The conclusion of the filming of Spud 2 came at almost the same time as the release a few weeks ago of the fourth instalment of John van de Ruit's popular book series, Exit Pursued By A Bear.

"The first film did really well, topping the box office during the summer holidays in 2010," said Garland.

"The movie has also received significant international interest, with sales to the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Belgium, The Netherlands, Luxembourg, Scandinavia, Turkey and the Middle East."

British screen legend John Cleese returns as The Guv, the eccentric English teacher.

"He's full of charm and fun," said Garland.

"We were a lot more relaxed around him this time and he gave the young actors great advice about the industry."

South African-born star Troye Sivan is back in the title role, along with Jason Cope as malicious housemaster Sparerib, Tanit Phoenix as the seductive Eve, Jeremy Crutchley as headmaster Mr Glockenshpeel, and Aaron McIlroy and Julie Summers as Spud's mad parents.

The rest of the Crazy 7 (minus Gecko, of course) return as well: Sven Ruygrok (Rambo), Josh Goddard (Mad Dog), Tom Burne (Vern), Byron Langley (Simon), Travis Hornsby (Boggo) and Blessing Xaba (Fatty).

Spud's love interests also return to the big screen. Genna Blair is back as Debbie the Mermaid. Charlbi Kriek returns to taunt Spud as Amanda. and Alex McGregor is the unhinged Christine.

"It took five weeks to complete filming," Garland said.

"It was intense and a little crazy. We filmed up to 15 hours a day, six days a week with these young stars, who are all the toast of their school drama departments.

"The Crazy 8 are all now celebrities in their own right. They're as thick as thieves in real life too. They crack each other up all day off camera."

Garland said the movie sticks to the book, with a lot of focus on the Crazy 8 because fans love them.

"Sparerib is the biggest antagonist in the movie and tries to get them expelled using the prefects - Anderson, Emberton and Death Breath - as henchmen. It's a lot of fun."

The movie will be released in June next year to coincide with the school holidays.