Betty Thomas (Doctor Dolittle) has signed on to direct Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakuel, Fox 2000 and Regency’s follow-up to the surprise 2007 hit featuring the CGI-animated singing rodents, says The Hollywood Reporter.
Although plot details are being kept under wraps, the new movie will introduce the Chipmunks’ female counterparts, the Chipettes.
Justin Long, Matthew Gray Gubler and Jesse McCartney are returning to respectively voice the parts of troublemaker Alvin, intellectual Simon and chubby Theodore. It is unclear whether Jason Lee is returning. Casting of the Chipettes is under way.
The first movie grossed more than $360 million worldwide. “The Squeakuel” is scheduled for a Christmas Day 2009 release.
