Disney+ Faces Backlash Over AI-Generated Muppets Image

The Muppet Show's return to Disney+ sparks controversy over the use of AI in promotional materials.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Disney+ recently promoted the return of the classic TV series The Muppet Show with an image that was later revealed to be AI-generated, sparking outrage among fans. The image featured inconsistencies, like Miss Piggy appearing without her signature gloves, that set off alarm bells for devoted Muppet fans. Disney ultimately removed the image, but the damage was done, highlighting a concerning trend of Hollywood embracing AI technology in ways that undermine the creative vision behind beloved properties.

Why it matters

The Muppets have long been beloved for the painstaking practical effects and puppetry that brought the characters to life. By using AI-generated imagery to promote the show, Disney is seen as downplaying the immense creative effort that goes into producing authentic Muppet content. This controversy points to a larger concern that Disney may be increasingly relying on AI in its entertainment offerings, which could threaten the very qualities that make the Muppets so special.

The details

The Muppet-themed podcast Kermitment was the first to notice the inconsistencies in the AI-generated image, sparking a wave of fan backlash on social media. Disney eventually removed the image, but the damage was done, as it highlighted a concerning trend of Hollywood embracing AI technology in ways that undermine the creative vision behind beloved properties.

  • The Muppet Show recently made its grand return on Disney+ in a special event.
  • Disney+ first used the AI-generated image to promote the Muppet Show special.

The players

The Muppet Show

The classic television series featuring beloved Muppet characters like Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy.

Disney+

The streaming service owned by The Walt Disney Company that is the exclusive home of The Muppet Show special.

Kermitment

A Muppet-themed podcast that was the first to notice the inconsistencies in the AI-generated image used by Disney+ to promote The Muppet Show.

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What they’re saying

“If you're dealing with a Muppet to Muppet scene, everything has to be in 3/4 scale. If there's a human in the scene with the Muppet, it's a 7/8 scale. There are all these little tricks to make sure that a mug feels the right size for Kermit and for that desk to feel the right height...The math of it is really challenging, but also really rewarding.”

— Alex Timbers, Director, The Muppet Show (Los Angeles Times)

The takeaway

This controversy highlights the growing concern that major entertainment companies like Disney are increasingly embracing AI technology in ways that undermine the creative vision and painstaking practical effects that have long defined beloved properties like the Muppets. As Disney continues to push AI integration across its entertainment offerings, fans worry that the unique qualities that make the Muppets so special could be lost.