'Arrested Development' season 5 news: Comedy series to start production soon, says producer Brian Grazer
Executive producer Brian Grazer recently confirmed that "Arrested Development" season 5 is happening, but fans will have to wait a little later than expected before the hit comedy series begins production.
Following Grazer's announcement in 2015 about a new season of "Arrested Developments," the past year came and went without any word from the show's cast and creators. During this week's Television Critics Association winter press tour, however, Grazer revealed that the show was within a few weeks of nailing down deals with the original cast.
"We are really close — I think within a couple of weeks at the most," the EP said. He went on to explain that the reason behind the program's delayed production is the demands of its very busy cast. The good news for anticipating fans is that there seems to be some sort of settlement that has been reached.
"I think we found a way to create the compensation structure for all the actors and create a work matrix so they can still make movies and do other things and it will all integrate," Grazer added. The cast, which includes Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, Portia de Rossi, Tony Hale, Michael Cera, and Alia Shawkat, are all reportedly on board for season 5. Even though season 5 might be pushed back at a later date, the entire cast has agreed to return for another run.
"All of the actors have agreed to do [another season] and I think they've agreed to their compensation structure," Grazer told The Wrap, adding, "That's been the hardest -- it's all hard... but it should be happening soon."
"Arrested Development" immediately became a huge hit after it aired on Fox in 2003. Unfortunately, the show was canceled after the third season in 2006. Netflix decided to pick up the series for its fourth season in 2013, and since then, there have been talks about a reunion movie and a 17-episode fifth season.
Netflix has yet to announce a premiere date for "Arrested Development" season 5.