Seth MacFarlane always likes to pepper his projects with pop cultural references and respectable actors doing outrageous things for a laugh, and 2012’s Ted was no exception. The sequel to the talking teddy comedy is going the same route, with Morgan Freeman set to take a role.
MacFarlane is already shooting the sequel in Boston, with Mark Wahlberg and a swathe of the supporting cast back for more, Amanda Seyfried joining as a potential love interest for Wahlberg’s John Bennett and another new addition in the shape of Richard Schiff.
While the story for the new movie is still largely a secret, Variety reports that Freeman will be a famous civil rights lawyer who helps out our furry hero (voiced once again by MacFarlane) when he needs help with some legal issues. Sounds like Ted, the bear brought to life by a Christmas wish, will have some issues proving his status. Either that, or he’s gotten into a load of trouble again.
MacFarlane co-wrote the script with regular partners Alec Sulkin and Wellesley Wild and is back as director. Freeman, who has occasionally shown a propensity to poke fun at his recognizable voice and considerable gravitas, was last seen in Lucy. He’ll next be returning to family territory for Dolphin Tale 2, due on October 3.