Looks like the hopes for an Arrested Development movie have hit a stump. Ironic since the name of the show roughly translates into Stopped Progress.
And all fingers seem to be pointing at George Michael, played by Michael Cera.
Fancast reports that ONE person is holding out. That’s right — eight have signed on to reprise their roles, but one hasn’t jumped on-board yet. During a recent interview, creator Mitch Hurwitz was asked about the rumors that Will Arnett and Michael Cera hadn’t signed on yet. He said: “I don’t want to talk about who is holding out right now because we might still work that out and I don’t want to pressure anyone through the press. Although I will say that Will Arnet is gung-ho, so there’s a big clue!”
Now I believe that ANY actor can be replaced in a role for a movie.
However, in this case I wonder if Cera doesn’t sign on, will it close the book for this project? Is it too important to have the whole cast? Unlike in a movie, you have two or three installments to like someone in a role. Maybe only one. So in the next glorified episode if someone else plays the character its an adjustment, but if done well you adapt.
But Cera has played George Michael for 53 Episodes. That makes the replacement that much more difficult.
For the sake of the fans, I hope they don’t have to replace him. Or worse, they can the project over one actor.