Tim Curry on 30 Years of 'Muppet Treasure Island': Singing on Set, Muppet Rapport and an Anniversary Celebration

As Muppet Treasure Island reaches its 30th anniversary, Tim Curry is reflecting on the experience of playing Long John Silver: a role he took because he loved the Muppets and trusted director Brian Henson. The film’s milestone has reignited interest in its music, behind-the-scenes approach and a small wave of anniversary merchandise and tributes.

Tim Curry’s role and on-set memories

Tim Curry said his first motivation to join the project was his affection for the Muppets and his admiration for Brian Henson. He described the film set as one of the most fun he’s had, noting that much of his performance — including musical numbers — was sung live during filming rather than mimed to pre-recordings. In preparing Long John Silver, Curry drew on a personal connection: he thought of a grandfather from Devon who worked in dockyards in Plymouth and shaped the character’s voice from that memory.

Curry also shared how quickly he came to see the Muppet characters as performers with distinct personalities. He singled out Gonzo and Miss Piggy for particular affection; an improvised line about Miss Piggy reflected the playful, adult-tinged humor the filmmakers aimed for while keeping the material family-friendly. Brian Henson said he had wanted Curry for the part from the start and felt a strong admiration for the actor’s presence on set.

Film construction, cast and musical footprint

The adaptation was directed by Brian Henson and features a mix of Muppet performers and human co-stars. Kermit played Captain Abraham Smollett, with the Muppet roles performed by veteran puppeteers on the project. The human cast included Kevin Bishop as Jim Hawkins, Billy Connolly as Billy Bones, and Jennifer Saunders in a supporting role. The film opened in theaters on February 16, 1996, and is currently available for viewing on a major streaming service.

Music played a notable role in the movie’s tone. The score was composed by Hans Zimmer, and listeners have pointed to melodic elements in the film’s opening number that foreshadowed themes Zimmer later developed for another swashbuckling franchise. Cast memories underline the collaborative, playful atmosphere on set; Kevin Bishop has said the human performers felt like they were on an adventure with the Muppets, recalling, "We would just play all day long. "

Anniversary activity, questions that remain and plausible next steps

The Muppets are marking the film’s 30th anniversary with celebratory messages and a month-long spotlight. Anniversary merchandise tied to the film has appeared, including a commemorative mug that has been noted at theme parks and online retail channels. Social channels connected to the Muppets have hinted at additional pirate-themed programming to come.

Missing details:

• Specifics about any expanded anniversary programming beyond social posts — timing and content not confirmed.
• The full extent of merchandise rollout and pricing across retail and park locations remains unclear.
• Whether additional cast retrospectives, archival features, or formal commemorative events are planned has not been disclosed.

Reasonable near-term scenarios to watch for:

• An official anniversary campaign that includes archival interviews or new behind-the-scenes clips — triggered by formal programming announcements on official channels.
• A broader merchandise push tied to parks and online stores, expanding the current mug offering — triggered by new product listings or inventory updates.
• A streaming spotlight or curated collection that elevates the film alongside recent Muppet programming — triggered if platform curators promote Muppet content.
• Additional Muppet variety programming or episode orders being discussed publicly — prompted by confirmation from the creative team or distribution partners.

Why this anniversary matters: the film represents a notable effort to marry the Muppet troupe with a classic adventure narrative, combining seasoned puppeteering with a high-profile human cast and a cinematic score. The 30th anniversary has renewed attention on how the production blended live singing, improvisation and affectionate interplay between human actors and Muppet performers — elements that fans and participants continue to celebrate.