As Jason Segel’s The Muppets gears up for production, the cast/cameo appearances are stacking up – much as one would expect for any self-respecting Muppet movie! (Check out the First Look here.)
We’ve previously reported Segel himself, Chris Cooper, Rashida Jones, and Amy Adams, were signed on to the project while Zach Galifianakis was rumored to be involved. And now Production Weekly tweets have revealed Jack Black, Donald Glover (Community), Kristen Schaal (The Flight of the Conchords), Jane Lynch, and Danny Trejo are linked to The Muppets. While Black and Glover’s roles are unknown at present, Prod Weekly notes Schaal “has been mentioned as the Moderator” while First Showing reports Lynch will play a prison guard to Trejo’s prisoner (obvs) and Galifianakis has signed on as “Hobo Jo.” Expect small cameo roles – like Steve Martin in The Muppet Movie.
Then there’s the rumor that Lady Gaga is to appear, which, considering her choice of animal pelts, I found surprising. I’m more enthused for her rumored entourage, which will include John Krasinski, Ed Helms, and Eric Stonestreet (Modern Family). Whether they will appear in person or if they will voice Muppets remains to be seen – if these are anything more than “whispers” to begin with. However, as the Muppet movies aren’t known for stunt-casting voice work, I’m betting on cameo appearances.
The Muppets follows Segel and new Muppet Walter, which despite early reports Prod Weekly declares is NOT voiced by Paul Rudd, as they seek to save a floundering theater with a fundraiser featuring the A-list Muppets. However, Cooper will be working Mr. Burns-style to board up the theater so he can buy it cheap and drill for oil! (Insert menacing laughter here!)
So, the cast is sensational, full of comedians and character actors who are on the top of their game. The script was penned by Segel and Nicholas Stoller, who co-wrote Forgetting Sarah Marshall (which is where Segel first met Henson’s people). And The Muppets will be helmed by acclaimed comedy director James Bobin, who directed such cutting edge cult faves as The Flight of the Conchords and Da Ali G Show. Honestly, I struggle to think of a way I could be more excited about this movie, save reverting back to its early working title The Greatest Muppet Movie Ever Made.
The Muppets will hit December 25, 2011.
What do you think of the proposed Muppets cast?