Muppets Haunted Mansion: A Perfect Blend of Two Beloved Stories

Skilled experts in having fun and mocking pop culture, the Muppets take on a new challenge: a beloved Disney park attraction. It once again proves that the beloved characters can insert themselves into any story and pull off a thrilling time.


In the latest Disney Plus original, Gonzo and his sidekick Pepe are invited to spend the night in the Haunted Mansion. Gonzo decides to skip the Halloween bash thrown by friends Kermit and Miss Piggy to find out what happened to a magician that disappeared 100 years ago. The fearless Gonzo takes the challenge believing it will be easy. What Gonzo believes to be a fancy party turns into a special is full of cameos that follow the pacing of the real-life attraction.


Right at the start, the spooky vibe sets viewers into the seasonal fall feeling as they follow Pepe and Gonzo on a mission to face their fears. The attention to the details of the attraction makes it a fun watch to try to point out everything you can. There was no lack of creativity in the set design, the mansion is modeled after the iconic theme park ride. Muppets take on characters from the ride with Fozzie as the Hatbox bear and Miss Piggy as the crystal ball head. The writing feels natural and uses familiar Muppet tactics such as the hecklers Waldorf and Statler.


The human performers are having a great time among the felt stars. Will Arnett fits in perfectly and Taraji P Henson goes all in as the widow ghost. There are parts of her story that drag on too long but her dedication is appreciated. The celebrity cameos never take away from the main focus of Gonzo and Pepe.


This special opens the door for more seasonal and holiday Muppet specials that involve beloved characters and attractions. The Muppets have been having a hard time trying to modernize themselves under the Disney brand, but the Muppets are a timeless entity that they don't need much fixing. This special works because it plays into why people love the Muppets.