Was it that long ago that 'Family Guy' was dumped by Fox, and it looked like creator Seth MacFarlane had his shot, and that shot was over? That period from 2003-2005 when 'Family Guy' almost went away seems like a lifetime ago, as now MacFarlane has three cartoon shows going on Fox, just had a hit movie with 'Ted,' is about to host the Oscars and has just lined up his next feature film, in which he'll star and direct.

That movie is called 'A Million Ways to Die in the West,' and MacFarlane will not only star and direct, but he also co-wrote the picture with Alex Sulkin and Wellesley Wild (his 'Ted' co-writers), which - as The Hollywood Reporter tells us - is described as "a Blazing Saddles-style movie -- meaning a Western with contemporary humor, with one undercurrent being just how dangerous and painful life really was in the late 1800s." They also mention a female lead, because of course.

With 'Ted' this summer's biggest surprise hit, it makes sense that he's been courted to do more films, and the industry has embraced him as a major talent. Unfortunately the 'Blazing Saddles' comparison does MacFarlane no favors, as that was a singular achievement. Then again, if anyone has the power to make a movie that brazenly offensive right now, it is MacFarlane.

More From ScreenCrush