HOLLYWOOD NEWS

July 9, 2008–Anne Fletcher will direct the comedy “Matadors,” based on the true story of the Chicago Bulls' 14-member troupe of male dancing cheerleaders. Adam Shankman will produce through his Disney-based shingle.

Mike Bender's pitch is described as a comedic take on what happens when a pair of the ultimate basketball fans form a cheerleading squad. The movie will feature dance numbers drawing on Fletcher's experience as a choreographer.

Shankman's partner Jennifer Gibgot is also producing. Matthew Mizel, who brought the material into Offspring, is co-producing. Alison Rosenzweig, Michael Gaeta and Suzan Hagan will also serve in producing capacity.

The project reteams Fletcher (“27 Dresses”) with Shankman, who worked together on the teen dance pic “Step Up,” which Fletcher directed and Shankman produced.

Offspring's credits include the “Step Up” sequel, “Step Up 2 the Streets,” and the upcoming Adam Sandler starrer “Bedtime Stories,” both for Disney. The shingle also recently set up the teen dance drama “Drill Team” at Rogue Pictures.

Fletcher's next project is the Sandra Bullock-Ryan Reynolds romantic comedy “The Proposal” for Disney.