Hollywood Digest

IS THIS IT FOR 'SPONGEBOB'?

The man behind the animated hit "SpongeBob SquarePants" has told the Los Angeles Times he will not renew his deal with Nickelodeon after he finishes work on the last 20 episodes he is contracted to deliver.

Steve Hillenburg -- creator, executive producer and lead writer -- will have 60 "SpongeBob" shows in the catalogue when he closes up shop.

"I definitely need a break," Hillenburg told the paper. "I want to try something new."

"SpongeBob," which premiered in 1999, has become the highest-rated animated show on Nickelodeon. The title character -- an irrepressibly cheery yellow sink sponge -- lives in the underwater town of Bikini Bottom with the grouchy Squidward, the lovably dumb starfish Patrick and the surfer-girl squirrel Sandy Cheeks, among others.

By some estimates, the show has been worth $500 million in merchandise sales. There has also been talk of a movie.

"I think the network wants to make a 'SpongeBob' movie," said Hillenburg. "I also want to make a movie. I wouldn't want to try and work on the series concurrently with the film."

A spokeswoman for Nickelodeon said no movie deal is in place yet.

"Nothing's been signed between Hillenburg and Nickelodeon," said Nicole Mazer.

The studio owns all rights to the show and to franchises for "SpongeBob" merchandise. Hillenburg said he sold the rights to get the show made. He knows that Nickelodeon could produce new episodes without him -- as the network did when the creators of the animated hit "Ren & Stimpy" dropped out -- but he doesn't think the network would do that.

"I think they respect that my contribution is important," he said. "I think they would want to maintain the original concept and quality."

SEINFELD DOCUMENTARY COMING TO A THEATER NEAR YOU

Miramax Films has struck a deal to distribute "Comedian," a documentary about Jerry Seinfeld's return to stand-up after his eight-year run in the NBC comedy "Seinfeld."

No decisions have been made about a release date for the movie. Seinfeld's upcoming stand-up gig at the Beacon Theater on Broadway sold out in 10 minutes when tickets went on sale Sunday.

Garry Shandling and Colin Quinn will join Seinfeld for the May 6 show. Part of the proceeds will be donated to Baby Buggy, the charity supported by Seinfeld's wife Jessica that helps needy moms obtain used baby clothes, strollers and other gear.

The movie features appearances by Shandling, Quinn and Chris Rock.

STILL LOOKING FOR THE CAR

According to published reports in Hollywood, 20th Century Fox is working up a sequel to the 2000 low-budget comedy hit "Dude, Where's My Car?"

The decision to go forward with "Seriously Dude, Where's My Car?" seems to be a Hollywood no-brainer -- given that the original cost just $14 million to make, and went on to gross $73 million worldwide. Plans call for filming to begin around this time next year.

TAKING ANOTHER CRACK AT 'ALFIE'

Writer-director Charles Shyer ("Father of the Bride," "Irreconcilable Differences") has signed to direct a remake of "Alfie," the 1966 romantic comedy that made Michael Caine an international star.

The movie -- about a ladies' man who re-evaluates his life after seeing the downside of philandering -- was nominated for five Oscars, including best picture and best actor for Caine.

Shyer is writing the script with Elaine Pope, who won a writing Emmy for a 1992 episode of "Seinfeld" and co-wrote the recent TV movie "These Old Broads" with Carrie Fisher.

"I was a huge fan of the movie," Pope told Daily Variety. "There were restrictions of censorship back then that aren't there now, so the character will be able to say more about women and society."

JULIETTE BINOCHE'S NEXT

Juliette Binoche has reportedly agreed to a deal to star in a movie adaptation of Antjie Krog's book "Country of My Skull" -- an account of official hearings into atrocities committed under apartheid in South Africa.

John Boorman ("The Tailor of Panama," "Deliverance") is directing.

According to FilmStew.com, Binoche will play a journalist who falls in love with an American reporter in South Africa to cover the hearings, conducted by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Binoche won the supporting actress Oscar in for "The English Patient" in 1996. She was nominated for best actress for "Chocolat" in 2000.