Kermit the Frog a comic inspiration for Jason Segel

Not only is Jason Segel redifining a beloved comedy franchise for a new generation, he also got the chance to work with a childhood idol in the process.

“The Muppets were my first comic influence,” he said Tuesday when he stopped by Breakfast Television to talk about his latest film The Muppets. “When you’re a kid The Muppet Show was like Saturday Night Live and as a young comedian Kermit is sort of like a Tom Hanks, or Jimmy Stewart … he’s the every man.

“[Kermit] defined who I wanted to be and the idea of bringing it back for a new generation was really exciting to me.”

Kermit is, of course, Segel’s favourite Muppet.

“He’s who I wanted to be when I was a little kid,” he said. “I still want to be like Kermit.”

Segel said Jim Henson’s colourful creations are characters loved by parents and kids alike— moms and dads like watching their adventures because it brings them back to their own childhood, and kids think the puppets are funny.

“Instantly, kids’ parents are going to seem cool because they knew The Muppets before the kids did,” Segel said.

The Muppets hits theatres on Nov. 23.

Watch the video to see the Dina Pugliese’s full interview with Segel.

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