If you haven't yet already seen it, the trailer for The Happytime Murders gives you a small glimpse into just how extreme the upcoming comedy is headed.
For example, you've got a muppet character literally ejaculating silly-string all over another muppet, another muppet character offering to perform fellatio on Melissa McCarthy for $50, other muppet characters forcing Melissa McCarthy to snort ecstasy at gunpoint - and that's only the parts we know about.
The trailer also points out that it's NO SESAME and ALL STREET, which is likely why the owners of Sesame Street are now filing a lawsuit against the film's producers, STX. In the complaint lodged by Sesame Workshop, it claims that they "demanded that Defendants simply drop the references to Sesame Street from The Happytime Murders marketing materials – a relatively small burden compared to the devastating and irreparable injury Defendants are causing."
However, their complaint goes on and claims that STX and the various producers "have refused, and the confusion and tarnishment are building, as evidenced in numerous social media postings." The film is directed by Brian Henson, the son of Jim Henson and the chairman of the Henson Company, who also directed Muppet Christmas Carol, Muppet Treasure Island and the TV series Muppets Tonight.
In a statement released to media after the lawsuit filing, STX - via a muppet named Fred, Esq. - said that they "loved the idea of working closely with Brian Henson and the Jim Henson Company to tell the untold story of the active lives of Henson puppets when they’re not performing in front of children.
"Happytime Murders is the happy result of that collaboration and we’re incredibly pleased with the early reaction to the film and how well the trailer has been received by its intended audience. While we’re disappointed that Sesame Street does not share in the fun, we are confident in our legal position. We look forward to introducing adult moviegoers to our adorably unapologetic characters this summer."
The film opens in Irish cinemas on August 17th. Here's the trailer.
Via Deadline