Saban Films has acquired North American rights to Kevin Smith’s highly-anticipated Jay and Silent Bob Reboot, the sequel to the 2001 comedy Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back. Jason Mewes and Smith are reprising the lead roles, alongside a number of returning players from the star-studded cast of the original movie, as well as a fresh new crop of cameos from the worlds of movies, TV, music and podcasting. Saban Films has committed to a substantial theatrical release. Jordan Monsanto of Smodco is producing alongside Destro Film’s Liz Destro. Production is currently underway.

Jay (Mewes) and Silent Bob (Smith) were first introduced 25 years ago in Smith’s directorial debut, Clerks. The unlikely stoner icons have subsequently appeared in Mallrats, Chasing Amy, Dogma, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back and Clerks II, as well as the animated film Jay and Silent Bob’s Super Groovy Cartoon Movie. The new movie will skewer reboots, remakes, and sequels while simultaneously being all three at the same time.

Saban Films’ Bill Bromiley commented, “Jay and Silent Bob is a global franchise which has a very loyal fan base.  Partnering with Kevin at script stage on the next chapter of these iconic characters is a huge milestone. This is the beginning of a new initiative at Saban Films, to partner on IP with seasoned filmmakers and talent early on in the creative process all the way through distribution.”