Disney Has Been Virally Marketing Jason Segel's Hard-to-Make Muppets for 18 Months

While Fraggle Rock remains but a twinkle in the eye of your average '80s nostalgist, The Muppets is full-steam ahead toward its November release. Not that it was any easier getting this one restarted. "It was the hardest thing to get made that I've ever been involved in," Muppets co-writer/co-star/champion Jason Segel told the Los Angeles Times. "This is a relatively high budget for a movie with puppets. It cost more than Sarah Marshall, I'll tell you that. And it's such a beloved franchise. It was tricky to get everyone to agree on a script, on a budget, on a concept." How does Disney plan on reminding everyone about this "beloved franchise"? Apparently they already started.

During the CinemaCon presentation for The Muppets it was revealed that the studio has been stealth marketing The Muppets through a series of viral videos since 2009. That way, by the time The Muppets gets released, the younger generation of fans will at least know what to expect. And you thought that clip of the Muppets singing "Bohemian Rhapsody" was just a cute forward your mom sent along!

It was also noted that the film will include four new musical numbers. Four! If even just one is as catchy and perfect as this classic blow, Segel's passion project will likely be a success. No pressure though.

The Muppets is due in theaters on Nov. 23.

· Jason Segel on 'The Muppets': More music, less nudity [LAT/Company Town]

· Disney Unveils 'The Muppets' at CinemaCon + Viral Video Madness [First Showing]