"Nah, I don't see it as a TV show. Maybe a movie?"
Those were the last words spoken (by show narrator/executive producer Ron Howard) on the acclaimed but canceled series Arrested Development, and for the last couple of years, fans have rabidly chomped at the bit for the Bluths on the big screen.
Nearly everyone from the cast and crew has already said they're available: creator Mitch Hurwitz, Howard, EP Brian Grazer and the entire cast with the exception of Portia de Rossi (who it's been said is waiting until it's official to sign on), Alia Shawkat and the big (little) guy ... Michael Cera, he of Superbad and Juno fame.
Back in September, Cera created a minor geek storm when he said, ""I don't think I would want to see a movie of the series if I was a fan, anyway. And I don't really see a need for it if you can get the three seasons on DVD."
Oh, snap. Not good.
Since then, Jason Bateman has confirmed that the movie is ready to go into the script phase, and Ron Howard confirmed he's ready to press the green button, but they're still waiting for Cera.
And now Hurwitz has sorta called Cera out on his shit.
"So what of the rumors that new dad Will Arnett and shiny movie star Michael Cera are the only two remaining holdouts?" asked Fancast.
"I donâ??t want to talk about who is holding out right now because we might still work that out and I donâ??t want to pressure anyone through the press," said Hurwitz. "Although I will say that Will Arnett is gung-ho, so thereâ??s a big clue!
Let's hope Cera wizens up and doesn't kill the career momentum he's got going by turning on his fans. An actor has every right â?? and should more often â?? to exercise restrain and consideration when it comes to choosing roles, but there are some occasions where being a performer and an entertainer outweighs your ambitions of screen craft.
Michael Cera, this is one of those occasions. Acting, at its essence, is about entertaining the masses. Always has been. Time to paint your ass red and shake it, monkey-boy, and earn your keep, whether you like it or not. I hope your agent is saying the same right now.
Just listen to Keith Olbermann, who says "Your nation calls upon you in these perilous times. Arrested Development was more than a comedy series, it was the promise of blessed relief."
