Sony is moving ahead with plans for a sequel to Salt, the hit 2010 action thriller that starred Angelina Jolie as a CIA officer accused of being a Russian spy.

Deadline reports the studio has hired screenwriter Kurt Wimmer to begin work on the follow-up for Jolie to reprise her role as suspected sleeper agent Evelyn Salt.

Director Phillip Noyce has said he won't return, telling Moviehole in December that, "If there ever is a sequel, better it's directed by someone with a completely fresh take on what I believe could be a totally entertaining and complex series of stories." However, Deadline contends Jolie is interested in doing a second Salt "if it comes together right."

The first movie, which had an estimated budget of $110 million, grossed more that $295 million worldwide.