Hollywood casting can be like musical chairs. So when people bemoan how certain actors don’t take quality projects, or how others don’t work that often, it’s usually just a case that they haven’t managed to stay in the public eye. Which probably benefits Disney‘s “The Muppets” since a cavalcade of stars looks to be lining up to feature in the comedy.
Joining co-writer Jason Segel, Rashida Jones, Chris Cooper and Amy Adams are a colorful bunch that includes Oscar winner Alan Arkin, Oscar host Billy Crystal, Oscar presenter Jack Black, Oscar viewer Zach Galifianakis and former “Predator” Jean Claude Van Damme. It’s been confirmed that Arkin will play a tour guide and Black some sort of kidnapping victim, while Galifianakis will provide his own wardrobe to play a hobo. We’ll bet on JCVD kicking someone in the face.
The trio join the new film that will take place within a showbiz setting and follow the Muppets as they try to save their studio from a greedy oil baron (Cooper) who wants to dig for oil. Segel is set to play the lead who reunites the Muppets for one last show to save the studio; Adams is his girlfriend, while Jones will play an ABC executive. A new Muppet named Walter will also play a central role.
This clears up some confusion about the names joining this project, as most parties have been silent after a raft of names were announced, then withdrawn from the casting pool mysteriously. We wouldn’t be surprised if some of those names do end up popping up in cameos but as long as they can bring Steve Martin back as the waiter, we’re fine.
“The Muppets” is currently shooting in Los Angeles and will hit theaters on Christmas Day 2011.
