Jamie Foxx Eyes The Happytime Murders

Jamie Foxx is eyeing a headlining role in the R-rated puppet noir The Happytime Murders

It’s been quite a while since we last had an update on The Happytime Murders, a long-gestating R-rated comedy noir from director Brian Henson. Deadline today has an update, however, reporting that Jamie Foxx has entered negotiations to play a leading role in the unusual feature from STX Entertainment and The Jim Henson Company. The official synopsis for The Happytime Murders reads as follows:

In a world where puppets co-exist with humans as second class citizens, puppet private eye and disgraced ex-cop, Phil Phillips, is hot on the trail of the serial killer who murdered his brother and is now targeting the cast members of the famous 80s television show, “The Happytime Gang.” As the killings continue, Phil’s former flame, Jenny, is next on the list. It’s up to Phil and his ex-partner, Detective Edwards, to find the culprit, but as bad blood and old resentments resurface the clues start pointing to the only viable suspect, Phil himself. Now he’s on the run with only his wits and hard headed determination, as he tries to solve, “The Happytime Murders.”

Written by Todd Berger, Dee Austin Robertson, and Erich and Jon Hoeber, The Happytime Murders released a number of concept art paintings back in 2012. You can check them out in the gallery viewer below.

Jamie Foxx, who took home an Academy Award for his work in 2004’s Ray, last starred in 2014’s Annie. He has quite a few high profile features coming up, however, as he’s set to lead the American remake of the French actioner Sleepless Night, will play Little John in Lionsgate‘s Robin Hood: Origins, and is joining the ensemble of Edgar Wright’s now-filming musical heist actioner Baby Driver.

How do you feel about Jamie Foxx leading The Happytime Murders? Who else would you like to see join the cast? Let us know in the comments below!