Awwww, Jason Segel is Not Doing ‘Muppets 2′

When the sequel to 'The Muppets' was announced it was strange to hear that director James Bobin and writer Nicholas Stoller were returning but Jason Segel - who seemed to will the film into production - had no involvement. There were thoughts that Segel might make a cameo or have a reduced role, but the actor has now squashed those rumors by announcing he won't have any part in the next film.

The Playlist interviewed the actor about his large slate of recent projects, and his response was that he was out because

It was a very distinct choice on my part. Of course I was asked to do it. I did exactly what I set out to do, if that makes any sense. My goal was never to take over the helm of ‘The Muppets.’ They have people who are better equipped for that. My only goal was to bring back the Muppets that I loved. And I did that.

That is both good and bad news. One wonders what the fate of Walter (the latest Muppet added into the rotation) will be, though it would be funny if Segel's character was disposed of off camera. Seems unlikely as Bobin and Stoller have had a good working relationship with Segel.

But - as Bobin and Stoller have said about the project - their goal seems to be to make the new Muppet movie as a brand new adventure, and there's no need for continuity in that case. Though the last 'Muppet' movie was very entertaining, it did a lot of rebooting that we'll be glad to no longer have to deal with. Let the Muppets be Muppets.