Christoph Waltz in Negotiations to Star in 'The Muppets' Sequel (Exclusive)

Christoph Waltz is in negotiations to join the cast of Disney's sequel to The Muppets in a starring role. 

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Waltz, the Academy Award-winning Inglourious Basterds star who will next appear in Quentin Tarantino's holiday release Django Unchained, would play an Interpol inspector in the Europe-set comedy.

The Muppets, released in 2011 as a relaunch of the long-running Jim Henson-created franchise, was co-written by Jason Segal -- who also starred in the film -- and grossed $158 million worldwide. Segal is not returning for the sequel.

While the film is expected to have a slew of cameos, as is a Muppets movie tradition, the part of the Interpol inspector is one of a small handful of human roles that will stand apart. The other notable characters, according to sources, are that of a Russian femme fatale and a male lead whose intentions are always in question.

James Bobin, who directed the 2011 Muppets film, is returning to helm the follow-up; he co-wrote the screenplay with Nicholas Stoller.

David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman, who produced The Muppets, are back to produce the sequel.

Waltz is represented by ICM Partners.

Email: Daniel.Miller@THR.com; Borys.Kit@THR.com

Twitter: @DanielNMiller; @Borys_Kit