Seth MacFarlane's 'Ted 2' set for June 2015 release

Mark Wahlberg stars with the foul-mouthed teddy bear in a scene from last year's "Ted." (Universal Pictures)

Universal Pictures will release "Ted 2" on the same summer weekend that Seth MacFarlane's original film starring the foul-mouthed teddy bear hit theaters in 2012. Hey, if it ain't broke, right?

On Wednesday, the studio announced that it would open the comedy sequel starring Mark Wahlberg on June 26, 2015. That Universal is replicating its original "Ted" release pattern makes sense -- the first film, which debuted on June 29 last year, went on to collect a staggering $549 million worldwide. Given the picture's box office success, few were surprised a sequel was greenlighted last September.

Though "Ted 2" won't begin production until next year, MacFarlane has plenty to keep him occupied. While he won't be returning to host the Academy Awards in March, he's busy wrapping up his comedic western "A Million Ways to Die in the West." The film, which he directed and co-wrote, is expected to stray from his trademark "Family Guy" brand of humor, centering on a farmer trying to win back an ex.

There's also that whole "Dads" controversy. The Fox sitcom that MacFarlane executive produces has been drubbed by critics who claim the program is peppered with racist humor. And since the show's debut three weeks ago, its ratings have been disappointing. 

With "Ted 2" now locked into the release calendar, MacFarlane would seem to have at least one sure thing to look forward to.

Source: latimes