Morgan Freeman Joins 'Ted 2'

Morgan Freeman is following up Dolphin Tale 2 with another sequel about an adorable animal — or at least, an adorable-looking, animal-shaped creature. Freeman has just signed on for Ted 2, joining Seth MacFarlane (who voices Ted and also directs), Mark Wahlberg, Amanda Seyfried, and Patrick Warburton. Hit the jump to find out how Freeman fits into the story.

MacFarlane reportedly hoped to snag a big-name actor for the lawyer role, and had his eye on Freeman from the beginning. The two have never worked together before. The new casting is part of a larger plan to fill the Ted 2 supporting cast with famous pop culture figures (like William Shatner) and A-listers out of their element.

Freeman, however, shouldn't be too uncomfortable in Ted. He's an actor who seems to fit easily into any genre, from the prestigious drama to lowbrow comedy. His recent roles include Lucy, Transcendence, and The Lego Movie, in which he poked fun at his own wise mentor image. Up next for him is the Olympus Has Fallen sequel London Has Fallen.

The first Ted ended with (spoilers!) Wahlberg's John Bennett reinforcing his friendship with Ted, getting the girl, and maybe learning a few lessons. But the more things change, the more things stay the same. Wahlberg has promised that Ted and John would be "crazier than ever," and that the two would once again find themselves at odds over John's love interest — played by Amanda Seyfried this time, not Mila Kunis.

Ted 2 is shooting now in Boston for release on June 26, 2015.