ABC's 'Roseanne' Spinoff Clears Key Hurdle ...

[left-of-center2012]

ABC's 'Roseanne' Spinoff Clears Key Hurdle as Negotiations Heat Up

The proposed Roseanne spinoff is still very much alive at ABC, and negotiations are said to have moved to a new phase thanks to concessions from its erstwhile star.

Sources tell The Hollywood Reporter that Roseanne Barr has agreed in principle to walk away from the characters she helped create in order to allow Roseanne’s cast and crew to pursue a spinoff in the wake of the show’s May cancelation due to her racist tweets.

ABC and producer Carsey-Werner are insisting that Barr not participate financially or creatively in the proposed spinoff, which is said to revolve around the character played by Sara Gilbert. Other Roseanne writer-producers and cast members, including John Goodman and Laurie Metcalf, are said to be tentatively on board (they would receive the same fees as previously negotiated for the second season of the Roseanne revival, which was ABC’s top-rated program this season).

ABC and Carsey-Werner declined to comment, and sources caution that the precarious nature of the negotiations and Barr’s volatile disposition could change the situation before a deal is closed. Even if Barr signs off on the spinoff, ABC would still need to pick it up officially, though that is highly likely given the tune-in for Roseanne this season. ABC has yet to announce what will replace Roseanne in the 8pm Tuesday time slot in the fall.

[TeamPooka]

1. ABC and C-W are going to be in a precarious legal position if they go forward with this and dont pay

Barr.
WGA regulations mandate her being paid for her work as a creator/characters based on the character roles in the show if it airs.
Period.
ABC will have to pay Barr if this show goes. A quit claim doesn't count here.
She could donate the money to charity or designate a recipient for the royalties but they must be paid.
I've only been a literary agent/manager in Hollywood for the last 18 years so don't take my word for it.

[tavernier]

3. Another reason DU is an excellent source.

We have such a variety of members, knowledgeable, intelligent and generous. Thanks for your thoughts based on years of experience. Much more valuable than speculation.

[left-of-center2012]

7. "... don't take my word for it"

OK. Taking it as your opinion.

[Sherman A1]

2. My understanding was that this was in the works

from a few moments after her twitter meltdown. It may work, it may not. We will see.

[Mike Nelson]

4. Rosanne...

… Barr's ownership of the production is so entrenched, she will be getting paid. I think she can pass on payment for a new appearance, but that might be all... she could ask to be uncredited, if they don't want her name elsewhere in the credits. That might be the best way to do the show.

[Luz]

5. It's dead, Jim. They need to let it go.

[MariaCSR]

6. They won't. Too much money involved.

[Midwestern Democrat]

9. I agree. Nobody who didn't watch the show last season is going to start tuning in, but a lot of

people who did are going to jump ship - a) many people aren't going to watch simply because the show no longer has the drawing power of its main star b) some people are going to intentionally boycott the show because the show's main star was KICKED OFF

Add the fact that the show's stained with controversy now and ABC would be wise to just let this go

[MrsCoffee]

8. And I wish it a quick fiery death.

No offense to the other actors, but you people hitched your wagon to that star when you decided to work with her to begin with.