MacGruber, the SNL sketch-turned-movie, was a notorious flop, raking in only $9.3 million worldwide on a budget of $10 million. In the years since, however, Jorma Taccone’s absurdist comedy has flourished, emerging as one of this century’s most prominent cult films. Now, due either to its enduring word-of-mouth buzz or Taccone’s doggedness, there’s a very real chance it could return as a TV series.
In a new interview with The Daily Beast, Taccone is said to be “aggressively pitching” a MacGruber series to streaming networks. “We just spent the last two days pitching it as a series,” he said. “Eight-to-ten episodes. I’m really hoping that when you print this there’s an announcement that it’s actually happening, because I know nothing right now. This is the first time I’ve mentioned it, so this may be a tragic interview.”
He continued, “We’ve had so many ideas over the years, from the moment we stopped filming. I just love this character so much.”
Sadly, there aren’t any official announcements about the project, but that doesn’t mean it won’t happen. Honestly, it’d be insane if it didn’t, especially after Taccone confirmed that all of the original stars are onboard. And some of those stars—Will Forte and Kristen Wiig, in particular—have a lot more traction in Hollywood now than they did in 2010.
“What’s nice is that, when you make something that had the heartbreak of not doing so well financially…I would feel terrible if the people involved were embarrassed about it, but Ryan [Phillipe] loves that shit, Kristen loves that shit, all the people involved are so psyched,” he said.
Taccone even promises a role for Val Kilmer, who, in his villainous turn as Dieter Von Cunth, died at least three times. “Val was blown up pretty badly, he’ll have half a head,” he said.
If Taccone’s playing this fast and loose, does that mean WWE’s Chris Jericho and Mark Henry will clamber forth from that incinerated van? Let’s order ourselves a large Tazo tea as we wait for the answer.