In what was a surprise for many Muppet fans, two new videos released by The Muppets saw the return of Rizzo the Rat and Bean Bunny. Both have been largely absent in recent years. Both characters are being brought to life by Bradley Freeman, Jr.

The video that showcases the return of Rizzo the Rat is this year’s Christmas greeting video. Rizzo and Miss Piggy had a fun moment during this video that allowed Rizzo to once again say, “light the lamp, not the rat!” This is one of his most memorable lines from The Muppet Christmas Carol. This marks the first speaking role for Rizzo the Rat since The Muppets on ABC in 2015-2016. Previously, he was performed by Steve Whitmire. While has appeared since the series aired in non-speaking roles, this marks the first time he is speaking. It is also the first time he is front and center.

Bean Bunny appeared in a video with Miss Piggy for Disney Vacation Club. In it, Miss Piggy and Bean talk about a Disney Cruise Line experience. The video is quite adorable and marks a very welcome return for Bean. Bean has not been seen since the Disney Xtreme Digital video for Groundhog Day in 2009. Many Disney Parks fans know Bean Bunny from his role in Muppet*Vision 3D.

Both Rizzo the Rat and Bean Bunny have memorable roles in The Muppet Christmas Carol. It seems quite appropriate that both of them would appear on Christmas Eve after being largely absent for years. This is a welcome return for Muppet fans. It is also completely appropriate that Miss Piggy appears in these videos as she continues to be celebrated as the Muppet of the week as The Muppets wrap up their 70th anniversary celebration. While this celebration is wrapping up, 2026 will see a return of The Muppet Show as a special celebrating the 50th anniversary of the original show. Sabrina Carpenter is the celebrity guest for this special, and Seth Rogen is one of the producers. A trailer has been released for this special ahead of its February 4th debut.

What do you think of the return of Rizzo and Bean?