Nearly five years after the 2009 surprise hit comedy Paul Blart: Mall Cop debuted in theaters, star Kevin James has signed on to reprise his title role for the sequel Paul Blart 2, with Andy Fickman in talks to direct for Sony Pictures.

Kevin James is also co-writing the screenplay, alongside his Paul Blart: Mall Cop writing partner Nick Bakay. No story details were given for the follow-up. The original comedy followed a New Jersey father who takes his job as a suburban mall cop way too seriously. He must spring into action when a group of thieves take over his shopping center.

Todd Garner is producing along with Adam Sandler and his Happy Madison production company. Production is scheduled to begin in April.

Paul Blart: Mall Cop, which was directed by Steve Carr, earned $183 million worldwide, from just a $26 million production budget. Andy Fickman most recently directed Parental Guidance starring Billy Crystal and Bette Midler. His other directorial credits include TMI, You Again, Race to Witch Mountain, The Game Plan, She's the Man and Who's Your Daddy?.