…Well, the human lead anyway. It takes a lot to take the spotlight away from Kermit and co.

Now before everybody starts getting on the controversial comedian’s case and confusing this for some kind of cynical way to make a few more quid, you have to bear in mind that Gervais is actually a life-long fan of Jim Henson’s creations, appearing on SESAME STREET multiple times (below) and actually filming an aborted cameo in last year’s THE MUPPETS (above).

The Hollywood Reporter were the first to break the story of Disney’s negotiations, with the star quickly retweeting the article (the Tweet has now been deleted). Let’s face it, if it was simply yet another spurious rumour he would have called them out on it, or rather not bothered drawing attention to it at all. Make of that as you will, but we’re going to take that as pretty much a done deal. Expect an official announcement very shortly. 

Gervais will join MODERN FAMILY and DAWN OF THE DEAD (2004) star Ty Burrell in the sequel, which is once again being directed by James Bobin with a screenplay by Nicholas Stoller. FLIGHT OF THE CONCHORDS’ Brett McKenzie will return to pen more Muppet-y music. 

Now if only they could convince Karl and Warwick to take cameo roles…

Source: The Hollywood Reporter / @RickyGervais

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