‘Muppets’ director might take over from Tim Burton on ‘Alice in Wonderland’ sequel

James Bobin, of The Muppets and Flight of the Conchords fame, is in talks to helm Disney’s sequel to Alice in Wonderland, Variety reports.

The picture – tentatively titled Into the Looking Glass – is still being penned by Linda Woolverton, but the studio is no doubt keen to lock away principal talent, and replicate the original’s billion-dollar box office success.

There is no explanation in Variety’s piece as to why Tim Burton won’t return. Could it be a case of a busy schedule, their relationship souring after the underperformance of Frankenweenie, or fears of more bad reviews with Burton at the helm? Probably that first thing.

Stars Mia Wasikowska and Johnny Depp are likely contractually obligated to return, though nothing official has been announced.