‘Deadwood’ Movie Needs Director & Reasonable Budget Says HBO

“Deadwood” fans have been very patient as HBO takes its time with the long promised and teased feature film, based on the cult favorite series. It’s been a slow drip of updates for awhile now, but what we do know is that a script is done. However, that doesn’t mean the network is just going to greenlight the project right away — if at all.

HBO Original Programming chief Casey Bloys told reporters at the Television Critics Association summer press tour that there are some details to clear up before cameras can roll on a “Deadwood” movie. And it’s not small stuff.

“If we can do it for a budget that makes sense for us, if we can find a director and we can get the cast together — it’s no easy task — we’re inclined to do it,” he explained.

That’s hardly a ringing endorsement that this will get out the gate anytime soon, and who knows, maybe David Milch will have to redraft his script if “Deadwood” needs a smaller budget. As for getting the cast back together, everyone who was once involved with the show seems game, but it’s likely a matter of scheduling the ensemble, who are all quite busy. However, the material that’s in place is good.

“I wanted a script that would stand on its own … I’m happy to say that David totally delivered on that. It’s a terrific script,” Bloys said.

So, keep hope alive, but it sounds like a “Deadwood” movie could be a way off yet still.