The Muppets are back on those snowy London streets, and this time Walton Goggins is the one in Scrooge’s coat. Walmart released “A Who Knew Carol” on Monday, October 26, a holiday campaign inspired by The Muppet Christmas Carol and brought to life by Disney and The Muppets Studio. Goggins plays Ebenezer Scrooge, and Stephanie Beatriz, the voice of Mirabel in Encanto, plays Scrooge’s niece.
The full version opens the way the 1992 movie does, with Gonzo back as Charles Dickens and Rizzo the Rat at his side, before the town launches into a new take on “Scrooge,” the film’s opening number. Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and Fozzie Bear are in the crowd, and Pepé the King Prawn gets in on the fun too, even though he wasn’t in the original. Statler and Waldorf, who played the Marley brothers in 1992, turn up again at the end.
New Ghosts For A New Carol
Walmart says the idea is that even the biggest humbug can be surprised. This Scrooge gets a set of new ghosts tied to holiday shopping, including the Ghost of Deals to Come and the Ghost of Christmas Fast, and Walmart worked with Disney and The Muppets Studio on details like a brand-new Walmart Muppet named Bagsy, Campaign reported.
“‘A Who Knew Carol’ brings Walmart’s holiday campaign to life in a way that’s playful, memorable and full of unexpected surprises all season long,” Walmart chief marketing officer William White said in the company’s announcement. “By pairing the enduring charm of The Muppets with Walton Goggins’ humor, we’re showing that Walmart can surprise customers with the brands, gifts, deals and convenience they need to make the season even more joyful.”
This is just the start. Walmart plans a series of videos and social content through the holiday season, and Beatriz fronts both the English and Spanish-language spots. Goggins is no stranger to Walmart’s holiday ads either, after fronting the company’s campaign last year.
A Muppet Classic Gets Another December
The Muppet Christmas Carol came out in 1992 with Michael Caine as Scrooge and Kermit as Bob Cratchit, and it has become a December tradition for a lot of families. It streams on Disney+ for anyone who wants to watch the original after seeing Goggins take his turn.
The ad also kicks off Walmart’s holiday sales. Early Black Friday Deals run November 12 through 15, Black Friday Deals run November 23 through 29, and Cyber Monday deals run November 30 through December 2.
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