Jamie Foxx wanted for role in puppet comedy The Happytime Murders

Jamie Foxx is wanted to star in puppet comedy 'The Happytime Murders'.

The 48-year-old star is in early talks to play the lead role in the R-rated movie, which will be directed by 'Labyrinth' producer Brian Henson - the son of the late Jim Henson.

If he takes on the role, he'll star as a morally upright Los Angeles Police Department detective who is teamed with a not-so-reliable partner - a crass, hard-drinking puppet with a connection to one of the victims - and the pair are constantly at loggerheads.

But they are forced to set their differences aside as they investigate a series of mysterious murders of celebrity puppets - who star in a show entitled 'The Happytime Gang' - and who turn out to be not as straight laced as their adoring public have been led to believe.

The movie will be produced by the Jim Henson Company and STX.

'Kung Fu Panda: Secrets of the Masters' writer Todd Berger is penning the script with Dee Robertson, Erich Hoeber and Jon Hoeber.

Oscar winner Foxx recently finished making 'Baby Driver', an upcoming action comedy film, with 'The Fault In Our Stars' breakout star Ansel Elgort.

And he'll be seen later this year in 'Sleepless Night' alongside hip hop star T.I. and Gabrielle Union. The film is a remake of the French thriller directed by Baran Odar.