According to
Variety online, Fox Studios is close to signing on for a comedy pilot starring Will Arnett (aka GOB from
Arrested Development).
The show (which was penned by Arnett and
Arrested Development writers Mitch Hurwitz and Jim Vallely), stars Arnett as a wealthy Beverly Hills man who winds up falling for a woman who can't stand his obnoxious ways.
It seems the team has had a bit of trouble getting the pilot off the ground. The article continues:
Sony Pictures TV recently dropped out of the show, citing cost concerns. According to studio insiders, Sony felt that the single-camera comedy was too much of a financial risk, particularly in a year when it already has nearly 15 pilots in production.
Fox then asked its sister studio, 20th Century Fox TV, to take over production. But 20th, which produced "Arrested," also declined. Having already produced a critically acclaimed but expensive half-hour with the "Arrested" gang that ultimately didn't go the distance, 20th execs likely got cold feet as well.
Lionsgate then stepped in at the 11th hour to deficit finance and produce the show.
Once Lionsgate is officially on board, Fox is expected to pick the show up to pilot.
Arnett's recent TV credits include guest stints on Parks and Recreation -- opposite his real-life wife, Amy Poehler -- and 30 Rock, where he recurs as Devon Banks.
Vallely and Hurwitz are also writing the long-awaited Arrested Development movie, in which Arnett would revive his role as Gob Bluth.