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Jason Bateman has some news for "Arrested Development" fans who are pointing the finger at Michael Cera and claiming he doesn't want to do take part in a movie based on the adored-but-short-lived series.

Cera was quoted saying something to the effect of, when you can watch the show on DVD, why do you need to see a movie?

"Well, I think he's simply asking a rhetorical question there," Bateman said to a small group of TV critics after a panel about his upcoming animated show on Fox, "Sit Down, Shut Up." "I think you really have to get him on the phone to get his answer about whether he's going to come back and do it or not. I know he's thinking about it, and we're all awaiting some finality to that."

I asked Bateman about whether it's unfair that fans are pointing the spotlight directly on the 20-year-old Cera.

"I do feel bad that people are a little misinformed about what's going on with him," Bateman said. "He's certainly not said that he won't do it. I think he's, you know, Michael is clearly the guy that has come out of 'Arrested Development' with a very, very big plate. And so I think he's trying to really give some responsible thought to what makes sense for him to do with his career.

"The guy's 20 years old and I'm sure he doesn't want to screw up this opportunity, and trying to figure out whether an 'Arrested Development' film would be right for him and his future, I think, again, he's just trying to give responsible time to that decision. And he may or may not have come to a decision. I really can't speak to that."

Bateman, a successful child star story, can relate to making the move from adolescence to adulthood in the public eye. I asked him whether he's talked to Cera about his unique perspective of someone who was once that age and trying to make the right career moves.

"We've definitely talked, but I can't really say more than that," Bateman said. "But, again, as Mitch said, we're all very, very optimistic and we all want this to happen."

*** Click here to comment! Have people been unfairly judgmental of Michael Cera? Are you looking forward to the "Arrested Development" movie?

Comcast.net TV writers Tracy Phillips and Victor Balta are blogging live from the TV Critics Association Winter Press Tour in Hollywood! What do you want to know about your favorite show? E-mail them at tvscoop@comcast.net.

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Message Edited by Victor_Balta on 01-13-2009 06:43 PM