Pete Segal – not David Wain, as previously reported – is the frontrunner to direct “Little Fockers”, the third in the “Meet the Parents” series, says Variety.

The “Get Smart” helmer was originally booked up this year, with his main commitment being a sequel to the latter, but became available when Steve Carell instead made a deal to team with Tina Fey in the Shawn Levy-directed comedy “Date Night” for Fox.

David Wain, helmer of “Role Models”, was up for the job as of a fortnight ago. Seems he doesn’t carry as much weight as Segal.

John Hamburg scripted this third installment which is expected to see the cast of “Meet the Fockers” – including Dustin Hoffman and Barbara Streisand – reunite. Owen Wilson, who played a small role in the previous two films, is expected to play a larger part this time ’round.

Segal, who has also directed such comedy hits as “Tommy Boy,” “The Longest Yard” and “50 First Dates,” is meeting with the film’s principal players this week. Universal will get the film into production later this year.