14th Anniversary of The Muppets (2011)!

Welcome to a SPECIAL EDITION of the Piece of Advice Newsletter!

Good morning! Today we are celebrating the 14th anniversary of 2011’s,“The Muppets”! I was even lucky enough to ask songwriter Jeannie Lurie who worked on the film, some questions! She co-wrote “Pictures In My Head”! I also got to ask a couple of questions to the actor who plays the main antagonist in the film, Chris Cooper!

In 2011, “The Muppets” returned to the big screen with heart, humor, and a whole lot of felt. After more than a decade without a theatrical release, the beloved characters created by Jim Henson found new life thanks to lifelong fan Jason Segel, who co-wrote the film and also starred as the earnest and lovable Gary. The idea was simple but powerful: remind audiences why they fell in love with the Muppets in the first place, while introducing them to a new generation.

Segel teamed up with screenwriter Nicholas Stoller and director James Bobin, known for his work on “Flight of the Conchords”, to craft a story that balanced nostalgia with fresh energy. The film follows Gary, his brother Walter (a Muppet himself), and Gary’s girlfriend Mary (Amy Adams) as they reunite the old Muppet gang to save their abandoned theater from a greedy oil baron. The movie playfully breaks the fourth wall, features tongue-in-cheek humor, and embraces everything quirky, heartfelt, and self-aware that made the Muppets cultural icons.

Music played a major role in the film’s success. The original songs, written by Flight of the Conchords’ Bret McKenzie, struck the perfect balance between hilarious and heartfelt. Standouts like “Life’s a Happy Song” and the Oscar-winning “Man or Muppet” captured the emotional core of the characters while keeping the signature Muppet wit intact. The soundtrack also included a mix of nostalgic classics, like “Rainbow Connection,” and clever covers, such as a barbershop quartet version of Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” With musical numbers that were both playful and poignant, the film celebrated the Muppets’ long legacy of memorable melodies.

Critics and fans embraced “The Muppets” as both a triumphant return and a loving tribute. It earned critical acclaim, a strong box office showing, and sparked a modest Muppet renaissance, including a sequel and renewed interest in the brand. More than just a comeback, the film proved that the Muppets’ signature blend of music, mayhem, and heart still had a place in the 21st century; and that sometimes, the most powerful thing a film can do is remind us of what we’ve always loved!

Bonus Question:

Giancarlo: How does it feel to be a part of such a beloved song like “Pictures In My Head” for the Muppets?

Jeannie Lurie: It always feels special to work with the Muppets! For me the best part was the experience of writing and recording the song. I worked with my great friends and songwriting partners Aris Archontis and Chen Neeman. This movie had a budget for live players so that added a lot of warmth to the track. And then we got to see the scene being filmed. (If you look up Doheny Greystone Mansion, you can see the location - they filmed in the basement!) And it's really nice that the song has many fans!

Giancarlo: What was it like working on “The Muppets”?

Chris Cooper: “Muppets” was just a lot of fun-- Even got to do a dance with showgirls. One thing you had to learn is when you talk to the Muppet or the person operating the Muppet. That was two separate things.

Piece Of Advice:

Giancarlo: What is this best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Jeannie Lurie: The best advice I've received (about songwriting) came from a speaker in a music class I took when I first moved to LA. She said it was good karma to be generous with credit and writing splits. Basically, if there are 3 people in the room writing, and everyone contributes in some way, then it's equal thirds. You never know what one person said that led to another person's idea. So, I've always used that system. It makes for a more team-oriented experience!

Chris Cooper: Quote from Grandad; “Play it, like you feel it.”

Thank you for reading! Have an amazing day and we will catch you again tomorrow!

-Giancarlo