‘Veronica Mars’: Kristen Bell, Rob Thomas launch movie Kickstarter

Fans of the teen mystery series “Veronica Mars� have been clamoring for a movie ever since the show was canceled in 2007. Now they may finally get their wish, but it’s going to cost them.

Star Kristen Bell and creator Rob Thomas have paired up to launch a Kickstarter campaign and hope to raise $2 million by April 13. If their goal is reached, and it appears there are enough fans willing to fork over money for a product they haven’t yet seen, Thomas and Bell say Warner Bros. has agreed to fund production of the film version.

The series, which ran on UPN for two seasons and the CW for a single season, had a small but devoted following that loved the adventures of Bell as a brainy teen sleuth, solving mysteries in her small town of Neptune, Calif.

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In a letter to fans on the Kickstarter page, Thomas gives a hint as to what the movie would be about.

“Life has taken Veronica away from Neptune,� he writes. “In the years since spoiling Keith’s chances to be reelected sheriff, Veronica hasn’t taken a case. But something big is about to bring her back home and back to her calling. My goal is to include as many of your favorite characters as possible. It is, after all, time for Veronica’s 10-year high school reunion.�

And to drum up as much buzz as possible, Thomas reminds fans, “Keep in mind that the more money we raise, the cooler movie we can make.� How cool? “A Hobbit shows up! There’s a Bollywood end-credit dance number! I’ve always wanted to direct Bill Murray.� Of course, it’s all entirely contingent on fans’ cash.

Of course, as with any Kickstarter campaign, there’s a complex series of rewards for anyone willing to pony up the cash. Ten bucks gets you a PDF of the shooting script on the day of the film’s release and regular updates on shooting. The rewards get better all the way up to $10,000, which gets you a speaking role in the movie. (The line will be “Your check, sir,� but don’t bother practicing it. The role has been taken.)

Anyone wanting Hobbits or Bill Murray should think about boosting the Kickstarter a few million over the $2 million goal.

If successful, the project will film in June and July of this year with an eye on an early 2014 release. Though they don’t yet know if it will get a theatrical release or not. Open up those checkbooks, fans!

The good news is that it appears Thomas and Bell’s efforts will be rewarded. The Kickstarter was launched on Wednesday and by mid-morning more than $800,000 had been raised.

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