Disney+ Accused of Using AI for The Muppet Show

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The return of The Muppet Show on Disney+ was initially welcomed as a wonderful reunion for a series known for its creative, hands-on approach to entertainment. The Muppets have always stood out for celebrating traditional crafts – like puppets and physical sets – creating a charming and believable world that’s hard to achieve with computer-generated effects. However, the show is now under fire because some of its promotional images appear to have been created using artificial intelligence, which many see as a break from the brand’s commitment to handmade artistry.

A recent investigation, initially shared on X by the Kermitment Muppets podcast, suggests Disney may have used AI to create extra parts of the promotional images for the new Muppet Show. The report points out noticeable differences between the standard, wide-screen promotional image and the taller version seen on many digital platforms.

This is a quick look at Disney, AI, and The Muppets. It’s great to see The Muppets featured prominently on Disney+ – we’re happy Disney is using its reach to promote them. But on closer inspection, it seems Miss Piggy isn’t wearing her gloves!

— Kermitment – A Muppets Podcast (@KermitmentPod) February 8, 2026

The analysis shows the image was likely altered using AI to expand it beyond its original size. This process, called “outpainting,” introduced several mistakes, including characters with missing or warped limbs and unrealistic textures on their clothes and fur. A significant error is that Miss Piggy is shown without gloves, which goes against her consistent character design throughout the show’s history. These issues strongly suggest the studio used AI to artificially enlarge the image.

Why Disney Using AI in The Muppets Show Promo Art Is Worrisome

The recent debate over how The Muppet Show is being marketed highlights a larger issue: the clash between artists and the fast-growing use of AI. Many creators see these AI tools as an ethical problem, because they were often built using copyrighted artwork scraped from the internet without permission or payment to the original artists. This also allows large companies to gain even more wealth, as they invest in AI to replace jobs traditionally held by skilled designers and illustrators. Beyond just how these AI tools were created, they also tend to produce predictable results based on existing data, rather than truly original work. Because AI works by combining existing images and styles, it can only imitate, and lacks the ability to express unique ideas – a core element of meaningful art.

Disney’s move to use generative AI is surprising to many. The company recently partnered with OpenAI to use this technology throughout its film and television production, aiming to save money and increase profits through automation. While Disney argues this is a necessary step for modernizing its work, applying AI to the Muppets feels like a departure from what the brand represents. The Muppet Show has always been known for celebrating the art of puppetry, highlighting the unique qualities and visible effort that come with handmade characters and costumes. Seeing these characters created or altered by often-imperfect AI feels jarring to fans who love the Muppets precisely because they aren’t digital.

The Muppet Show is currently streaming on Disney+.

Does using AI to create images for Muppet promotions feel like it goes against the tradition of the franchise being made by hand? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-02-09 16:10