Ricky Gervais Takes The Lead Role In 'The Muppets' Sequel

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by Kevin Jagernauth
December 17, 2012 4:25 PM
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While he has dominated the small screen, Ricky Gervais has yet to find his niche at the multiplex. His lone leading man efforts "The Invention Of Lying" and "Ghost Town" didn't make much impact, while the dramatic-ish "Cemetery Junction" pretty much came and went without a trace. And while he's lent his face in support in a handful of studio films, he's still probably best known to most mainstream audiences as that British guy who insulted celebs for a couple years at the Golden Globes. Well now, he'll be bringing his wit to your children.

Gervais is in negotiations to play the human lead in "The Muppets" sequel, with his role said to be similar in size to Jason Segel's in the first movie. He joins Ty Burrell, who recently replaced Christoph Waltz as one of the three human leads in the movie, which is also expected to feature lots of cameos. In fact, Gervais shot one himself for the first movie last year, and while it was left on the cutting room floor, it seems he impressed Disney enough that they want him to lead the thing.

Plot details are under wraps, but it's said to be a Euro-caper, and James Bobin and Nicholas Stoller are back to direct and write respectively, with Bret McKenzie doing the music. Production will begin in January, and this isn't the first time Gervais has had felt covered co-stars. Here are some vids of his stints on "Sesame Street." [THR]