Sequel News: Hairspray, Anchorman, School of Rock

Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: DreamWorks, New Line, Paramount, Musicals, Sequels, Comedy, Casting, Celeb News, Rumors, Upcoming Releases

Here’s the latest scoop on the sequel buzz spreading across Hollywood:

The film that inspired a Broadway show and an update may soon spawn another creation: a sequel. New Line Cinema, obviously encouraged by the success of the High School Musical franchise (and last week’s debut of Mamma Mia!), has asked John Waters to begin writing a treatment for a follow to Hairspray.

According to Variety, the studio hopes to reunite members of last year’s cast in time for a 2010 release. The story would again be set in the 60’s, just where the Turnblad family left off.

While no actors have yet been lined up, most of the musical’s key players - including director/choreography Adam Shankman - are scheduled to return.

Read More | Variety

Will Ferrell, already known for playing different variations of the same character, may soon take on the same role twice.

According to director Adam McKay (Step Brothers), he and Ferrell are in the process of crafting a sequel to Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy.

McKay tells Entertainment Weekly that the audiences won’t be the only thing that has aged since the first installment. It’s quite possible the former San Diego anchor will be smack in the 80’s when we see him again.

Although DreamWorks has not yet chatted with the writers about their latest project, I’m sure the studio will greenlight it soon.

Believing that music instruction is an important part of education, the filmmakers behind 2003’s School of Rock are set to teach a whole new group of students.

In School of Rock 2: America Rocks, Dewey Finn (Jack Black) will move his instruction out of the classroom and onto a bus. As part of his summer teaching job, he will take the kids on a cross-country tour in hopes of giving them a history on music. Joining him on the adventure will be director Richard Linklater and screenwriter Mike White.

No date has yet been set for the Paramount release. Meanwhile, Black can seen next month with Ben Stiller and Robert Downey Jr. in Tropic Thunder.