Pic is final installment of helmer’s New Jersey chronicles

By K.D. SHIRKANI

Shannon Elizabeth and Will Ferrell are set to topline Kevin Smith’s next film, “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back,” to be produced and distribbed by Dimension Films.

In addition to scripting and directing, Smith will have a small role in the pic as Silent Bob. The plot remains shrouded in secrecy, though producers referred to the film as the final installment of the director’s so-called New Jersey chronicles, which includes “Clerks,” “Mallrats” and “Chasing Amy.”

“In the tradition of ‘A Mad, Mad World,’ we’ve worked with Kevin to put together an ensemble of the finest comedic actors,” Dimension co-chair Bob Weinstein said. “This will be one of the biggest event comedies of the summer.”

Smith’s partner Scott Mosier is producing “Jay and Silent Bob,” which Dimension exec VP of production Jon Gordon will oversee.

Also new to the project are Judd Nelson, George Carlin, Seann William Scott (”American Pie”), Jason Biggs (”Boys and Girls”), Tracy Morgan (”Saturday Night Live”) and Steve Kmetko and Jules Asner. They join Smith vets Jason Lee and Jason Mewes, Brian O’Halloran and Jeff Anderson.