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Flight of the Conchords Co-Creator Directing Muppets Movie!

by Alex Billington
January 29, 2010
Source: Vulture

Flight of the Conchords meets The Muppets? That's what Vulture is saying might happen. They're reporting that James Bobin, co-creator of the cult HBO show Flight of the Conchords (with Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie), is being offered the directing job on the new Muppets movie in development at Disney. Vulture says that no deals have been made, but "the movie is James' to direct — if he wants it." And it may even be in production as soon as the summer. Whoa! But wait, I thought this was Jason Segel's gig? Our last update on this project from last year confirms that Segel is only writing the script, but not directing it.

Vulture also says that Bobin is being courted by Universal for the directing gig on another Judd Apatow comedy called Bridesmaids about two women battling to plan their friend's wedding party. If I were James, I'd take the Muppets movie, just because that seems like something that may be a lot more worthwhile than another generic comedy. Apparently Nick Stoller, who directed Forgetting Sarah Marshall with Jason Segel, was supposed to direct the new Muppets movie (to be titled The Cheapest Muppet Movie Ever Made!), but he's too busy working on Get Him to the Greek and a "new Zac Efron movie at Warner Bros." So now the offer is out to Bobin, who has also directed episodes of Da Ali G Show in addition to Conchords.

Back in September of last year it was revealed that The Cheapest Muppet Movie Ever Made! would be about Gonzo directing a Hollywood movie and very quickly running out of money to make it. The idea originated with Jim Henson himself back in 1985, but Jason Segel has been writing the screenplay for it. Apparently Disney likes Bobin because "the original Muppet Show was envisioned by Jim Henson as an adult show that was suitable for kids" and Bobin's background shows that he's not exactly a director of content for children. To be honest, I'm looking forward to the new Muppets movie no matter who directs it. What about you?

Update: Heat Vision is officially reporting that Bobin has indeed decided to direct the new Muppets movie instead of the other Apatow project. Disney is still aiming to start production on this project in the summer.

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