Community star Joel McHale is in final negotiations to join the Seth MacFarlane comedy Ted for Universal Pictures.

The project centers on a man (Mark Wahlberg) living with his teddy bear (voiced by Seth MacFarlane), which sprang to life after a childhood wish came true. Mila Kunis plays Mark Wahlberg's girlfriend, who wants to marry him, but only if he reconsiders his friendship with this weird teddy bear. Joel McHale will play Rex, Mila Kunis' womanizing boss, who constantly hits on her. Giovanni Ribisi joined the cast earlier this week in an unknown role.

Along with voicing the teddy bear, Seth MacFarlane will make his feature directorial debut on Ted. Seth MacFarlane co-wrote the script with Alec Sulkin and Wellesley Wild.

It isn't clear when production will start on Ted. Joel McHale will next be seen as the host of the 2011 Film Independent Spirit Awards, which will air on IFC tomorrow night at 10 PM ET.