'Bad Teacher' Sequel Happening with Cameron Diaz Expected to Return

It seems like these days a movie just has to be a moderate success to start talking about a sequel. Bad Teacher was an entertaining comedy, but I really haven't heard anyone clamoring for another story with the characters played by Cameron Diaz, Jason Segel, Justin Timberlake and Lucy Punch. Columbia Pictures sees things differently, though, as the studio announced on Thursday that it was moving forward with Bad Teacher 2.

Columbia Pictures is developing Bad Teacher 2, to be directed by Jake Kasdan and written by Justin Malen, it was announced today by Doug Belgrad, President of Columbia Pictures, and Hannah Minghella, president of Production for the studio. Jimmy Miller, Jake Kasdan, Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky will produce the film, and Melvin Mar will executive produce. The project is being developed for Cameron Diaz to star in the film but no deal is yet set with the actress.

Globally, Bad Teacher did take in $216 million, which was enough to make Columbia Pictures see franchise potential in the movie. While Diaz isn't on board officially, I can't see how Bad Teacher 2 becomes a reality without her. Diaz's mean-with-a-touch-of-heart performance is what sold the original movie — a sequel would be empty without her back.

No word yet on when Bad Teacher 2 will start production. Diaz and Segel are currently working with Bad Teacher 2 director Jake Kasdan on Sex Tape, which is scheduled to hit theaters in 2014.