Running Wilde

A couple of weeks ago, I posted about a new, then-untitled comedy pilot produced and directed by Mitch Hurwitz (who created the absolutely brilliant sitcom Arrested Development), which starred Will Arnett as a "rich Beverly Hills jackass who falls in love with a charitable tree-hugging woman who can't stand his lifestyle or values." Since then, the pilot has already received a title and a female lead.

The pilot (and potential series) will be called Wilde Kingdom. "Wilde" derives from the last name of Arnett's character, Steve Wilde (who, as a rich man, likely has a "kingdom" of some sort). The title isn't exactly reminiscent of the multi-purpose Arrested Development, but I could still see the name on my channel guide.

The "charitable tree-hugging woman" mentioned in the show's synopsis has also been cast; Keri Russell will star opposite Will Arnett in the role. If you're not familiar with Russell as an actress, you might have seen her in Mission: Impossible III (in which she was killed by a microbomb in her head), in the musical film August Rush, or most recently in Extraordinary Measures. Most likely, you saw her in the old WB series Felicity, where she played the title character. Those aren't comedic roles, but anyone doubtful of Russell's comedic talent should seek out her guest role on Scrubs. She appeared in two episodes as Elliott's wild sorority sister Melody, who also served as a brief love interest to J.D.

So what do you think? Is Wilde Kingdom a good name for the sitcom, or do you think it was ill-chosen? Will you be tuning in to watch Will Arnett fall in love with Keri Russell or will you be tuning out?