John Whitesell is stepping into "Big Momma's House 2." The director, whose work includes "Malibu's Most Wanted" and "See Spot Run," will direct the Regency Enterprises/20th Century Fox sequel to the 2000 Martin Lawrence hit. Lawrence is reprising his role as an FBI agent who goes undercover as a loud-mouthed matriarch not afraid to throw her ample weight around. The original grossed $117.6 million domestically. Don Rhymer, who co-wrote the original, is writing. David T. Friendly is producing. Kara Francis is overseeing for Regency president of production Sanford Panitch. Whitesell directed such TV shows as "Action" and "Jack & Jill" before segueing to features. He was nominated for an Emmy for best direction of a comedy series for "The John Larroquette Show." Whitesell is represented by UTA and attorney Jason Sloane. UTA also represents Lawrence and Rhymer.