Devotion to the Muppets has often been a test of endurance for fans. While 2026 has ushered in a vibrant revival of The Muppet Show, restoring these beloved felt icons to their rightful place in the cultural spotlight, the years leading up to this were notably sparse. Disney occasionally offered minor gestures—a streaming special here or a short-lived sitcom there—but little of substance. The disappointment was compounded when a highly anticipated action figure line by Diamond Select was abruptly terminated following the company’s dissolution in 2025. Fortunately, the tide has turned in 2026; the Muppets are thriving once more, and NECA is stepping in to save the day.
At the 2026 New York City Toy Fair, the premier collectibles manufacturer announced they had secured the Muppets license. Their inaugural wave, specifically inspired by The Muppet Show, is already in development. The debut collection features Miss Piggy, The Great Gonzo, and the whimsical trio of Mahna Mahna and the Snowths—and the prototypes are nothing short of spectacular. NECA has achieved an impeccable likeness, perfectly capturing the 1970s aesthetic. This is particularly impressive for Miss Piggy, whose design has evolved significantly over the decades. Unless they opt for a flocked texture to mimic the original felt, it’s difficult to imagine how these sculpts could be improved upon.
Regarding accessories, Miss Piggy is paired with her pampered canine, Foo-Foo, while Gonzo is accompanied by his feathered soulmate, Camilla. It remains to be seen whether Mahna Mahna and the Snowths will be packaged as a deluxe set or offered individually.
A representative for NECA revealed to Toy Anxiety that the studio plans to produce several miniature “Singing Food” Muppets—characters who famously debuted in a 1977 episode hosted by Steve Martin. This deep cut illustrates NECA’s commitment to the franchise’s rich history. However, to truly earn the eternal gratitude of the fandom, NECA should consider a more ambitious goal: completing the legacy of the Diamond Select line.
Many collectors invested considerable passion and resources into the Diamond Select series, only to see it end prematurely. Promised figures were cancelled, and pre-orders were unceremoniously refunded. The most glaring omission was a massive 11-inch Sweetums, which would have been the crown jewel of any collection. Instead, fans were left with an incomplete display.
This presents a unique opportunity for NECA. While their current focus remains on The Muppet Show, they will eventually look to broaden their horizons. When that time comes, NECA has the chance to be the ultimate hero by filling the voids left in our Diamond Select collections.
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The Diamond Select figures were designed at a seven-inch scale, aligning perfectly with NECA’s standard. Given NECA’s reputation for superior quality, they are the ideal candidate to finish the job. There are roughly six key figures needed to bring closure to that era: the aforementioned Sweetums, Lew Zealand, Lips (the Electric Mayhem’s trumpeter), Uncle Deadly, Pepe the Prawn, and Kermit’s nephew, Robin.
Releasing these “lost” characters, perhaps as convention exclusives, would be the ultimate tribute to a fanbase that has weathered years of uncertainty. And if we’re daring to dream—could NECA potentially develop a modular Muppet Theater diorama next? That would truly be sensational.
Source: Polygon
