We reported that the latest entry in the Harold & Kumar franchise started filming on June 21st with set photos to prove it, which New Line confirmed today via press release.  The studio conveniently included a full cast list.  We knew that John Cho and Kal Penn would reprise their starring roles, and the indispensable Neil Patrick Harris would likewise return with new faces Patton Oswalt and Thomas Lennon hopping on the H&K line.

That already impressive lineup will be joined by returning characters played by Paula Garcés, Danneel Harris, Bobby Lee, and Eddie Kaye Thomas as well as newbies Danny Trejo, Amir Blumenfeld, David Burtka, Fred Melamed, and Richard Riehle.  Check out all the details in press release form after the jump.

Even though the film is still set during the holidays, the press release carefully avoids any mention of the original title A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas.  Do you think it's gone forever?  Is there really a better title out there somewhere?

Cool to see Amir from the College Humor gang scoring such a primo side gig.

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Mandate Pictures And New Line Begin Production On The Third "Harold & Kumar" Comedy

(July 07, 2010 - Burbank, CA) - The ensemble cast has been set for Mandate Pictures' and New Line Cinema's third installment of the "Harold & Kumar" film franchise, which began with the 2004 cult hit "Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle." John Cho ("Star Trek," TV's "Flash Forward") and Kal Penn ("Superman Returns," TV's "House") reprise their title roles in the holiday-themed comedy, which recently began principal photography on location in Michigan.

The first of the "Harold & Kumar" comedies to be shot in 3-D, the film is being directed by Todd Strauss-Schulson, marking his major feature film directorial debut. Academy Award®-winning producer Greg Shapiro ("The Hurt Locker") and Mandate president Nathan Kahane return as producers. The screenplay is by Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg, who wrote the previous two movies and directed the second, "Harold and Kumar Escape from Guatanamo Bay." They are also serving as co-producers, together with Nicole Brown, who is overseeing the project on behalf of Mandate.

It would not be a "Harold & Kumar" film without Neil Patrick Harris, who reunites with Cho and Penn in the cast. Returning "Harold & Kumar" cast members also include Paula Garcés (TV's "The Shield") as Maria; Danneel Harris (TV's "One Tree Hill") as Vanessa; Bobby Lee ("Pineapple Express") as Kenneth Park; and Eddie Kaye Thomas ("American Pie," HBO's "How to Make It in America") as Rosenberg.

Joining the "Harold & Kumar" ensemble are Tom Lennon ("17 Again," TV's "Reno 911") and Danny Trejo ("Grindhouse"). Rounding out the new film cast are Amir Blumenfeld (TV's "Pranked," CollegeHumor.com), David Burtka (TV's "How I Met Your Mother"), Fred Melamed ("A Serious Man"), Patton Oswalt ("The Informant!") and Richard Riehle ("Halloween II").

Harold and Kumar were introduced in the first film of the series, "Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle," which follows two post-college friends on their search for the best pot and snacks that suburban New Jersey has to offer. The second film, "Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay," found them being mistaken for terrorists and having to clear their names-with the help of old friend Neil Patrick Harris.

The new "Harold & Kumar" comedy picks up six years after the duo's last adventure. After years of growing apart, Harold Lee (John Cho) and Kumar Patel (Kal Penn) have replaced each other with new best friends and are preparing for their respective Christmas celebrations. But when a mysterious package arrives at Kumar's door, his attempt to deliver it to Harold's house ends with him inadvertently burning down Harold's father-in-law's prize Christmas tree. With his in-laws out of the house for less than a day, Harold decides to cover his tracks rather than come clean, and reluctantly embarks on another ill-advised but hilarious journey with Kumar, taking them through New York City on Christmas Eve in search of the perfect Christmas tree.

Collaborating with Todd Strauss-Schulson behind the scenes are: director of photography Michael Barrett ("You Don't Mess with the Zohan," "Bedtime Stories"); production designer Rusty Smith (the "Austin Powers" movies, "Elf"), editor Eric Kissack ("Brüno," "Role Models"), and costume designer Mary Claire Hannan ("Into the Wild").

The film is a production of Mandate Pictures and New Line Cinema and will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

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About Mandate Pictures

Mandate Pictures is a multifaceted film production and financing company with a distinguished reputation and proven track record of success and profitability. Acquired by Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF) in 2007, Mandate continues to operate as an independent brand delivering acclaimed commercial and independent films worldwide. Under President Nathan Kahane, Mandate has carved out a unique position in the film industry, having the creative autonomy and capital to finance, develop, package and produce theatrical films, including the Academy Award®-nominated film "Juno," directed by Jason Reitman, written by Diablo Cody, and starring Ellen Page, Michael Cera, Jennifer Garner and Jason Bateman.

About New Line Cinema

New Line Cinema continues to be one of the most successful independent film companies. For more than 40 years, its mission has been to produce innovative, popular, profitable entertainment in the best creative environment. A pioneer in franchise filmmaking, New Line produced the Oscar®-winning "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, which is a landmark in the history of film franchises. New Line Cinema is a division of Warner Bros.