Criminal Minds: Reuters has news on "Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakuel starring Matthew Gray Gubler, Dr. Spencer Reid on Criminal Minds.
Betty Thomas has signed on to direct "Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakuel," a follow-up to the surprise 2007 hit featuring the lovable CGI-animated singing rodents.
Although plot details are being kept under wraps, the new Fox/Regency project will introduce the Chipmunks' female counterparts, the Chipettes.
Justin Long, Matthew Gray Gubler and Jesse McCartney are returning to voice the parts of troublemaker Alvin, intellectual Simon and chubby Theodore, respectively. It is unclear whether Jason Lee is returning in the live-action role of Dave Seville, the harassed songwriter with the annoyed cry of "Alvin!!!!" Casting of the Chipettes is under way.
Writers' deal are being finalized.
The first "Alvin" movie grossed more than $360 million worldwide. Thomas, famed for playing Sgt. Lucy Bates on "Hill Street Blues" before moving behind the camera, most recently directed "John Tucker Must Die" and worked with animals in "Doctor Dolittle." -Reuters
