Fox 2000 know an easy score when they see one, and following the tidy gross of $64 million on a budget of $15 million for “Diary Of A Wimpy Kid,” they are moving ahead on a sequel with hopes to have it in theaters by March 2011.
The sequel, to be titled “Diary of Wimpy Kid 2: Roderick Rules,” is certainly in the pipeline with stars Zachary Gordon, Steve Zahn and Rachael Harris are all scheduled to return. “Flushed Away” and “Astro Boy” helmer David Bowers will direct the next outing for Greg Heffley, the titular character of Jeff Kinney’s young adult novel series. On a more interesting sidenote, Broken Lizard’s Jay Chandrasekhar was also in the running to direct the sequel. Chandrasekhar has directed the Broken Lizard troupe features “Super Troopers”, “Club Dread” and “Beerfest” as well as the ill-advised “The Dukes of Hazzard” feature adaptation. But we’re guessing his take on the material had a few more boobs and drunks than Fox 2000 was comfortable with.
Gabe Sachs and Jeff Judah who wrote the first film, will do those duties again here. Production is aiming to get underway this August in Vancouver.