A Celebrity Duo Purchased the Historic Jim Henson Studio Lot

Muppets fans have been in for a roller coaster of emotions this year. Disney announced that the new Monsters, Inc. Land would replace the Muppets Courtyard in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. However, the Muppets won’t be leaving Hollywood Studios for good, as Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster will be rethemed to the Muppets.

Muppets Courtyard

However, the Muppets Courtyard retheme was heartbreaking for many Muppets fans, but the Jim Henson Company has shared that they are seeking to preserve the film inside Muppet*Vision 3D, which was Jim Henson’s last piece of work. But now, the Henson Studio lot has been sold to a celebrity, but don’t worry, the Jim Henson Company is just moving locations!

According to the Los Angeles Times, singer-songwriter John Mayer and producer McG (professional name of Joseph McGinty Nichol) are purchasing Henson Studios. They are paying more than $40 million for the property that housed Jim Henson Co.’s studio lot. Mayer and McG are under contract to purchase the lot, but we don’t know yet when the sale will close.

©The Studio Tour

The Jim Henson Company Lot was put on the market this year so that Jim Henson Co. and Jim Henson’s Creature Shop could be consolidated under one roof. Jim Henson Co. produces several children’s shows, and Jim Henson’s Creature Shop offers character creation services for animatronics, walkaround costumes, soft puppets, digital puppetry, and more. Jim Henson’s Creature Shop is currently located in Burbank, CA.

©Jim’s Creature Shop

It is not yet known what John Mayer and McG plan to use the property for, but John Mayer currently occupies an office on the lot. It is a legendary studio initially founded by comic and actor Charlie Chaplin. Chaplin used the lot to film movies, including The Kid and The Gold Rush.

John Mayer ©Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

It has also been owned by Red Skelton and CBS to shoot Perry Mason. Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss converted the space to recording studios and used the lot as the headquarters of A&M Records. It was then purchased by the Henson family in 1999. As a nod to the original owner, Charlie Chaplin, you can see a statue of Kermit the Frog dressed as Charlie Chaplin’s famous character, the Tramp, at the lot’s entrance.

We will be curious to see what the next owners have in store for this historic lot, although we are really hoping that Kermit the Frog will be kept greeting visitors at the entrance! Stay tuned to AllEars for all your Disney World tips, tricks, and news!