Sony Pictures and Happy Madison Prods. are in talks with “Grown Ups” scribe Fred Wolf to write a sequel to last year’s Adam Sandler comedy, the funnyman’s highest-grossing film worldwide at $271 million.
Sandler has never appeared in a sequel and he has no deal in place for “Grown Ups 2,” as his involvement is contingent on the script. Still, the fact that Sandler would be open to a reunion likely comes as music to Sony’s ears. Happy Madison had no comment.
“Grown Ups” starred Sandler, Kevin James, David Spade, Chris Rock and Rob Schneider as five friends who reunite over the 4th of July weekend to attend their youth basketball coach’s funeral.
Wolf has a long history with Sandler, having written for “Saturday Night Live” when Sandler, Spade, Rock and Schneider were cast members. Scribe was enlisted to write Sandler and Spade’s movies when they transitioned to leading men in features. His first credits were the Spade-Chris Farley vehicle “Black Sheep” and Norm MacDonald’s “Dirty Work,” which featured a cameo by Sandler.
Wolf later co-wrote “Joe Dirt” and “Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star” with Spade, and he most recently co-wrote and directed “Strange Wilderness” for Happy Madison, in addition to helming its female-centric comedy “The House Bunny” for Sony.
Happy Madison had four 2011 releases — the Sandler vehicles “Just Go With It” and “Jack and Jill,” as well as Kevin James-starrer “Zookeeper” and the R-rated comedy “Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star.” Company’s next pic is Sony’s “I Hate You Dad,” a June release that pairs Sandler with currently “Saturday Night Live” star Andy Samberg.
Wolf is repped by UTA and Brillstein Entertainment Partners.
