Can you believe this one? Mike Myers, famous for “Wayne’s World,” “Austin Powers” and “Shrek” has signed a development deal with HBO. Though it doesn’t have a lot to say here are details straight from an HBO Press Release:
Mike Myers has signed an overall deal with HBO, it was announced by Michael Lombardo, president, HBO Programming. The deal includes TV exclusivity and runs for two years.
“Mike Myers is one of the great comedy minds of this or any other era,” said Lombardo. “The opportunity to collaborate with a talent of his stature is tremendously exciting.” “I’m thrilled to be at HBO,” commented Myers.
Mike Myers, one of the most multifaceted performers of his generation, has brought an astonishing array of memorable characters to life in film and television as an actor, director, producer, writer and the creator behind such iconic characters as Wayne Campbell, Austin Powers, Dr. Evil and Shrek. Myers most recently made his directorial debut with the award-winning documentary “Supermensch: The Legend of Shep Gordon,” which chronicles the life of talent manager Shep Gordon. The film premiered at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival and was released in June 2014 by RADiUS-TWC in partnership with A&E IndieFilms.
Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, Myers began his professional career with Chicago’s Second City troupe. “Saturday Night Live” producer Lorne Michaels’ discovery of Myers at Second City led to his debut as a featured performer and writer on the show in 1989. Myers successfully brought his popular “SNL” character Wayne Campbell to the big screen in “Wayne’s World” and “Wayne’s World 2,” both of which he also wrote. Myers also created, wrote, produced and starred in the smash hit “Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery.” Myers’ portrayal of Austin Powers spawned two sequels, “Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me” and “Austin Powers: Goldmember.” Myers lent his voice to the title role of “Shrek,” the beloved green ogre, for the DreamWorks animated franchise, which includes “Shrek,” “Shrek 2,” “Shrek the Third” and “Shrek Forever After.” “So I Married an Axe Murderer,” Myers’ first film following his tenure at “SNL,” is a cult classic.
Just what does this mean? It means he can create, write, produce and/or direct a project for HBO and they would give it a serious hard look for viability to air exclusively on the network. However, they hope something develops that they can use in the next two years. Hmmm? The Austin Powers franchise is Warner owned? Would a series about the continued exploits of the spy fit on HBO? Or would be see a completely different comedic creation from Mike Myers come to life? It could just end up being a couple of comedy specials though? I guess we will have to wait and see.
