More on Segel's Muppet Movie

Last month, Variety announced that Disney signed a deal with actor/writer Jason Segel and writer/director Nick Stoller to create the next Muppet movie. Segel will lead the script writing while Stoller is in line to direct the proposed film. While the project is very much in its infancy, the media has already jumped on the story. During promotion for his upcoming film "Forgetting Sarah Marshall", Segel has commented on the upcoming Muppet project and has shed some light on what fans can expect.

Segel took a chance and pitched his concept for a Muppet movie to Disney Vice President Kristin Burr and, well, the rest is history. Segel's pitch was so well received by the executives that he was immediately offered a deal to develop the project. "I've just grown a little disappointed with Muppets in the Old West, Muppets Under Water and all these weird concept movies," the 28-year-old writer/actor said in an interview. "I just want to take it back to the early '80s, when it was about the Muppets trying to put on a show. That's what I'm trying to bring back."

Segal told MTV news in an interview that "I remember thinking that Kermit was the original Tom Hanks... he was the everyman for a kid... I remember watching Kermit and thinking 'That’s what I want to do when I grow up.'" Although it has been stated that the plot would focus on Kermit, Segal confirmed that Miss Piggy, Fozzie and Gonzo are also among the stars of his script.

Segal said, "every time I bring it up with somebody - Mila Kunis, Jonah Hill, Seth Rogen - they say, 'Oh my god, you're writing me a part'...So I don't think there'll be trouble casting." Like the previous Muppet films, there are plans to feature a number of celebrity cameos for the film. "Everyone loves the Muppets; they’ve got a warm place in most people’s hearts," Segal told MTV. "We want a lot of cameos. You look back at Charles Grodin, Charles Durning, there were just such great performances in those movies."

Official details on the film's plot has not been released, although Segal has told reporters that "we've got a great plot. I think if we can execute it right, it will be terrific. But I can't tell you more – it's top secret." He has also gone on record stating that the new Muppet film will be "hilarious, fantastic, heart-wrenching, beautiful, nostalgic and remarkable."

The plot is rumored to feature the Muppets reuniting in order to put on a big show. After learning that the Muppets have drifted apart, audiences will follow Kermit as he works to bring the group back together to help save an old beloved theater. Apparently the theater is being threatened by an evil character looking to tear the theater down in order to get at a reserve of oil underneath. Segal has stated that "It's the Muppets needing to get back together to save the show... It's going to take place all over the world because, basically, the Muppets are no longer together. So that might take a while to film."

Segel says that "right now, we’re just focused on trying to turn in an amazing script," and he hopes to be able to head into production on this Muppet project as soon as he finishes filming "I Love You, Man" later this summer. I will be sure to keep you up to date as soon as more information on this exciting project becomes available.