Arrested Development Movie Officially in Development
Well lookie here… the trades have finally confirmed what the blogosphere has been reporting for probably close to a year now: an Arrested Development feature film is actually in the works! According to The Hollywood Reporter, a screenplay is finally being written by series creator Mitchell Hurwitz and co-executive producer James Vallely, now that all of the primary cast members are on board (yes, even Michael Cera). Hurwitz and Vallely will juggle the AD movie with a new pilot they are working on for Fox starring Will Arnett.
It appears that earlier reports were dead on about Fox Searchlight being the studio behind the Arrested Development flick, although contrary to popular belief, Ron Howard will not be directing. Rather, Mitch Hurwitz will take on that job himself, which seems only appropriate. All other details are being kept under wraps at the moment, although they hope to start production in the spring barring any major scheduling difficulties. What do you think, does Arrested Development have a big enough following to justify a feature film? Is this a step backwards for people like Jason Bateman and Michael Cera?
Comments (12)
Of course its following justifies a feature film. Will it be a huge release? Probably not. But it’ll make its money back. There’s a Firefly film, how is that any different?
Posted by Dan Contogiannis on October 5th, 2009i’ve started watching the first season and been enjoying it! good to see a film is finally being made.
Posted by Napalm on October 5th, 2009It’ll probably be a flop at the box office, and they’ll take it off the screens early. But, over the next few years it’ll gain a cult following and sell a ton of DVDs, enough to justify a second movie. I think everyone from Jason Batement to Will Arnet reached their funniest acting moments on this show, so to me this movie is a step up from where the entire cast is in their careers.
Posted by Kim on October 5th, 2009Dan: Serenity bombed. But I think with Fox Searchlight doing it, if they treat it as more of an indie film rather than a huge blockbuster, then it should do well enough for them.
Posted by Sean on October 5th, 2009I can’t wait. The show was hilarious. It only failed because Fox only wants to focus on cartoons and reality TV shows.
Posted by Chris on October 5th, 2009The reason this show failed is because Fox didn’t advertise it for crap. I used to watch Fox constantly and never once saw a preview for this show. It was only through word of mouth I saw anything from it. It could do well if they market it right. I am looking forward to it and I think Jason Bateman and Michael Cera need to realize that it was this show that helped revitalize, in Bateman’s case, and start careers in Cera’s case. I am very excited for this.
Posted by Sean C. on October 5th, 2009This movie will do modest indie-size box office and make a killing on DVD from its hardcore fanbase looking to complete their collections.
Posted by Goon on October 5th, 2009Two things Sean. One, Serenity did not bomb. It almost made its budget back at the box office and I’m sure the multiple incarnations of DVDs have at least brought it even. It didn’t do well, but it didn’t bomb. Secondly, Arrested Development is the best thing anyone involved with that show will ever do. Everything Bateman and Cera (and everyone else involved with the show) have done since AD has been a step back.
Sorry for the rant, it’s just that you pushed two of my fanboy buttons in one fell swoop.
Posted by Nate on October 6th, 2009Serenity bombed. It didn’t even make it’s budget back worldwide. You also have to take in to account that the studio only gets part of the budget back from the box office, 1/3 I think. So the film had to make at least three times as much in the theater for them to break even.
Posted by Swarez on October 6th, 2009I don’t know Nate, I’m awfully fond of Teen Wolf Too.
Posted by Nick D on October 6th, 2009Like “Office Space” the DVD for this film will be sold for decades to come and everyone will own it at one time or another. Even if it never makes a cent in theaters, this film will be a cult classic and should most definitely be made. (Yay!)
Posted by Alicia Stella on October 6th, 2009Kim is right.Its a step up from where they are now in there careers.This is what really brought out there comedy.Funniest show EVER!!Movie will have a descent opening but again like Kim said a cult following on dvd a year after and then a part 2 or wishfully thinking maybe bring the show back!Maybe a film is what it will take to open more people up to this gem.Cant wait for this movie!
Posted by Uncle Teabag on October 11th, 2009Leave a Reply