'Arrested Development' Movie Not Coming To A Theater Near You Anytime Soon...

By Korbi Ghosh

January 13, 2009 2:47 PM

Though it's been previously reported that the Arrested Development movie is definitely happening, the truth is, executive producer Mitch Hurwitz and company have a long way to go before we can say that for sure.

At FOX's TCA this afternoon to promote his upcoming animated sitcom, Sit Down Shut Up (which looks quite promising, by the way... Will Arnett and Jason Bateman -- who have signed on for the Arrested film -- were also here for the panel!!), Hurwitz did say that they "have a deal more or less in place with Fox Searchlight" and he's optimistic. However, after the panel, he told me that he does not yet even have a story for the film, because he's still waiting to see which cast members are definitely on board.

Of course, the series' break out star Michael Cera is reportedly the lone hold out, but Hurwitz said he's still hopeful that Cera will sign on... so hopeful that he's holding off on the writing process for now.

And supposedly, the dream is still alive. Mitch was quick to mention that Michael is, and always has been, a very intelligent, thoughtful guy. Even as an out-of-work 14-year-old from Canada, he apparently took his time reading the Arrested Development pilot script and only expressed interest after "responding" to the material. So Hurwitz isn't surprised that he's taking time to contemplate whether or not he wants to do the film. Jason Bateman echoed this sentiment.

So, what do you think? If Cera ultimately decides not to do it, could an Arrested Development movie still work without him? Should Hurwitz just go ahead and start writing the story minus George Michael?

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| Comments (14)

14 Comments

So help me bob michael cera better sign on. In the words of a wise man "come on"!

jackstone18 | January 13, 2009 3:19 PM

This movie needs George-Michael (not the singer/songwriter, though I do hear that he hangs around the Piers often). This gave Michael his grounding and was the viewer's window into the craziness that was/is the Bluth's.

Blue Sean | January 13, 2009 3:24 PM

Putting aside whether the story itself needs George Michael for a moment, I'd like to note that Michael Cera needs to take this role back on. If he holds out, he's going to disappoint a lot of his fans. He's way too young to lose a huge chunk of his fan base.

As for the story, it definitely needs George Michael and Maebe. George Michael grounds the show and who is he without his lustful feelings for his maybe cousin?

kris | January 13, 2009 3:42 PM

It would be better with GM but they should absolutely go ahead without him if need be. The bigger issue is how well the brilliant show translates formats to the big screen.

Wendy | January 13, 2009 3:51 PM

Wow. Everytime the movie gets mentioned anywhere the person writing the article says that it is Cera that is rumored to be the holdout- almost as if

Hurwitz (or somebody on that team) wants as many hits in the media for Cera to cave in without really saying it is him. Not saying I believe that, but it is getting su****ious. LOL

I heard NBC/Uni cable didn't show at TCA correct? So no Bravo channel news on when/if Millionaire Matchmaker is coming back (one of my few reality faves)? Or if when/if Sci-Fi will air the Doctor Who specials - I'm hoping they will not wait until all air in the UK. Did you attend BBC America panel? Any word on Torchwood airings?

Kellek | January 13, 2009 8:55 PM

I really the movie pushes through, Cera should trust Hurtwitz writing capacity, he should be part of the movie, George Michael and Maebe's sexual tension was one of the core elements of the show and I really want to find out what happened since their "relationship" did not really have a closure on the series finale :D

jecoup | January 14, 2009 2:14 AM

it IS hard to imagine the movie working without Cera.

KJ | January 14, 2009 8:56 AM

Whoever is not on board....get on board -- Now! (Please and thank you.) Even without GM I would see it. It would be a pity for one lone actor to stall an entire ensemble production. Every single character brought so much to the TV show, there are many stories left to tell. Surely the script will be stellar, so what's the hold up?

Amy | January 14, 2009 9:51 AM

I can't freaking wait. COME ON!

Arrested Development Movie | January 23, 2009 11:08 AM

Sure it would be nice to have Michael Cera in the movie. But the show must go on! If ultimatly he decides against it, you could write that he went off to a boarding school to escape the feelings he has for his cousin. Or something like that.

Jarrod Nisly | February 4, 2009 7:33 AM