It's been rumored for quite some time that HBO and David Milch were working on bringing back the acclaimed western series Deadwood, which was abruptly canceled back in 2006. The show wasn't the biggest hit, but it stands as one of HBO's most revered shows. Robin Weigert, who starred in the series as Calamity Jane, has indicated that it'll start production this fall.
During an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Weigert said of the Deadwood film, "There's a 90% chance it'll finally happen." Explaining further, she added, "It's safe enough to say it's happening this fall. There's a set built and tax incentives to get it done. A lot of [actors] have signed on." This isn't the first time we've heard about the movie aiming for a fall 2018 production start date, as Deadline reported late last year that HBO's programming boss Casey Bloys had read the script and deemed it "terrific."
Initially canceled after its third season, creator David Milch planned to wrap-up the story with two films. However, the plans never materialized. Ian McShane, who portrayed Al Swearengen on the show, previously said that a "two-hour movie script has been delivered to HBO.... If they don't deliver [a finished product], blame them.... We'd all love to do it.... It would be nice to see all of the old gang again."
Not all the members of the show's original cast are quite as hopeful, though, as Timothy Olyphant, who played sheriff Seth Bullock, has gone on record as saying, "There's no f**king way it will ever happen." Olyphant did express his interesting in reprising his role, explaining, "It's one of the most amazing creative experiences I've ever been able to be a part of, and I'd love to be... You know when you do these things and you really miss the people. It would just be a lovely excuse to get all those people back together..."
Last time we heard about the Deadwood film was back in April when it was reported that it was the closest it had ever been to receiving a green light. Deadline reported that while it had still yet to receive an official go-ahead from HBO, the production did receive a $4.195 million California tax incentive.
Of course, Deadwood wouldn't be the only HBO series to get a movie revival. Sex and the City came back for two weakly received films in 2008 and 2010.
