73 - Muppet Treasure Island

Update: 2025-07-01

Description

This week, we're setting sail with Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, and Tim Curry as we revisit Muppet Treasure Island, Disney’s 1996 swashbuckling adventure that proved you can never have too many pirates... or Muppets.

We explore how the Muppets returned to adapting literary classics after the success of Muppet Christmas Carol, why Gonzo and Rizzo were almost the stars of this film, and how Tim Curry's unforgettable Long John Silver performance (and laugh) practically made him a human Muppet. Along the way, we look at the film’s memorable songs by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, Hans Zimmer’s rousing score, and the challenges of filming on a full-size gimbaled ship set without sending the entire cast to the sick bay.

We also share our memories of the movie’s 90s marketing, its reception, and why it remains such a fun retelling of a literary classic.

00:00 Welcome to 90s Disney Podcast

01:35 Introduction to Muppet Treasure Island

02:10 Muppet Treasure Island Release and Reception

04:14 Casting and Character Insights

11:43 Behind the Scenes and Production Details

28:17 Music and Score of Muppet Treasure Island

32:20 Final Thoughts and Reflections

32:31 Nostalgic Memories of Watching Movies in Theaters

33:25 Ranking the Muppet Movies

35:23 Imagining New Muppet Movie Adaptations

38:16 Comedic Highlights and Memorable Scenes