Arrested Development the movie has always been a hot topic to fans of the critically acclaimed but short-lived FOX series. Several months ago, BuddyTV reported that a film based on the dysfunctional Bluth family is finally on the horizon, according to
Jason Bateman, who plays lead protagonist Michael Bluth. But it seems that the concept has moved closer to reality with Mitch Hurwitz and Ron Howard reportedly closing deals for the project from Imagine and Fox Searchlight.
This marks the most solid
Arrested Development movie update so far. In the past, there have been hints that a film based on the series was in the works with merely cast members backing it up. However, fans have rolled their eyes at every tease.
Now, Hurwitz, who created and exec produced the acclaimed series, is officially on board to write the film as well as direct with help from Howard. Since debuting on November 2, 2003,
Arrested Development received six Emmy awards and one Golden Globe. It also spawned a cult fan base, and a number of fan-based websites, as well as a spot on
Time Magazine's 100 Greatest Shows of All Time. Despite positive reviews from critics, the show never climbed in the ratings and was eventually canceled.
Aside from Bateman,
Arrested Development also featured
David Cross as Tobias Funke,
Will Arnett as Gob, Henry Winkler as Barry Zuckerkorn,
Alia Shawkat as Maeby,
Jeffrey Tambor as George Sr.,
Jessica Walter as Lucille,
Michael Cera as George-Michael,
Portia de Rossi as Lindsay, and
Tony Hale as Buster, just to name a few.
While reading this update is certainly good news for
Arrested Development fans, there's one catch. Word on the street is that one of the original cast members hasn't signed on to do the film and may not participate at all. Though sources aren't naming names, many are pointing their fingers to Michael Cera, who played young George Michael Bluth, as he was previously quoted as saying the film wasn't being made and shouldn't be made.
-Kris De Leon, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source:
The Hollywood Reporter
(Image courtesy of FOX)