Disney is known for adding a new character to its Muppets franchise; and this year, they added the doppelganger of Kermit the Frog in the Muppets Most Wanted cast. Back in 2011, Walter was introduced to the Muppets family. On March 21, fans of the cute puppets will now meet Constantine, a Russian Kermit-look alike.
So who is Constantine? He is described as the world's number one criminal and is more dangerous than the viewers may think he is because of his green innocence. The film director James Bobin and screenwriter Nicholas Stoller got their inspiration for creating Constantine from 80's Russian villains like Mr. Vogel in the James Bond film Octopussy.
In a phone interview with New York Times, Bobin explained: "The most obvious idea we had was: What if Kermit, the most beloved Muppet character to many, had an evil doppelganger?" He added, "We thought it was a funny premise."
Constantine is the partner of the Muppets Most Wanted cast Ricky Gervais, who plays the role of Dominic Badguy. The evil frog will pretend to be Kermit so that he and his partner can steal the Crown Jewels.
So how will we distinguish Constantine from Kermit? James Bobin revealed: "Initially, we were going to have him be a different color green, a slightly faded-out green color." He continued, "But we started doing camera tests, and it became obvious that he wasn't Kermit."
That's why they decided to give Constantine the same color and materials as Kermit, but Bobin indicated a few differences in features. He said, "Kermit's eyes are very smiley. Constantine's eyes are more flat and slightly bending in to create a sort of a frown."
The head of Kermit has a more natural smiling position whereas Constantine's mouth has a natural smirk. The evil frog also has a signature mole. According to the film director, "It's a classic movie trope. Two guys look exactly the same apart from one birthmark or mole. We love working these tropes into Muppet movies, because they play so well."
Are you ready to meet Constantine and the other Muppets Most Wanted cast? Then mark your calendars on March 21 for its theater debut.