Lest all those utterances of “six seasons and a movie” be lost in time, like tears in Internet comment boards, some serious discussion has begun about fulfilling Community’s blood oath by whatever means necessary. Last week, Dan Harmon told HitFix he believed in the “shamanism” inherent in the throwaway joke that’s since become the show’s mantra, believing he’s now predestined, through powers beyond his control, to not only see the series through that sixth season, but also to make the movie. “If the movie has to be made out of clay and duct tape in my basement, then that’s how the movie will be made, because there has to be closure,” Harmon said, sounding, as always, both invigorated and a little insane. “The title of the book about the show is not Community, An Interesting Journey Into A Show No One Ever Watched. The title of the book is obviously going to be, Six Seasons And A Movie. So it’s already over.”
Now TV Guide says there has been some actual talk about that movie—and particularly about who might also be there, overseeing things in Harmon’s basement—reporting that there’s been some consideration about bringing in Fast & Furious director Justin Lin to helm the fated film. Lin, of course, directed several Community episodes, including the episode that actually made paintball cool again (without saying that out loud). And if he’s unavailable, the article reminds that the show also has former executive producers Joe and Anthony Russo, who recently graduated to Captain America, as well as Super Troopers director Jay Chandrasekhar. So, plenty of people with feature film experience for destiny to lay its icy hand upon.
Granted, any talk of a movie is obviously very preliminary, as Community still hasn’t officially received the sixth-season renewal that will make the wheel of fortune spin immutably onward. But TV Guide adds that “NBC and Sony insiders say they’re optimistic” (about the outcome that they themselves control)—partly based on the network’s inability to launch any other new comedies—and that Sony is determined to “aggressively shop” the final season to other outlets, such as Hulu, in the event of cancellation. Still, Harmon obviously doesn’t seem too worried about it. The two-part finale reportedly ends with “some strings still in the air” (details of which you can spoil for yourself if you want), suggesting Community is very confident it will get that closure, one way or another. Otherwise, what have you been saying “six seasons and a movie” for?