'Sex and the City 2' starts filming in NYC

NEW YORK, Sept. 15 (UPI) -- "Sex and the City 2," the sequel to the 2008 summer blockbuster, has begun principal photography in New York, Warner Bros. announced.

Returning in their starring roles are Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie, Kim Cattrall as Samantha, Kristin Davis as Charlotte and Cynthia Nixon as Miranda.

"It's a great privilege to be spending time again with this beloved cast and crew and to be filming in New York City," Parker said in a statement. "We look forward to the next few months of this adventure."

Also back for the sequel are Chris Noth as Big, David Eigenberg as Steve, Evan Handler as Harry, Jason Lewis as Smith, Mario Cantone as Anthony and Willie Garson as Stanford Blatch.

"Sex and the City 2" also reunites the original creative team from the HBO comedy series and the first feature.

Michael Patrick King is once again directing from his own screenplay.

"We are thrilled to have the luxury to continue to tell the story of these four iconic women characters: Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha. We will do our best to entertain the loyal fans who were so supportive of the first movie," said King, who is also producing with Parker, John Melfi and Darren Star.

The movie is set to be released in theaters next Memorial Day weekend.