Jamie Foxx is in early talks to join Brian Henson's puppet thriller "Happytime Murders." If cast, Foxx would play the former LAPD partner of a puppet private eye.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Jim Henson Co. has been trying to get the project made since 2008. The project is officially moving forward with the late Jim Henson's son -- Brian Henson -- on board to direct.

Brian Henson's previous films include "The Muppet Christmas Carol" and "Muppet Treasure Island." This will be his first R-rated puppet project, and will be in the vein of "L.A. Confidential."

The script is being written by "Red" and "Red 2" writers Erich and Jon Hoeber, and follows the investigation of the "Happytime Gang" murders.  A disgraced puppet private eye teams up with his former partner, Jamie Foxx's character, to solve the murders, in a society where puppets are considered second class citizens to humans.

"Happytime Murders" will be produced by STX Entertainment, whose previous films include "The Gift," "Secret in Their Eyes," and "Hardcore Henry."