Jason Bateman reveals Matt Damon wanted a role in Arrested Development film
Hollywood star Matt Damon was eager to be a part of the much-speculated Arrested Development film and even pitched himself for a role, according to Jason Bateman.
Bateman, who played Michael Bluth in the beloved sitcom, revealed on the Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend podcast that Damon approached him at an awards show to express his enthusiasm for the potential project.
“I remember Matt Damon coming up to me at – I think it was like a Golden Globes or something – and I was so excited to meet him, and he was a huge fan of Arrested Development,” Bateman shared. “And he was saying, ‘You know, I really think I could play, because I hear you guys are doing the movie, I think I could… can I play you?’”
A cult classic sitcom
Created by Mitchell Hurwitz, Arrested Development aired from 2003 to 2006 before being cancelled by Fox after three seasons. The satirical sitcom chronicled the downfall of the once-wealthy and dysfunctional Bluth family, who struggled to adapt to their new financial reality.
Bateman played Michael Bluth, a responsible single father trying to hold the family together following the arrest of his corrupt father, George Bluth Sr., portrayed by Jeffrey Tambor. The ensemble cast included Michael Cera as Michael’s son George Michael, Jessica Walter as matriarch Lucille Bluth, Will Arnett as his eccentric older brother G.O.B., Alia Shawkat as cousin Maeby Fünke, and Portia de Rossi as his sister Lindsay.
After a seven-year hiatus, Netflix revived the show in 2013, releasing two additional seasons. Despite its continued popularity, an Arrested Development film never materialised.
Matt Damon’s interest in playing Michael Bluth
Bateman explained that if the film had been made, its premise would have centred around Hollywood producing a fictionalised version of the Bluth family’s story.
“[Creator] Mitch Hurwitz was thinking the story of the Arrested Development movie would be that, in the show, Hollywood wanted to make a movie about [the Bluth family], and we certainly couldn’t play ourselves, because we’re not actors,” Bateman explained.
This concept would have allowed big-name stars like Damon to take on roles from the series. Bateman imagined his character being on set, watching Damon play Michael Bluth, and being thrilled by the casting choice.
No hope for a film?
Despite Damon’s enthusiasm and the show’s dedicated fanbase, Bateman expressed doubt that a film will ever come to fruition.
“I don’t think anybody gives a s***. I think it’s done,” he remarked bluntly.
While his comments may disappoint Arrested Development enthusiasts, they reflect the reality of the series’ turbulent history and the challenges of reviving long-ended television projects.
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Past controversies
Bateman himself has faced criticism related to his time on the show. In 2018, he came under fire for defending Jeffrey Tambor after Jessica Walter accused him of verbal harassment on set.
During a group interview with The New York Times, Walter emotionally recounted an incident where Tambor had berated her. Instead of offering support, Bateman downplayed the behaviour, calling the entertainment industry “a breeding ground for atypical behaviour.”
His remarks were met with backlash, prompting an apology.
“Based on listening to the NYT interview and hearing people’s thoughts online, I realise that I was wrong here. I’m horrified that I wasn’t more aware of how this incident affected her,” he wrote. “I’m incredibly embarrassed and deeply sorry to have done that to Jessica. This is a big learning moment for me.”
A legacy that lives on
Despite its rocky journey, Arrested Development remains a cherished series, known for its sharp writing and ensemble performances. While fans may never see a feature-length adaptation, Matt Damon’s enthusiasm for the project is a testament to the show’s enduring appeal.
