Weekly Muppet Wednesdays: Bubba the Rat

Written by Ryan Dosier.

BUBBA THE RAT

Performed by…
Bill Barretta

First appearance…
Muppets From Space (1999)

Most recent appearance…
Muppets Most Wanted (2014)

Best known role…
Tough rat; leader of the lab rats in Muppets From Space

Famous quote…
“How ya doin’? I’m Bubba.”

WHO IS BUBBA THE RAT?

Bubba is the bulkier, muscular, tough guy rat who lived in the C.O.V.N.E.T. laboratory in Muppets From Space. Although he has been seen quite a bit since, Bubba’s biggest role to date is still his stint in Muppets From Space. In the film, he acts as the leader of the many rats kept prisoner by David Arquette. When Rizzo comes along, Bubba teams up with the new kid to break free from their lock up. Bubba goes on to help save Gonzo by scaring Dr. Phil van Neuter–although later they bonded over roasted marshmallows at the beach.

Bubba’s next appearance came six years later, as one of the main Munchkins in The Muppets’ Wizard of Oz. He can be seen leading the charge to carry Dorothy out of Poppyfields nightclub. His later roles were almost always in the background, as he showed up in Studio DC: Almost Live!, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (2010), The Muppets Kitchen with Cat Cora, and commercials for Disney’s “Give a Day. Get a Disney Day.” promotion. Bubba had brief speaking roles in videos on Muppets.com throughout 2008 and 2009, and has been silent in nearly everything else.

The most recent background appearance by Bubba was in Muppets Most Wanted.

WHY DO THE MUPPETS NEED BUBBA THE RAT?

Although largely a background character, Bubba’s distinct look and personality in Muppets From Space make him an incredibly interesting member of the diverse Muppet family. It would be very interesting to see him return in some capacity, perhaps as a foil to Rizzo. Plus, with Bill Barretta as his performer, Bubba could easily spout some hysterical lines.