The Muppet Movie ambition of finding success in professional show business—while being pursued by Doc Hopper, an evil restaurateur with intentions of employing Kermit as a spokesperson for his frog legs business. In addition to the Muppet performers, the film stars Charles Durning and Austin Pendleton, and features cameo appearances by Dom DeLuise, James Coburn, Edgar Bergen, Steve Martin, and Mel Brooks, among others. Notable for its surreal humour, meta-references and prolific use of cameos, "The Muppet Movie" was released in the United Kingdom on May 31, 1979, and in the United States on June 22, 1979, and received critical praise; including two
Animal (Muppet) Animal (Muppet) Animal is the fictional wild and frenzied monster who is a drummer of Dr. Teeth and The Electric Mayhem, the fictional band from "The Muppet Show". He is one of The Muppets originally created by Michael K. Frith. Animal was performed by Frank Oz from his first appearance in the pilot for "The Muppet Show" until his 2000 appearance in the video game "Muppet RaceMania", and has been performed regularly by Eric Jacobson since his 2002 appearance in "It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie". On "The Muppet Show", his drumming is performed by Ronnie Verrell. Animal has