Ricky Gervais to star in Muppets sequel?

Ricky Gervais is reportedly in talks to star in the sequel to 'The Muppets'.

Jason Segel starred in the acclaimed 2011 Muppet comeback, but revealed that he would not be returning for a sequel.

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So now it appears that Gervais is in the frame to take over as the human lead among the predominantly stuffed cast.

If 'The Office' star does join the cast, he'll be playing opposite 'Modern Family's Ty Burrell, who has signed up to play the film's antagonist, a lazy Interpol inspector, a role that was initially set to go to 'Inglorious Basterds' star Christoph Waltz.

Gervais also did film a cameo for the 2011 film, but it didn't appear in the final cut.

It'll be directed and co-written by James Bobin, who helmed the first film, but details of the story are being kept secret.

Gervais has fronted a number of Hollywood productions for major studios, including 'The Invention of Lying' and Ghost Town'.

Producer Todd Lieberman revealed last month that 'Flight of the Conchords' star Bret McKenzie is once more providing songs for the sequel, after scooping an Oscar for 'Man or Muppet' from the first film.