Fey, Gervais lead human cast of Muppets Most Wanted

MANILA, Philippines - For Muppets Most Wanted, Walt Disney Pictures assembled an all-star cast of humans led by Tina Fey, Ricky Gervais and Ty Burrell, plus a roster of cameos that guarantee surprises for audience members of all ages.

“It takes a special actor to work with the Muppets,” says producer David Hoberman. “There has to be a passion for these characters, a genuine belief in them and an appreciation for their performances. Ricky, Ty and Tina all have a natural rapport with Kermit, Miss Piggy and the gang — which shows on screen. It would be impossible to pull off a movie like this without the right chemistry.”

Director James Bobin says the cast and filmmakers may have created an all-new genre for Muppets Most Wanted. “We have comedy. We have a caper. And we have songs. To me, it’s an action-comedy-musical — and I don’t think there are many of those around.”

Ricky was tapped to fill the role of Dominic Badguy (pronounced “Badgee,” it’s French!), a handsome opportunist who books the Muppets on a grand global tour. What they don’t realize is that he’s really the dastardly sidekick of Constantine, the World’s No. 1 criminal and a deadringer for Kermit the Frog.

“Ricky Gervais is one of the funniest people I’ve ever met,” says Bobin. “He’s incredibly sharp and loves the Muppets. He’s the perfect foil for Constantine. They’re both quick thinkers and are great at the classic one-upmanship banter.”

Tina was called on to portray the complicated and feisty prison guard, Nadya. She does her homework and is always one step ahead. Nothing gets by Nadya.

“She loves entertainment and Broadway,” says Tina. “Nadya’s been in charge of the prison review here for years. And when Kermit is wrongly imprisoned in the gulag, she’s very excited to force him to help her make the show good.”

“I thought it would be good to have someone who’s apparently quite tough, but secretly soft inside,” says Bobin. “She develops a liking for Kermit because he’s a charming frog. We needed someone who’s funny and could play hard and soft. Tina pulls it off with style — and a hilarious Russian accent.”

 (Muppets Most Wanted is now showing in theaters and is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International through Columbia Pictures).