A new teaser video for the Disney+ series Muppets Now was released earlier today, and though it did make fans more excited about the show’s debut later this month, longtime followers of The Muppets franchise noticed that there’s something off about Kermit the Frog’s voice.
Kermit was originally voiced by The Muppets creator Jim Henson, who lent his pipes to the franchise’s main protagonist from 1955 until his death in 1990. Veteran Muppet performer Steve Whitmire replaced Henson as Kermit’s voice following his death and remained as the character’s principal performer until he was fired by The Muppets Studio in 2016 due to long-term creative disagreements and prolonged labor union negotiations that delayed his involvement in Muppet-related productions. Since 2017, Matt Vogel has taken over as Kermit’s voice.
Though Vogel has been voicing Kermit for the past three years, a lot of Muppets fans are still not familiar with his voice, as most of his past performances as the character were only in live shows at major arenas. This explains why several fans were shocked and puzzled at once when they heard Vogel’s Kermit in the teaser for the first time.
What’s up with kermits voice. That ain’t Kermit
— cassie met agent simmons (@englacas) July 15, 2020
What’s wrong with Kermit’s voice?
— Michael (@LazySportsTakes) July 15, 2020
What did they do to Kermit’s voice?!?! #notmyKermit #DisneyPlus https://t.co/0BM7Tnt0A9
— Matt Melendrez (@mdm4ever) July 15, 2020
Kermit’s voice is really off. Like he’s not even trying to sound right. He’s the focal point of the show. His voice is an important part of the character. #kermit
— Santo (@Viva_Del_Santo) July 16, 2020
The new guy just doesn’t quite hit the mark, it’s too, normal? Doesn’t really get close to Henson or Whitmire
— Simon Powell (@SI_powell) July 15, 2020
Bring back Steve Whitmire, Kermit doesn’t sound even close to Kermit anymore
— Simon Powell (@SI_powell) July 15, 2020
Steve Whitmire’s replacement on Kermit doesn’t sound right. https://t.co/cQOf5XkIxn
— Stuart Ian Burns is still (@feelinglistless) July 15, 2020
A number of fans think Vogel’s Kermit sounds way too low and deep compared to Henson and Whitmire’s versions.
Kermit now sounds like Barney the Dinosaur!
— Playtime, all the Time! (@TimePlaytime) July 15, 2020
Sorry but that is not the proper Kermie. The voice is way too low. Disappointing. ? Scooter is wrong as well.
— Clean and Tidy (@AndTidy) July 15, 2020
Does anyone else think Kermit’s voice sounds too deep in this? Makes me miss Steve Whitmire.
— Nick Sorenson (@Nick0086) July 15, 2020
For some people, Kermit’s new voice isn’t big of a deal. They, however, admitted that it’s going to take a while to get used to Vogel’s version of the character.
I am really looking forward to the new Muppets stuff on Disney+. It is the reason I’m going to subscribe. That being said it is going to take me a while to get used to the new Kermit voice. The fact that I’ve been around for three Kermit voices makes me feel old.
— Troublin’ Times Todd™ (@RowkerTheJoker) July 15, 2020
The new Kermit voice will take getting used to, but I am so excited for the Muppets to return!
— Jon Mortensen (@JonFromBuckland) July 15, 2020
Nothing will ever match Jim Henson’s portrayal of Kermit the Frog, but that’s because it was the original.
A character is not just a voice.
As long as the portrayal still feels like the Kermit the Frog we all love that’s what’s important.
— Muppet History (@HistoryMuppet) July 15, 2020
Directed by Kirk Thatcher, Muppets Now is an improvised situation comedy based on the beloved The Muppets franchise. Its six-episode season 1 will revolve around Scooter, who is given the task of delivering and uploading the new Muppets streaming TV series. He’s running late to get the show going, so he will need to overcome any obstacles in his way. From zany experiments with Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and Beaker to lifestyle tips from the fabulous Miss Piggy, each episode is packed with hilarious segments, hosted by the Muppets showcasing what they do best.
Muppets Now premieres on Disney+ on July 31st.
