Michael Cera has managed to elevate acting like a dork into an art form. There are few people who do it with such panache. And, what got the geek chic ball rolling was his appearance in the TV show Arrested Development.
The show was unceremoniously cancelled in 2006, sparking a North America-wide outcry from loyal fans. But Cera went on to further success in films such as Scott Pilgrim vs. the World and Juno (opposite fellow Canadian Ellen Page). Cera gets back to his roots with the Netflix premiere of Arrested Development. Cera spoke with us during a recent visit to Toronto.
There had been so many reports coming out since the show ended. Did you feel any added pressure to deliver for all the cult fans out there?
I imagine, hypothetically, the concept was really daunting for Mitch [creator Mitchell Hurwitz]. But he’s such a wonderful writer: once he got his hands into it, it took on a life of its own. I think it’s really high quality, and I like it a lot.… People will react to it how they react to it, but I’m pretty sure it’s really good.
What are some of your favourite hangouts when you’re back in town, and do you get to spend much time in Toronto?
I like Saving Grace, the breakfast place. I was there the other day. I guess I’ve been here for about a month. I don’t look too far ahead, but I’d like to spend more time here. I love being here.
Does the area change much in between visits?
Well, [my parents] live out near Orangeville; that doesn’t change. Tanfastic is still there, and, I mean, that’s the greatest name for a tanning place.
Where is the show picking up from?
Everyone gets caught up from where the series ended, and then the story starts in present day and moves forward from there. The series has so many storylines happening, every character has multiple storylines going on, and they intersect in different ways. On top of all that, it is really funny and silly and bizarre.
I know there are a lot of cameos as part of this season. Was there anyone you were particularly excited to work with?
I would have loved to work with Super Dave again; he’s the funniest guy in the world. But mostly I was just excited about getting to work with Will Arnett, David, Tony and Jason again, and just being around them again.
Was the experience positive enough that you’d consider an Arrested Development movie?
I’d be game for a movie if it happens. Ya, that’d be great. I think the series, story-wise, cues up the movie nicely. I’d also be game to do another season. It would work well episodically. I do think it should continue. There are a few things nicely set up.