"Arrested Development" film gets closer

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - The "Arrested Development" feature is moving closer to reality, with the producers of the critically acclaimed but short-lived Fox series reportedly closing deals for the project.

A big-screen adaptation has been a hot topic among fans for the past year. Speculation has been fueled by cast members, including Jason Bateman, Will Arnett and Jeffrey Tambor, being frequently quoted in interviews as saying that plans were in the works to bring the dysfunctional Bluth family to the big screen.

Mitch Hurwitz, who created and executive produced the Emmy-winning series, is on board to write the film for arthouse studio Fox Searchlight as well as direct with help from Ron Howard, whose Imagine banner was among the show's producers.

"Arrested Development," which ended its three-season run in 2006, was Howard's pet project. He had a lot to do with its distinct visual style. In the final episode, Howard, playing himself, heard the Bluth TV family's pitch of their story and liked it for a movie.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter