‘Arrested Development’ Season 4: Series Creator Confirms Episode Order, Movie

Without taking for granted that we've gotten back 'Arrested Development' at all, lately we can't help but wonder when we'd get confirmation on recent rumors that suggested season 4's initial 10-episode order had expanded to 13, and what it might mean for a potential movie. We're also a bit concerned about the news that most episodes wouldn't feature the full cast of characters, but what does series creator Mitch Hurwitz have to say on the matter?

Speaking to Vulture candidly about the progress of Netflix's 'Arrested Development' season 4, Mitch Hurwitz gave an update on the rumors that have been making the rounds of late. A recent interview with Rolling Stone had 'Arrested Development' star David Cross suggesting that the upcoming revival would unfold across 13 episodes, up from 10, though Hurwitz wouldn't exactly confirm that as the case.

Our initial order is for ten, but the beauty of Netflix is that we theoretically have an opportunity to provide more material for them. We're definitely shooting some special material just for them. But their whole outlook completely mirrors the ambitions of this show. [Netflix chief content officer] Ted Sarandos and I have really spent a lot of time finding the ideal way to tailor the show to their platform and I think we have something that embraces the new medium.

Furthermore, Hurwitz made sure to emphasize that the new episodes would act as a bridge to a potential film, an "outgrowth of the design of what we hope will be the movie," even though one hasn't officially been ordered yet. The episodes would function as a kind of first act to the film, bringing the audience up to speed on what's happened to the characters since the family fell apart, as well as what new circumstances and issues bring them back together.

Hurwitz also confirmed once more that the episodes would be character-centric, gradually shifting toward getting the entire family back together. But will Netflix follow through on their plan to release all episodes at once in the Spring of 2013?

I actually think the strategy for release is up in the air. I know Netflix at one point was talking about streaming them all at once, because that's how they've done it with other shows, and it's their choice. I know it'll be in the spring of 2013, or what the Mayans would call the spring of "1."

But I just love the opportunity we have to be creative with every part of this, from the concept to the delivery. We're trying to embrace both the obstacles, like lack of cast at our disposal, and the advantages — storytelling freedom, lack of commercials — and it's just great to be part of something that will hopefully become another option for original scripted material.

You can catch up on all the latest 'Arrested Development' season 4 castings here, but in the meantime tell us if you're excited for the new season in the comments below!