Michael J. Fox Teams Up With 'Arrested Development' Writer For New Sitcom As Networks Start A 'Bidding War'

Veteran actor Michael J. Fox appears ready to come out of retirement. The "Back to the Future" star has teamed up with "Easy A" director Will Gluck and Sam Laybourne, writer for cult-classic comedies "Arrested Development" and "Cougar Town," to develop a prime-time comedy to premiere in 2013.

According to New York magazine's pop-culture blog Vulture, networks are in a "bidding war" over Fox's as-yet-unnamed return to television comedy. Reportedly, Fox, Gluck, and Laybourne have pitched their show to all four major networks, and now it's simply a matter of which will offer the best deal. Vulture states that a pilot order is virtually guarenteed.

While details are scarce, Vulture is reporting that the series will be based on Fox's real life in some way. According to their reporter Joe Adalian, the show will be filmed and set in New York City, featuring Fox as a full-time cast member. The move makes sense, as Fox is a longtime resident of the city, and "Spin City" was also filmed in NYC.

It's no surprise that networks are so interested in a project from these three. Michael J. Fox has already carried two popular sitcoms on his back ("Family Ties" and "Spin City"), and while Fox ultimately left "Spin City" and full-time acting in 2000 as his Parkinson's disease worsened, he has remained in the spotlight.

Since his quasi-retirement from full-time acting in 2000, Fox has contributed voiceover parts to projects such as "Stuart Little," and has won acclaim for his guest roles on shows such as "Scrubs," "The Good Wife," and "Curb Your Enthusiasm." Fox also founded the Michael J. Fox Foundation to research a cure for Parkinson's disease.

Gluck and Laybourne are hot properties as well. Gluck's "Easy A" was a hit with both fans and critics, earning more than $70 million on an $8 million budget. Laybourne has a history developing smart TV comedy as a writer and producer for "Cougar Town." Laybourne also wrote the classic "Arrested Development" episode "The Ocean Walker."

While you wait for more news to develop about Michael J. Fox's latest television venture, whet your appetite by watching Fox's most recent TV appearance on Larry David's HBO comedy "Curb Your Enthusiasm" below.