Belgrad and his Sony production chief partner, Matt Tolmach, have a number of modestly budgeted comedies in the works, including Katherine Heigl and Gerard Butler in "The Ugly Truth"; "Bad Teacher"; the demolition derby story "The Precious View"; and "Winter's Discontent."

What's less clear is when Paul Blart might save the day again. James has been developing the comedy "Zookeeper" at MGM and may soon costar in a new Sandler comedy for Sony.

"Happy Madison historically has been very reluctant to do sequels," says a hopeful Belgrad. "But we believe there is an opportunity to make another Paul Blart movie."