Toyota gives Muppets a lift to Tinseltown

HOLLYWOOD -- The mystery of how the Muppets were going to make it down the red carpet premiere of their new movie has been solved: They hitched a ride from corporate sponsor Toyota.

The foam creatures, not much for using their legs, rolled down the red carpet in two Toyota Highlanders in Hollywood for the premiere of their new movie Muppets Most Wanted.

The placement was none too subtle with the car name painted in large white letters on the side. It's somewhat fitting considering that the Muppet characters have always made a living on shameless self promotion, albeit on a much smaller scale than the car-making giant.

Remember, too, that they were seen in a Toyota Highlander SUV for the automaker's Super Bowl commercial last month.

Kermit and Piggy rolled out in one car, giving interviews as they drove past journalists at a snail's pace. The special surprise in their car was that in the back lurked the world's most dangerous frog Constantine -- a dead ringer for Kermit. He was revealed only through the open hatchback.

Meanwhile, the second car feature Gonzo, Scooter and other Muppets with Rowlf the Dog. As he drove by Rowlf explained that he had a "dog's license" which allowed him to be behind the wheel.

Crews, who was a car-jacking victim to the Muppets' Super Bowl commercial, was at the premiere on Tuesday night. He insisted he was not looking to prosecute or take revenge.

"What court of law is going to convict the Muppets? It won't work. No jury will ever do that," said Crews. "And if I try to get swing on them, they are too low. And if you ever want to work on another Muppet project again, kicking them is not a good idea."