Now we know why Christoph Waltz has been cultivating that massive, fluffy beard. It wasn’t just for his role in Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained. Nope, he was really getting fuzzy enough to stand alongside the likes of Fozzie Bear and Animal. Why? He’s in negotiations to join the Muppets sequel.

If he signs a deal, Waltz will play one of the key human roles in the new movie, an Interpol inspector who interacts with our heroes as they journey around Europe, where the film will be set.

Though the cast will likely feature another batch of cameos, Waltz’ prospective part is one of the main characters, along with a Russian femme fatale and a male lead whose motives are frequently called into question.

The first movie’s director, James Bobin, is planning to return to the director’s chair, having co-written the script with Nick Stoller, who worked up the previous film’s script with Jason Segel.

Hhhm… Christoph Waltz facing off against Miss Piggy. Or Gonzo! We can see it now. And we’re already giggling at the thought.

Meanwhile, Waltz will next be seen alongside the distinctly more human Jamie Foxx and Leonardo DiCaprio in Django Unchained, which rides in on January 18.