by Tom Hiddleston’s proclaimed love for Muppets Most Wanted is sure to delight fans of the zany felt creatures. During his 2014 interview with Empire magazine, Hiddleston enthusiastically chose the Muppets sequel as the “funniest movie I ever made.” This effusive praise speaks volumes about Hiddleston’s experience working on the film and his appreciation for the Muppets’ particular brand of musical comedy.
As the dashing master of ceremonies in Muppets Most Wanted, Hiddleston was tasked with anchoring the madcap adventure while interacting with Kermit and company. He described the experience as “just a joy to be a part of that world” and went on to compliment the franchise, saying “The Muppets are so funny and so clever, and they always know how to make you laugh.”
Hiddleston’s comments highlight what makes the Muppets so special – their ability to craft humor that appeals to all ages. While children may be drawn in by the silly characters and physical comedy, adult viewers can appreciate the quick wit, parody, and occasional nods to pop culture. As Hiddleston noted, the jokes are “so smart and so sophisticated. It’s not just for kids; it’s for adults too.”
By labeling Muppets Most Wanted as the funniest film he’s ever worked on, Hiddleston places it above the numerous prestigious projects he’s been involved with. This is high praise coming from an actor who brought laughter to films ranging from Midnight in Paris to Kong: Skull Island. The fact that his stint with the Muppets left such an impact speaks volumes.
A closer examination of Muppets Most Wanted shows why Hiddleston found it so hilarious to be a part of. The film, which serves as a direct sequel to 2011’s The Muppets, sees the beloved characters mixed up in an international crime caper. Fresh off their reunion in the previous movie, the Muppets find themselves on a global tour that is secretly being masterminded by the world’s most dangerous frog, Constantine, who bears an uncanny resemblance to Kermit and has taken the frog’s place.
Hiddleston’s role comes into play as Constantine enlists Ricky Gervais’ Dominic Badguy to conduct a series of robberies during the tour, eventually framing the Muppets as culprits. As the tour manager, Hiddleston’s character Thomas revels in the chaos while suspiciously overlooking any odd behavior. This oblivious act allows the antics to escalate humorously.
Of course, the real Kermit is soon replaced by Constantine, leading to a case of mistaken identity that causes no shortage of mix-ups and mayhem. Throw in a fun prison subplot featuring Tina Fey as a gulag guard, and Muppets Most Wanted has all the elements of an absurd and gleeful comedy adventure.
Looking back, it’s easy to see why Hiddleston lists this as his funniest film to date. Just about every scene plays up the off-the-wall personalities of characters like Gonzo, Fozzie Bear, Miss Piggy and Walter. Whether it’s costumes gags, cringe-worthy puns, or chaotic choreography, the movie fires on all cylinders when it comes to generating laughs.
The self-referential, meta tone also adds to the hilarity, with witty cameos playing into the showbiz side of the Muppets. From Lady Gaga to Usher, there’s no shortage of celebrity appearances and nods to the entertainment industry. Even the Oscars and Grammys get a light-hearted jab or two.
While much of the humor skews juvenile, the balance of cheeky wordplay and absurdist scenarios ensures adults get plenty of laughs as well. Clever running gags involving “the lemur” and Danny Trejo’s ruthless Russian prisoner keep the chuckles coming. This multi-age appeal shows how the Muppets brand of comedy stands out.
Of course, the madcap energy wouldn’t fully translate without a talented cast going all in on the fun. Hiddleston’s theater background serves him well as the gleefully pompous host. His British accent and exaggerated mannerisms perfectly fit the over-the-top landscape. Ricky Gervais’ snarky asides play beautifully against the sunny optimism of Kermit and friends, making the threat seem more benign and laughable in the process.
The cast’s enthusiasm in embracing the unpredictable and surreal nature of each scene goes a long way towards selling the hijinks. You can tell the human actors are just as thrilled to be sharing the screen with such legendary characters, and the result is an infectiously fun romp. Hiddleston captures this sentiment perfectly when he talks about the “joy” of joining the Muppets’ world.
Looking deeper, it’s also the themes of family, friendship and staying true to one’s self that resonate in Muppets Most Wanted. As much as the movie aims for big laughs, there’s an underlying sweetness that serves as the heart. The Muppets exemplify a spirit of togetherness and passion that’s impossible not to love.
This mix of earnest emotion amidst the comedy and music helps make the Muppets brand endure over generations. There’s an inherent warmth and optimism puppeteered by the late, great Jim Henson that permeates his felt creations. While the jokes may be zany, the relationships and emotions feel genuine.
Audiences have responded enthusiastically to the balance of heart and humor the Muppets continue to perfect. Muppets Most Wanted exceeded box office expectations with a haul of $80 million domestically and $80 million more internationally. This impressive return marked an increase over the previous film and demonstrated how much affection still exists for Kermit and friends.
The sequel also enchanted critics, scoring a respectable 79% on Rotten Tomatoes. Reviews praised the movie’s self-awareness, rapid-fire gags, and ability to expand the franchise without losing sight of what makes the Muppets special. It may not have surpassed the original, but critics found it a worthy follow-up.
With his proclamation of Muppets Most Wanted as his funniest film, Tom Hiddleston joins the chorus of fans delighted by the Muppets’ continued big-screen adventures. His experience highlights what a gift it is to join that crew of endearing misfits, even briefly. Though Hiddleston may go on to many more acclaimed projects, Kermit and friends will always occupy a special place in his heart, representing a joyful creative collaboration.
