Disney sets pooch sequel
Hughes to produce '102 Dalmations'
Like the original, the sequel will revolve around the dogged efforts of the fur-crazed villainess Cruella DeVille to turn the Dalmatians from pups to frocks. Disney has high hopes that Close will return to reprise a role she played with wicked abandon. Sources said the actress is receptive, but won't commit until after she reads the completed script.
It's unclear if other original cast members will reprise their roles, or whether Stephen Herek, who directed the original, will return for an encore. The writers are being paid mid against high-six-figures for their efforts.
"102 Dalmatians" is the second high profile Disney project being scripted by the duo. Buckley and Regan are writing "Carmen San Diego," the adaptation of the PBS kid show "Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego," which is expected to star Jennifer Lopez.
The scripting team established themselves last fall with the spec script "Repo Girls," which was widely read before selling to Fox 2000 to be produced by Lynda Obst and Flower Films. Buckley and Regan also adapted "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" for producer Robert Evans at Paramount. The duo is repped by Endeavor and attorney Joel McKuin of Colden & McKuin.
