School is back in session for Paramount Pictures.
Studio is developing a School of Rock sequel, with Jack Black attached to reprise his role as rock star wannabe/substitute teacher Dewey Finn, who in the original film turned a class of fifth-grade high-achievers into high-voltage rock ‘n’ rollers. Richard Linklater is attached to direct again, and Scott Rudin is returning as producer.
Mike White, who penned the 2003 comedy, is writing the screenplay, titled School of Rock 2: America Rocks, which picks up with Finn leading a group of summer school students on a cross-country field trip that delves into the history of rock ‘n’ roll and explores the roots of blues, rap, country and other genres.
Original film was a box office hit for the studio, costing just $30 million to make and earning $131 million worldwide.
White’s Rip Cord Prods. has a first-look deal with the studio. He and Black started Black & White Prods. in 2004 but parted ways in 2006. White’s writing credits include several Black vehicles, including Orange County and Nacho Libre, both for Paramount. White wrote and directed last year’s Year of the Dog for Paramount Vantage,
Black, who recently dropped out of the Todd Phillips-helmed comedy Man-Witch, stars in two upcoming high-profile comedies: Ben Stiller’s Tropic Thunder, opening Aug. 15, and the Judd Apatow-produced Year One, which bows next June.
Linklater most recently helmed “A Scanner Darkly” for Warner Independent.
Credit: Variety
