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As reported in March, Michael Cera knew nothing about (and has no apparent interest in) a film adaptation of the TV show where he got his start, Arrested Development. After rumors started to swirl about interest in the project, star Jason Bateman confirmed talks about the film and went on the record with MTV saying that "we all want to do it...they are working on making a deal, probably as we speak."
Apparently, Cera wasn't let in on the deal. After the Oscar ceremony in March (where Bateman talked about the possibility of the film on the red carpet), both Cera and David Cross told Cinematical that while they hadn't heard about any plans to shoot a movie, they'd both love to take part if something actually ever happened.
Now, Cera is changing his tune. While promoting his new film Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist and talking to the National Post, Cera responded to questions about the progress of the film with ambivalence. He "hasn't heard of any plans" and went on to say that "I don't think I would want to see a movie of the series if I was a fan anyways...and I don't really see a need for it if you can get the three seasons on DVD." In a recent interview with Paste (which will appear issue 48), Cera echoed the sentiment that he was unaware, saying, "People always ask about a movie, but actually I don't know any more than anyone else does."
Not sure if that really means the project is getting axed or not, but as time continues to pass it's looking less and less hopeful. If you listen closely, you can hear thousands of fanboys crying.
Related links:
News: Update: Arrested Development movie plans progressing
News: Arrested Development film officially in the works
High Gravity: Best Sitcoms Since 1980
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It has to happen. Simply because it will be the greatest comedy film ever made.
Hnestly, I think they're underestimating the fanbase. Barely a day or two goes by without someone recommending AD to me or it coming top of 'best comedies ever' polls. DVD sells like hot-cakes and the critical ratings are amazing. Too good of an opportunity to miss - I can't see how it won't make its budget back.
Ahem. May I speak for all the fanboys when I say:
WE MADE YOU, MICHAEL CERA. AND WE CAN UNMAKE YOU.
Forgive me for being cynical, but I think this is simply Cera posturing. He's proved that he can have commercial (read: financial) success outside of AD, so by feigning a non-interest, he'll demand a larger salary by default. Either that or he's holding out for a contract that provides an unlimited amount of MayonEggs.
Cera can only play one character. He has built a career on playing various versions of George Michael. I don't get why he wouldn't just want to go back to the real deal.
Someone needs to create the "Boycott Michael Cera" website.
Cera and Jason Bateman should use their celebrity to bolster the feature film, to explain why their ending was so hurried. More seasons would've been needed, and a movie should happen. Arrested Development was a good, though incomplete series. Anyways, maybe they could replace him with McLovin. Cera's not that good an actor.
I Just read a review of Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist. Sounds like it might be a pretty good, and funny movie. Can't wait to see it.
Add me to the list of fanboys who'll cry.
They could do it without him. And if all of the Hollywood inside jokes that were in the series were any indication, they could really roast him for not doing it.
I was at the advanced screening of "Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist" in Chicago earlier this week, where Cera and his co-star did Q&A after the screening. After three prompts to comment on the AD film from the audience, he seemed annoyed and thoroughly disinterested, almost mocking those in the crowd who kept asking.
Strange thing is that a few minutes before, when he was asked about where he got inspiration for his character(s), he said that it had developed on AD and he took it from there. He recognizes that his success is from that role and that he is completely a type-cast fad right now, so it is hard to understand why he is so dismissive of an AD movie.
Having been a great fan of Cera, I was really disappointed and let down by the Q&A. He seemed very distant and annoyed. We can only hope that this is not Cera simply getting off by being withholding.
Some things must pass. Arrested Development is one of them.
The Serenity universe needs to be laid to rest as well, although I never would have gotten Firefly if the movie hadn't been made.