The sequel to Walt Disney’s hit revival of Jim Henson’s creations, The Muppets, is set to begin production come this January. With that fast approaching, the human cast is starting to take shape.

First came the announcement that Ty Burrell (Modern Family, Dawn of the Dead) would be starring as one of the live-action leads. Now comes word that comedian Ricky Gervais has entered into negotiations for another human lead in The Muppets 2.

The sequel is set in Europe, and it appears that Gervais would be the top lead out of three main lead human roles. It’s not yet known exactly who Gervais is playing, however. Burrell is playing a lazy Interpol inspector, with the third role still to be cast and the many expected celebrity cameos still to set up.

Gervais filmed a cameo for the first movie, which starred Jason Segel in the human lead, but it wasn’t used. His role in The Muppets 2 is said to be the equivalent of what Segel’s was.

While Segel is not returning for the sequel, director and co-writer James Bobin is back, along with writer Nicholas Stoller.

What do you think of Ricky Gervais starring in The Muppets 2?

[Source: Heat Vision]