The long-gestating return of Fox series “Arrested Development” isn’t just talk anymore.
Sources confirm that discussions are on again at 20th Century Fox Television about bringing back the property in some form. But there’s far from a deal in place that would bring to life the details shared by series creator Mitch Hurwitz in an appearance Sunday at the New Yorker Festival, where he talked of plans to revive the property as both a limited-run TV show and a theatrical.
Speaking alongside cast members from “Development,” Hurwitz elaborated at length about a revival that could have the series back in action by 2013. He didn’t specify what network the show is targeting but it’s understood that both Showtime and Netflix are in talks with 20th about the possible revival.
“We’re trying to do a limited-run series into the movie,” Hurwitz is quoted as saying at the event by the New York Times. “We’re basically hoping to do nine or 10 episodes, with almost one character per episode.”
A spokesman for 20th declined comment.
Since “Arrested” left the air in 2006, there’s been a long — and for its cult following, painful — history of the series’ principals speaking publicly about the dim prospects of engineering a return in some incarnation. But with the studio confirmed to at least be seriously exploring making it happen, this latest round of speculation is likely the most positive sign yet that a revival is real.
It’s unknown whether all members of the series’ sprawling ensemble cast would be back for a revived “Arrested,” but two key cast members — Will Arnett and Jason Bateman — tweeted their intent to be involved shortly after Hurwitz made the announcement. Bateman even suggested that shooting could take place next summer.
