Joe Dirt Animated Series in the Works at Fox With David Spade Returning

Twenty-five years after Joe Dirt first hit theaters, Fox is developing an animated series based on the comedy, with original star David Spade set to reprise his lead role and executive produce the series.

The project marks the second attempt to bring the character to animation. In 2010, Spade and TBS announced plans for a Joe Dirt animated series, but the network ultimately passed on the project, and the pilot never moved beyond the initial development stage.

The new series picks up after the events of the original film. According to the logline: “It’s now 25 years later, and Joe Dirt keeps on keepin’ on. He’s still in love with Brandy, his skull still hasn’t un-fused with the mullet, and most of all, he’s still got his eternal optimism. And he needs it — just because he’s married with three teenage daughters doesn’t mean his problems are over. The messes are bigger, and Joe’s mop and bucket just won’t cut it.”

Scott Gairdner is writing the series. Gairdner created the adult animated comedy Moonbeam City, which starred Rob Lowe and Will Forte, and his credits include Conan, Saturday Morning All Star Hits, Tig N’ Seek and HouseBroken.

The original Joe Dirt, released in 2001, starred Spade as a lovable janitor searching for his long-lost parents while recounting the story of his life. The film went on to become a cult comedy favorite and spawned the 2015 sequel Joe Dirt 2: Beautiful Loser.