Paula: Just One of the Bratz

Thu., Jan. 11, 2007 4:07 PM PST by Sarah Hall

Paula Abdul is joining the Bratz pack.

The American Idol judge has signed on to executive produce and star in a live-action feature film based on the sassy line of dolls with big heads and twiggy bodies.

Spider-Man producer Avi Arad and Raise Your Voice director Sean McNamara are also attached to the Lionsgate film, which is scheduled for an August release.

According to the studio, the movie will tell the story of four high school girls based on the original four Bratz dolls—Jasmin, Cloe, Sasha and Jade—who encompass a range of socially and economically diverse backgrounds.

After starting out as members of separate cliques of the sort typically found at high schools, the girls realize that if they band together as Bratz, their lives will be more fulfilling.

Abdul's exact role in Bratz: The Movie remains unknown. In addition to starring, she will also advise on music, choreography and fashion for the film, producers said Wednesday.

"I am extremely excited about working on this film, which incorporates and celebrates so many of my passions, from music, dance and choreography to fashion and design," Abdul said in a statement. "As a brand, Bratz encourages young girls to follow their dreams and express themselves….As far as I'm concerned, it's a message that can't be repeated enough."

Abdul has previously worked as a choreographer on films including Coming to America, American Beauty and Jerry Maguire. She also appeared as an uncredited backup dancer in 1987's Can't Buy Me Love.

"We are overjoyed that Paula Abdul is bringing her tremendous talent to the creative team of Bratz: The Movie," the film's producers said in a statement. "Paula's expertise in music, dance and fashion will be invaluable in creating the Bratz universe onscreen."

Since they were introduced in 2001, the wildly popular Bratz have been giving Barbie a run for her money, with global sales reaching $2 billion in 2005, or about 40 percent of the fashion doll market. Barbie sales remained higher at an estimated $3 billion, but declined almost 13 percent.

Unhappy with the competition, Barbie's parent company Mattel has sued Bratz maker MGA Entertainment, alleging that it owns the rights to the dolls because they were conceived by a former Mattel employee while he was still working at the company. According to MGA, the suit has no merit.

In addition to her Bratz responsibilities, Abdul will also be dealing with brats of a different variety when the sixth season of American Idol kicks off on Tuesday.

On top of that, she will be the focus of a new Bravo reality show called Hey Paula!, which will provide a behind-the-scenes look at her work as both Idol judge and Bratz producer, as well as into her personal life.

"It's a hectic time in my life right now with several projects in television, film and fashion," Abdul said in a statement Friday. "I'm excited to open the doors to Bravo and have all my fans see the other sides to me, beyond what they see on American Idol."