Merchandise for General Mills X Henson's Monster Cereals Now Available!

The first wave of merchandise for General Mills X The Jim Henson Company's Monster Cereals is now available. 

So far the items include bowls, T-Shirts, towels, mugs, sweatshirts, and water bottles featuring the Henson Creature Shop version of the classic cereal mascots.   

From Henson's website:

"This Halloween, spooky nostalgia meets innovative imagination as General Mills unveils a monstrously magical makeover for its iconic Monsters Cereal lineup. In a first-of-its-kind collaboration with the legendary Jim Henson Company - celebrating its 70th anniversary this year - Count Chocula, Boo Berry and Franken Berry are being reimagined as puppets to delight fans in an entirely new way."

They go on include that "shop.Henson.com is the exclusive destination for merch and collectibles that commemorate this historic partnership."

Order your these monstrous collectibles for a limited time at shop.Henson.com.

Watch the First Commercial for General Mills X Henson's Monster Cereals!

Along with the official announcment, General Mills released the first commercial featuring Count Chocula, Boo Berry, and Franken Berry reimagined by The Jim Henson Company’s 

Take a look as the monsters get ready for their close up in "Behind the Scenes":

General Mills Officially Announces Monster Cereal Henson Collab!

General Mills officially announced their partnership with The Jim Henson Company for this year's Monster Cereal line.

According to the press release, the promotion launches in August, with boxes starting to arrive in stores now.

There will be tie-merch available through shop.henson.com as well a Walmart exclusive limited edition "Fuzzy" Franken berry box available October 7th.

"The frightful fun features the debut of a limited-edition fuzzy Franken Berry cereal box, available exclusively on Walmart.com for $7.70 beginning Tuesday, October 7. Designed to mimic the fleece-like texture of the newly created puppet characters, the collector-worthy box offers fans a tactile twist on the beloved brand. With its soft-touch finish and eye-catching design, it’s a must-have for cereal collectors, Halloween enthusiasts, and Henson fans alike.

“This is more than a cereal box, it’s a piece of art,” said Mindy Murray, Brand Experience Director for Morning Foods at General Mills. “We know that fans have an incredible love for Monsters and anticipate their return every year. That’s why we knew the partnership with The Jim Henson Company was the perfect way to deliver surprise and delight — and the first-of-its-kind fuzzy Franken Berry box.”

For the full experience, fans can head to social media to see and hear the Monsters in action — brought to life in full puppet form unlike ever before.

UPDATE: Here's a look at the Walmart exclusive "Fuzzy" box:

For more information, follow @generalmills and @hensoncompany on Instagram and Facebook, and visit cerealsociety.com.

RIP Cleo Laine (1927 - 2025)

Sad news, over the weekend we learned that British jazz singer and actress Cleo Lain has died. 

Laine guest starred in the second season of The Muppet Show performing "It Don't Mean a Thing" with The Electric Mayhem and "You're Just in love" with the Swedish Chef.

The following year, Rowlf appearing on Cleo's self-titled series spoofing Stevie Wonder's "Sir Duke," and was interviewed in the 2002 documentary I Love Muppets.

She acted and sang on stage in the 1950s and throughout her career. Laine is the only vocalist to have received Grammy nominations in the pop, classical, and jazz categories.

Her sole Grammy win came in 1985, when she was awarded best jazz vocal performance, female or her album “Cleo at Carnegie – The 10th Anniversary Concert.”

In 1997, she was made a Dame of the Order of the British Empire. An obituary from the BBC, noted, “One critic said that she was one of Britain’s two great contributions to jazz — the other being gin."

You can read more about her life from Variety

Cleo Laine was 97. 

Muppet Stuff - Rare Items and Viewer Mail!

In this quick unboxing video, I share a rare and exciting eBay find that totally exceeded my expectations! Not only did the package include the item I was hunting for, but it also came loaded with a bunch of surprise extras I wasn't expecting. 

Plus, a classic Muppet vinyl record sent in by a thoughtful viewer makes a special appearance as well as a rare plush. Whether you're a Muppet fan, a collector, or just love surprise hauls, this video has a little something for everyone. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe if you enjoy unboxings and unique pop culture finds! 

Be sure to check out more videos on our Youtube Channel.

RIP (and Good Riddance) to Hulk Hogan (1954 - 2025)

Pro wrestler and avid Trump supporter Hollywood Hogan, also known as Hulk Hogan, has died. 

Born Terrence Bollea, Hogan made his World Wrestling Entertainment, debut in November 1979. 

He starred along side his fellow WWEers the 1985 NBC Saturday morning cartoon Hulk Hogan's Rock 'n' Wrestling, the TV action/adventure series Thunder in Paradise, as well a movies such as Rocky III, Suburban Commando, Mr. Nanny and from 2005 to 2007 in the VH1's reality series Hogan Knows Best. 

One month after the show's finale, his wife Linda filed for divorce after 24 years of marriage, citing the "Infidelities" including an affair with their teenage daughter's close friend. He later lied about steroid use, was involved in a notorious sex-tape scandal, and was exposed using racist language — which tarnished his reputation as wrestling's "good guy."

In 2015, the WWE terminated his contract and scrubbed Hogan from their website for the racist slur. In 2018, after he completed an apology tour and spent countless hours volunteering with kids, the WWE reinstated him their Hall Fame.

However, in 1999 before any of the scandals that would later tarnish his legacy he made a cameo appearance, as himself, in Muppets From Space as a "bad guy" - perhaps a sign of the foreshadowing come. 

According to Muppet Wiki, Hogan was interviewed by Kermit on Larry King Live in 1994 promoting Thunder in Paradise and appeared on the April 15, 2004 episode of Hollywood Squares with Elmo. 

Hulk Hogan was 71.

Jim Henson's Monster Cereals Now in Stores!

As we reported last week, the Jim Henson Company has teamed up with General Mill's Monster Cereals for a special promotion celebrating the Henson Company's 70th anniversary.

We now have a better look at the packing and links to see if your local Walmart has them in stock. 

Boo Berry Cereal with Monster Marshmallow Limited Edition:

Count Chocula with Monster Marshmallows Limited Edition

Franken Berry Cereal with Monster Marshmallows Limited Edition:

Thanks to darkdisneypark, we also now have a look at the back of the boxes that all connect and have a special plaque  that says:

“JIM HENSON reimagined the way we look at monsters by making them a joyful and friendly part of our world.

To celebrate the 70th anniversary of The Jim Henson Company, our beloved crew of merry monsters are joining the family thanks to the talented artists at Jim Henson’s Creature Shop.”

As you can see the frames contain many creature shop monsters including Norman and Haggis from Me and My Monsters, Jr. Gorg from Fraggle Rock, Fizzgig from The Dark Crystal, Ludo from Labyrinth, as well as Snerfs, Splurge, Scred, and many more!

Marvel Celebrates The Muppets 70th Anniversary with Variant Covers!

Marvel is teaming up with The Muppets to celebrate our felty friend's 70th anniversary with a series of variant covers featuring the Muppets as various Marvel characters. 

First 6 of the 10 covers have been revealed including The Electric Mayhem as the Avengers, The Swedish Chef sporting some "adamantium" spoons, Fozzie as The Fantastic Four's Thing, Sam Eagle as Captain America, Kermit as Thor and Gonzo as the Silver Surfer. 

These homages by top Marvel artists, will appear on select Marvel comic books and feature the Muppets parodying some of the most iconic Marvel covers.

Each cover will be available starting in October.

10/1: 

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #13 MUPPETS VARIANT COVER BY DAVE BARDIN

VENOM #250 MUPPETS VARIANT COVER BY NICK BRADSHAW

10/8:

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN: TORN #1 MUPPETS VARIANT COVER BY JAVIER GARRÓN

AVENGERS #31 MUPPETS VARIANT COVER BY LUCIANO VECCHIO

SPIDER-MAN & WOLVERINE #6 MUPPETS VARIANT COVER BY GREG LAND

10/15:

CAPTAIN AMERICA #4 MUPPETS VARIANT COVER BY ANNIE WU

INCREDIBLE HULK #30 MUPPETS VARIANT COVER BY CHRISSIE ZULLOOn

10/22:

FANTASTIC FOUR #4 MUPPETS VARIANT COVER BY TODD NAUCK

BATTLEWORLD #2 MUPPETS VARIANT COVER BY PACO MEDINA Sale 10/15

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #14 MUPPETS VARIANT COVER BY JOSHUA CASSARA

Head to your local comic shop and preorder all 10!

RIP Ozzy Osbourne (1948 - 2025)

Hard rock musician Ozzy Osbourne has died.

Dubbed the "Prince of Darkness" Osbourne was active in the music industry since the 1960s as the lead singer of legendry heavy metal band, Black Sabbath. 

Despite their self-titled debut receiving negative reviews it is considered to be one of the most influential metal albums of all time. Songs like “Iron Man” and “War Pigs” are now considered "classic rock." 

Ozzy was also known for biting the head off of a bat during a concert and starring with his family on the reality TV series The Osbournes from 2002-2005. 

In 1994, he recorded a version of "Born to be Wild" with Miss Piggy for the album "Kermit Unpigged." 

Osbourne appeared in the 1991 recycling PSA "Yakety Yak Take It Back" that aired on Sesame Street.

He later appeared alongside Kermit at the Golden Jubilee for Queen Elizabeth II in 2002 and a

on the May 13, 2005 episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live along with Fozzie Bear and Rizzo who were promoting The Muppets' Wizard of Oz.

Ozzy Osbourne was 76.

RIP Malcolm-Jamal Warner (1970 - 2025)

Sad news. Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show has died.

The series earned him a primetime Emmy nomination for outstanding supporting actor in a comedy and positioned him for later success in Hollywood. 

The actor and director died from an accidental drowning off the coast of Costa Rica according to ABC News.

He appeared with Kyra Sedgwick in ABC’s Ten Days in the Valley drama, played A.C. Cowlings in FX’s American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson. Sneaky Pete, Major Crimes, Suits, Community, Sons of Anarchy, The Michael J. Fox Show, The Cleaner and Dexter. His more recent TV work included the roles The Resident and Accused.

In 1986, Warner appeared in the 13th issue of Muppet Magazine with his with Cosby Show co-stars Lisa Bonet, Tempestt Bledsoe, and Keshia Knight Pulliam. 

As a director, Warner helmed several episodes of The Cosby Show, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Sesame Street.

The "Cosby Kids" would later appear in segments on Sesame Street. 

Warner appeared solo in Episode 2724 as himself, directing a movie on the street.

In 1994,Warner became the first "celebrity" to direct an episode of Sesame Street recalling his time working on the show, affectionately referring to the puppeteers as having a "sick-witted" sense of humor.

He directed and starred in the BET series Reed Between the Lines, and he helmed the AIDS awareness video Timeout: The Truth about HIV, AIDS, and You.

Warner also made his feature film debut in Paramount Pictures’ Drop Zone and appeared in Warner Bros. Pictures’ Fool’s Gold.  Warner appeared in the off-Broadway plays Three Ways Home, Cryin’ Shame, Freefall and in a production of A Midsummer Nights’ Dream at the La Jolla Playhouse in California.

Born on Aug. 18, 1970 in Jersey City, New Jersey, Warner was named after Malcolm X and jazz pianist Ahmad Jamal.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner was 54.

Sneak Peek - Henson Company Teams Up with Monster Cereals for 70th Anniversary Collab!

In celebration of The Jim Henson Company’s 70th anniversary, a truly nostalgic and unexpected collaboration is brewing! The iconic studio is partnering with General Mills for a special promotion featuring none other than the beloved Monster Cereals—Count Chocula, Boo Berry, and Franken Berry.

What makes this collaboration so exciting? For the first time ever, Jim Henson’s Creature Shop is bringing the Monster Cereal mascots to life as puppets! These fan-favorite characters, long known for their animated and illustrated versions, are getting a fuzzy, felt-filled makeover that’s both charming and hilariously spooky.

The Henson-crafted monster puppets will appear across a wide range of media:

• Limited Edition Cereal Boxes featuring their new puppet likenesses

• Television and digital commercials that combine Henson’s trademark puppetry with the classic cereal magic

• Online content and social media ads

• In-store promotional items—possibly even puppets or collectible figures!

While we await the official press release and full campaign rollout, some early images of the puppet designs have already leaked—thanks to a listing spotted on Kroger’s website!

Stay tuned for more updates as the full campaign rolls out. And in the meantime, keep an eye on your local grocery store shelves—these limited edition boxes won’t last long!

Fozzie's Restored Studebaker Unveiled at The Studebaker National Museum!

After an 18-month restoration process Fozzie Bear’s ride is back in its natural habitat the Studebaker National Museum.

Over the weekend, the museum unveiled the restored 1951 Studebaker Commander  famously borrowed from Fozzie's uncle in The Muppet Movie.

Photo: Southbend Tribune

International Academy Award-winning costume, prop house and custom car builder Razorfly Studios in Sylva, North Carolina, was commissioned to do the restoration.

Restorers sandblasted the car down to the bare metal before coating the frame in a sealant to prevent further rust. then tried to replicate the specific psychedelic paint job Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem gave it. 

Photo: Southbend Tribune

Museum Curator Kyle Sater said he started choking up seeing the car roll out of its trailer "This car is more than a car," t's cross-generational — it's an icon... It symbolizes friendship and memory and nostalgia."

The film actually features two identical 1951 Studebaker Commanders. One car was used for long shots, while the second was modified so the puppeteers could control the Muppets from under the dashboard while a professional driver steered the car from the trunk using custom controls.

Following production, the car sat outdoors for years on a Warner Bros. backlot, until the Studebaker National Museum acquired it in 2004 as a donation from the Orange Empire Chapter of the Studebaker Driver’s Club in California.

A full restoration was always the intent when the museum first acquired the car, but it took time to get the money to do it. In January 2022, The museum  launched a crowdsourcing campaign hoping to get $175,000

Photo: Southbend Tribune

After raising around $100,000 from various donors, including private donors, a donation of replacement parts from Studebaker International and other contributors Stephen Allen’s LLC, Westmoreland Studebaker, Studebakers West and Midwest Studebaker, the work began in January 2024 and the car returned to the museum Thursday, July 10 2025.

Photo: Southbend Tribune

Part of the restoration included a "meticulous recreation of the psychedelic paint scheme" and restoring the car's mechanical systems and remote cockpit, which was used to operate the vehicle during filming. This was one of the greatest challenges, Zoran said.

Muppet Movie Cinematographer Isidore Mankofsky testing the car 

Razorfly aimed for perfection when renovating the 1951 Studebaker Commander by maintaining the spirit of the movie as well as the spirit of the vehicle design, Zoran said. The company conducted hours of research and even reached out to Disney to view behind-the-scenes footage of the film to make the vehicle drive again, rather than have it be a prop.

“We had to find out what they removed, what they modified," Zoran said. "All of those changes we had to then reverse and almost reverse engineer. We actually had to manufacture some parts to make the car back to (its) normal usability."

Below are some before and after photos:

Photo: Ed George

 

Photo: Ed George

UPDATE:

Here's Mid-Michigan Now's story on the unveiling as seen on FOX66 and NBC25:

More information about The Studebaker National Museum and Fozzie's car can be found here: https://studebakermuseum.org/exhibition/fozzies-studebaker