'Bad Teacher' sequel in the works
Credit: Columbia Pictures
Not content to allow the franchise to end with the original hit movie, or the upcoming CBS adaptation of said movie, Columbia Pictures is going forward with a sequel to Bad Teacher, the 2011 comedy starring Cameron Diaz that grossed $216 million worldwide.
Although there is no deal in place with with Diaz just yet, writer Justin Malen is drafting a script for director Jake Kasdan, who helmed the first feature. Kasdan will also produce alongside Jimmy Miller, Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky, with Melvin Mar executive producing.
The original feature earned Diaz a cool $42 million thanks to a lucrative backend deal, and this latest feature is intended to anchor a new franchise for the studio. The half-hour CBS comedy series, starring Ari Graynor, has received a 13-episode midseason order, and will provide a fitting companion to a second feature film -- assuming the series performs well and doesn't fall victim to cancellation. As a co-production of Sony Pictures Television and CBS Television Studios, it's likely the network will give the series every opportunity to succeed.
“Bad Teacher was a hit not just in North America, but throughout the world. We’re excited that Jake will be returning to develop and helm the sequel. We love Justin’s take on the material -- it hits all the notes that made the first film such a breakthrough hit and also takes the characters in a new direction that is fresh and fun,” said Hannah Minghella, president of production for the studio, who announced the project along with Columbia Pictures president Doug Belgrad.
