Closing deals reinforcing 'Arrested' film

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 22 (UPI) -- A movie version of the award-winning U.S. TV series "Arrested Development" is a step closer as two deals are being finalized, industry officials say.

The Hollywood Reporter said Friday that "Arrested" executive producers Mitch Hurwitz and Ron Howard are close to completing agreements that could help make a movie based on the short-lived series a reality.

Howard was the individual who first publicly broached the subject of an "Arrested" movie when he appeared in the Fox series' final episode as himself suggesting a film about the Bluth family.

"Arrested" followed the exploits of the zany members of the Bluth family and featured such actors as Jason Bateman and Will Arnett.

Since the show ended its 53-episode run in early 2006, stalwart fans of the show, as well as many of its stars, have openly discussed the possibility of a big-screen adaptation, the Reporter said.