In recent months, talks have intensified on a proposed Arrested Development film. Only time will tell if it comes into fruition.
In 2006, Arrested Development, one of TVs most most original, wittiest sitcoms was axed by Fox Network. Now, rumours are floating that a movie may be in the works.
The Cancellation of an Instant Classic
Arrested Development premiered in November, 2003 on the Fox network and immediately became a critically acclaimed hit. The show dealt with Michael Bluth (Jason Bateman) and his struggles to save his, now imprisoned, father’s company while simultaneously having to deal with perhaps the most dysfunctional family in television history: his own. The writing and acting for the show was so subtle yet humorous that it seemed destined to be recognized as one of the greatest comedic shows of all time. However, the show never materialized into a commercial success. Although it was nominated and won many awards (38 nominations in only three seasons), the show was eventually cancelled by Fox.
For a show like Arrested Development to have been cancelled is infuriating to fans. Having only salvaged a paltry 53 episodes, the show was never permitted to reach its full potential. As usual, Arrested Development was prematurely axed by a network more concerned with profits than it with providing a highly ironic and subversive piece of entertainment. In other words, a show that was intelligent.
Many had hoped that Fox would come to their senses after the cancellation and renew the show for another season (as they had done with Family Guy after they had realized that the show was such a tremendous financial success on DVD). However, it was not meant to be. The show has remained dead and can only be viewed on DVD or on syndicated television. Or is it?
Risen From the Dead?
Soon after the cancellation, there were many rumors that the show would perhaps be made into a movie. There was a great amount of anticipation after its initial axing but nothing ever materialized. However, in January 2008, Jason Bateman confirmed to E Online that Mitchell Hurwitz (creator) and Ron Howard (producer) were in talks to go ahead with a film. As well, it has been rumored that each key cast member has verbally agreed to appear in a film if there is to be one.
At this point, there is no word on what the film may be about but the final episode did tease audiences with the possibility of a plot (the character of Maeby attempts to sell a story about the Bluth’s to Ron Howard, who rejects it). If they are able to attract the original writing team, the film will more than likely be intuitive and original (as was the case with the show). Rumors are heating up, though nobody will confirm or deny that a film is in the works. Here`s hoping Fox will not make the same mistake twice.
