That Deadwood movie: 'It's going to happen'

Keith Carradine as Wild Bill Hickock and Timothy Olyphant as Seth Bullock.

A decade after it premiered, Deadwood remains a sharp and stylish work, with a surprising amount of optimism, writes Robert Smith.

A movie version of HBO's much loved show Deadwood is being made, it has been confirmed.

Deadwood, which ran for three seasons from 2004-2006, followed the events of a gold-mining camp in South Dakota, and featured a stand-out performance by Ian McShane as foul-mouthed brothel owner Al Swearengen.

Fans have asked for a fourth season or movie ever since Deadwood was cancelled. It seems their pleas have been answered.

HBO's president of programming Michael Lombardo says he's approved a movie based on a plot outline by Deadwood showrunner David Milch.

"David has our commitment that we are going to do it," Mr. Lombardo told TV Line at the Television Critics Association winter press tour, the NY Times reported.

"He pitched what he thought generally the storyline would be - and knowing David, that could change. But it's going to happen."

A potential screening date wasn't mentioned, but just those words - "It's going to happen" - are likely to make Deadwood fans very happy indeed.

- nzherald.co.nz