[CrimsonTide4]

I read about this a couple of weeks ago. I absolutely loved the first one; loved it so much I own it; might watch it this weekend.

Sequel rights: 'Stein' director prefers 'Blonde'
Tue Sep 10, 1:29 AM ET

By Chris Gardner and Zorianna Kit



LOS ANGELES (The Hollywood Reporter) --- Helmer Charles Herman-Wurmfeld, who made his feature directorial debut on the Fox Searchlight romantic comedy "Kissing Jessica Stein," has closed a deal to direct Reese Witherspoon in MGM's "Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde."

The Kate Kondell-penned project is on a fast track at MGM after the studio recently closed a deal with "Legally Blonde" star Witherspoon to reprise her role in the sequel as Elle Woods for $15 million. A November start is being prepped.

The sequel sees Witherspoon's Woods head to Washington to battle politicos after her triumphant -- and surprising -- success as a Beverly Hills sorority girl-turned-Harvard Law School graduate.

Marc Platt is producing through his Universal Pictures-based Marc Platt Prods. along with Witherspoon, who is producing through her Intermedia Film-based Type A Films. Elizabeth Ingold is overseeing for MGM.

Herman-Wurmfeld's deal to direct the sequel is not entirely surprising considering that he directed the television pilot based on the film for MGM TV and Touchstone TV. "Legally Blonde" the series is still in contention for a midseason pickup at ABC.

Herman-Wurmfeld's "Stein" proved to be a boxoffice success for Searchlight. The film -- which follows the unlikely courtship between two young New York women -- cost less than $800,000 to make and has grossed north of $7 million at the domestic boxoffice.

Since "Stein," Herman-Wurmfeld has directed TV's "The Facts of Life Reunion." He is repped by Broder-Webb-Chervin-Silbermann and attorney Alan Wertheimer.