PHOTOS: Tim Goodman's 15 Best TV Comedies of 2012

The script is being kept secret, but the character descriptions point to a caper. Burrell, as first revealed by THR, is playing a lazy Interpol inspector.

If a deal is finalized, sources say Fey would play a Russian gulag prison guard.

James Bobin, who directed 2011's The Muppets, is back as helmer and co-wrote the screenplay with Nicholas Stoller.

David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman, who produced Muppets, also are back to produce the sequel, which will shoot in London this month.

VIDEO: Golden Globes Co-Hosts Tina Fey and Amy Poehler Debut New Promo

Fey’s most recent feature role was 2010’s Date Night. She next will co-star opposite Paul Rudd in Admission, a comedy set for release in March. Fey worked with Gervais in 2009’s The Invention of Lying, which Gervais starred in and co-wrote and co-directed.

The Emmy-winning star and creator of NBC’s 30 Rock, who is stepping into Gervais' shoes as co-host with Amy Poehler of the Globes on Sunday, is repped by WME, 3 Arts Entertainment and Ziffren Brittenham.

Email: Borys.Kit@thr.com

Twitter: @Borys_Kit