'School of Rock' back in session (VAR)

By Nancy Tartaglione-Vialatte

Paramount is developing a "School of Rock" sequel with Jack Black attached to reprise his role as rock star wannabe/substitute teacher Dewey Finn, Variety reports. Richard Linklater will direct again and Scott Rudin is returning as producer.

Mike White, who wrote the original 2003 comedy, is writing the screenplay, titled "School of Rock 2: America Rocks." In late June, Defamer reported that White said during an LA Film Festival panel, "I actually just completed a draft of what's potentially the sequel, and I'm still, like, crying as I'm writing the script."

The new film will pick 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, Variety explains.

The original was 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 at Paramount. His other writing credits include several Black vehicles, including "Orange County" and "Nacho Libre," both for Paramount. White also wrote and directed last year's "Year of the Dog" for Paramount Vantage.

Black is currently starring as the lead voice in �Kung Fu Panda� and will be seen in Ben Stiller�s upcoming "Tropic Thunder" and the Judd Apatow-produced "Year One."

Linklater most recently helmed "A Scanner Darkly" for Warner Independent.