Ricky Gervais admits he felt like he'd won a competition after he was cast in the sequel 'Muppets Most Wanted'.
Gervais - who has filmed two segments on Sesame Street's 40th season - was thrilled when he learned he had a lead role as evil frog Constantine's sidekick, Dominic Badguy, in the sequel to 2011's 'The Muppets'.
He said: "[It was less of a career move] more like winning a competition. Muppet Christmas Carol is one of my favourite films, full stop.
"You know there's only one way you can improve on one of the greatest stories ever told, and that's stick some Muppets in."
Gervais insists his work on the animated adventure isn't too different from what he's used to filming.
He added to EMPIRE magazine: "It's not dissimilar to what I usually do. There's a lot of deconstructed comedy in the 'Muppets', which I totally get. It reminds me of 'Extras' or 'Life's Too Short'."
The film directed by James Bobin also features fan favourites including Miss Piggy and cameos a number of A-Listers including Celine Dion, Lady Gaga, Salma Hayek and Usher.
Tagged in Ricky Gervais