Ray Liotta is the latest big name to join the cast for the upcoming untitled Muppets sequel, according to a new report from Variety.
1999’s Muppets From Space actually saw Ray Liotta play a security guard alongside the furry puppets, and the experience touched him so deeply that he’s back for a second helping. Whether or not Liotta will be reprising his character, helping or chasing the Muppets is being kept under wraps.
Ray Liotta joins such names as Ricky Gervais, Tina Fey and Ty Burrell (in addition to Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gonzo and Fozzie Bear, of course), adding a tough demeanor to a crowd that’s no so rough around the edges. While Tina Fey is rumored to play a Russian guard, Ricky Gervais is rumored to star as a friendly accomplice to the Muppets and Ty Burrell is expected to play an Interpol inspector. At one point, Christoph Waltz was even rumored to be cast (not true, unfortunately).
As a result, there’s no telling what the Muppets will have Ray Liotta do. The only details known about the film revolve around Kermit and Co. traveling to Europe for a traditional, family-friendly caper and that James Bobin will be returning to the director’s chair with a script by Nicholas Stoller. Whether or not the Muppets sequel will follow in its predecessor’s footsteps and be a complete musical has yet to be confirmed or dismissed.
In any case, Ray Liotta brings a certain presence to films that’s unmistakable and appreciable. His work in Goodfellas is beyond comparison, even while he hasn’t really gone on to do much else (unless Smokin’ Aces counts, I guess). The film is not due to hit theaters until March 21 2014, so we’re sure a few more big names will be mentioned in the upcoming year. We’ll be sure to update you.
