MUPPETS 2 Set for 3/21/14 Release; Jolie's MALEFICENT Bumped to July 2014

THE MUPPETS 2 is now dated for March 21, 2014, Disney announced today. To make room for their second outing, the studio has also bumped Angelina Jolei's MALEFICENT from the same date, to July 2, 2014.

Disney also confirmed that Ricky Gervais has signed on to star alongside Ty Burrell in the upcoming sequel to the 2011 film.

MUPPETS 2 is produced by Todd Lieberman and David Hoberman and directed by James Bobin. The screenplay is by Bobin and Nick Stoller, who will also serve as executive producer.

MALEFICENT, the untold story of Disney's most beloved villain from the 1959 classic "Sleeping Beauty," reveals the events that hardened Maleficent's heart and drove her to curse the baby, Aurora.

The film will be released in 3D and is produced by Joe Roth and directed by Robert Stromberg, from a screenplay written by Linda Woolverton. The film stars Angelina Jolie as Maleficent, Sharlto Copley, Elle Fanning, Sam Riley, Imelda Staunton, Miranda Richardson, Juno Temple and Lesley Manville.