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The Happytime Murders 2018
A 2018 American adult puppet buddy cop crime black comedy film, The Happytime Murders was directed by Brian Henson and written by Todd Berger from a story by Berger and Dee Austin Robertson. Starring Melissa McCarthy, Bill Barretta, Joel McHale, Maya Rudolph, Leslie David Baker, and Elizabeth Banks, the movie takes place in a universe where humans and animated puppets live together. It centers on a puppet private investigator and a human police detective who work together to uncover a series of murders involving former sitcom performers.
The project was initially revealed in 2008 by The Jim Henson Company, the studio founded by Muppets creator Jim Henson. Several actors, such as Cameron Diaz, Katherine Heigl, and Jamie Foxx, were considered for roles before McCarthy agreed to take part in May 2017. Principal photography commenced in Los Angeles during September and featured more than 120 puppets. This film marked the sole release under Henson Alternative, a label from The Jim Henson Company created for mature viewers.
The Happytime Murders premiered on August 24, 2018 through STX Entertainment. Critics responded negatively, and it performed poorly at the box office, earning $27.5 million globally against an estimated $40–47 million budget. The film was nominated for six awards at the 39th Golden Raspberry Awards, including Worst Picture, with McCarthy winning Worst Actress. This represents Henson Alternative's lone theatrical release.
Cast
- Melissa McCarthyDetective Connie Edwards
- Maya RudolphBubbles
- Joel McHaleSpecial Agent Campbell
- Elizabeth BanksJenny Peterson
- Leslie David BakerLt. Banning
- Michael McDonaldRonovan Scargle
- Cynthy WuBrittenie Marlowe
- Mitch SilpaTommy
- Hemky MaderaTito
- Jimmy O. YangOfficer Delancey
- Ryan GaulOfficer Milligan
- Fortune FeimsterRobin
- Ben FalconeDonny
- Barry RothbartFireman
- Damon Jonesthe voice of the reluctant puppet doctor who operates on Edwards
- Bill Barretta
- Dorien DaviesSandra White
- Kevin Clash
- Drew Massey
- Ted Michaels as
- Colleen Smith as
- Carol
- Alice DinneanSheila and Diane
- Brian Hensona crab who lives in a trash can
- Allan Trautman
- Victor Yerrid
Crew
- Director
- Brian Henson
- Screenplay
- Todd Berger
- Story
- Todd Berger, Dee Austin Robertson
- Producer
- Brian Henson, Jeffrey Hayes, Melissa McCarthy, Ben Falcone
- Cinematography
- Mitchell Amundsen
- Editing
- Brian Olds
- Music
- Christopher Lennertz
Details
- Production
- Black Bear Pictures, Henson Alternative, Huayi Brothers, On the Day Productions, STX Television, Tang Media Productions
- Distributor
- STX Television
- Budget
- $40–47 million
- Box office
- $27.5 million
