his favorite. According to Tim Curry’s official biography researched by ScreenRant, Tim Curry stated that “It was one of the happiest sets I’ve ever been on. There’s a conspicuous lack of ego among the Muppets.”.
- A Whole Lotta Muppets
- Over 400 Muppets – not including their human counterparts – are featured in this film. Makes sense since an epic story requires an epic amount of Muppets!
- One in the Same
- After completion of the film, Tim Curry received a Muppet likeness of himself as Long John Silver!
- SPAM or not to SP’AM
- One joke that didn’t land for everyone was a Muppet pig with the name SP’AM. The Hormel Foods Corporation didn’t think the joke was all that funny and sued Jim Henson Productions. Don’t worry though! The court ended up ruling in Henson’s favor. “One might think,” opined the appeals court, “that Hormel would welcome the association with a genuine source of pork.”
- A Crack in the Pipes
- Kevin Bishop (who plays Jim Hawkins) went through puberty during shooting and could no longer hit the same notes that he had during the audition for the song “Something Better”. Because of this, he had to dubbed over with his audition version of the song!
- Split Personalities
- Though Kevin Bishop got the role of Jim Hawkins, it was initially supposed to be split between Gonzo and Rizzo who would’ve played Jim and Hawkins. Another fun fact is that this was Kevin Bishops’ first role – and he also was the first to audition for the role! Talk about meant to be!
- Though Kevin Bishop got the role of Jim Hawkins, it was initially supposed to be split between Gonzo and Rizzo who would’ve played Jim and Hawkins. Another fun fact is that this was Kevin Bishops’ first role – and he also was the first to audition for the role! Talk about meant to be!
Pictures and Information: Disney / D23 / Jim Henson Productions
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