Muppet fans just received the best holiday gift imaginable. On Christmas Eve 2025, two of the most missed residents of the Muppet world—Rizzo the Rat and Bean Bunny—officially made their return to the screen in brand-new videos.
After years of silence and “background-only” appearances, these fan-favorite characters are finally speaking again, and the Muppet community is absolutely buzzing. Here is everything you need to know about this surprise comeback and what it means for the future of the franchise.
Rizzo and Miss Piggy: A YouTube Holiday Surprise
The first surprise dropped on the official Muppets YouTube channel. In a festive new video, the legendary Miss Piggy was joined by none other than Rizzo the Rat.
While Rizzo has popped up in the background of a few projects since 2016, this marks his first speaking role in nearly a decade. The chemistry between the “porcine princess” and the wisecracking rat from New Jersey was on full display, proving that the duo hasn’t lost their comedic timing.
Bean Bunny Resurfaces with Disney Vacation Club
Not to be outdone, Bean Bunny made a rare and adorable appearance in a video posted to the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Instagram.
Sharing the screen with Miss Piggy, Bean discussed a “small inconvenience” on his recent Disney cruise in his signature high-pitched, earnest voice. For many fans, this was the highlight of the day; Bean hasn’t had a significant role in a Muppet production since the early 2000s, making this a true “deep cut” return that delighted longtime viewers.
Meet the New Voice: Bradley Freeman Jr.
Perhaps the biggest news alongside the videos is the official confirmation of a new performer. Bradley Freeman Jr. has stepped into the iconic roles of both Rizzo the Rat and Bean Bunny.
Freeman, who has already made a name for himself on Sesame Street (performing Tamir) and in The Muppets Mayhem, is being widely praised for his vocal accuracy and puppetry. Taking over roles originally shaped by Steve Whitmire is no small feat, but the early consensus from fans on social media is clear: the characters are in great hands.
“Rizzo and Bean Bunny coming back to the Muppets is a nice Christmas miracle to start today.” — Fan reaction on X (formerly Twitter)
Why This Matters for Muppet Fans
This isn’t just a one-off holiday greeting; it signals a major shift at The Muppets Studio. By recasting these characters rather than leaving them retired, Disney is showing a renewed commitment to the full Muppet ensemble.
- The Muppet Show Special: With The Muppet Show 50th Anniversary special announced for February 4, 2026, on Disney+, the return of Rizzo and Bean suggests we might see a much larger cast of characters than we’ve had in recent years.
- The “Core” Ensemble Grows: Adding Rizzo and Bean back into active rotation allows for more classic character dynamics, especially Rizzo’s famous partnership with Gonzo the Great.
- Theme Park Presence: As changes come to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the visibility of these characters (who are staples of MuppetVision 3D*) keeps them relevant for new generations of fans.
What’s Next for The Muppets?
With new merchandise hitting stores and a teaser trailer for the 2026 special already making waves, 2025 is ending on a high note for Muppet fans. Whether you’re a fan of Rizzo’s sarcasm or Bean’s “cute-to-a-fault” charm, it’s clear that the Muppets are heading into the new year stronger than ever.
Which other “missing” Muppets do you want to see return next? Let us know in the comments!