ricky gervais Ricky Gervais In Talks To Lead The Muppets Sequel

The Hollywood Reporter bring word that Ricky Gervais is in negotiations to star as one of the human leads in Walt Disney Pictures’ ‘The Muppets’ sequel. The follow-up movie to the 2011 hit, which starts production in January, is a European-centric adventure. And while the film will be populated by a slew of cameos, there are three main human roles. The stature of Gervais’ part is being compared to the role played by Jason Segel in the 2011 movie, yet the nature of his character is unknown because the script is being kept under lock and key. Gervais would be joining ‘Modern Family’ star Ty Burrell in the film.

James Bobin, who helmed the 2011 ‘Muppets’ film, is returning to direct the follow-up and co-wrote the screenplay with Nicholas Stoller. ‘The Muppets’ grossed $158 million worldwide and relaunched the long-running Jim Henson-created franchise for the studio. It starred and was co-written by Jason Segel, but he is not returning for the sequel. Ricky Gervais shot a cameo for the first movie, but the scene didn’t make the final cut. Expect more news regarding ‘The Muppets’ sequel shortly.