Ashton Kutcher's 'Two and a Half Men' Deal Is Only for One Year
Last week it was all smiles as Ashton Kutcher attended CBS's annual upfront presentation in New York as the new face of top-rated comedy, 'Two and a Half Men.'Now it seems as though Warner Bros. and CBS may not be making longterm plans for the veteran series with Kutcher.
The Wall Street Journal reports that Kutcher's new deal, which will net him an estimated $750,000 per episode, is only for one year, even though executives are still said to be keen to continue the money-spinning 'Men' for at least another two or three years.
'Men' was renewed for Seasons 8 and 9 back in 2010, before star Charlie Sheen's very public meltdown and exit. With Kutcher's signing it seemed like a new era was about to start for the series, which is due to enter its ninth season in the fall.
So why the one-year deal? If CBS decides to renew 'Men' beyond Season 9, then Warner Bros. could either renew Kutcher's contract or could look for a replacement. A short deal also gives Kutcher an escape clause in case he decides to quit the show after one lucrative season.
Kutcher will join existing 'Men' stars Holland Taylor, Angus T. Jones and Jon Cryer when the show returns, and creator Chuck Lorre greeted the news of his signing with an emphatic thumbs-up: "We are so lucky to have someone as talented, joyful and just plain remarkable as Ashton joining our family. ... If I was any happier, it'd be illegal."
Nina Tassler, President of CBS Entertainment was similarly enthusiastic. She said in a statement: "He brings creativity, energy and personality to everything he touches. We are thrilled to have him, and excited beyond words for what he brings to the next season of 'Two and a Half Men.'"
Meanwhile, in an interview with 'The Hollywood Reporter', Warner Bros. CEO Peter Roth isn't giving anything away: "The specifics are literally still being worked out. This is such a dynamic process that I'm sure [executive producer] Chuck [Lorre] will have a number of different thoughts and will write towards the extraordinary strengths of Ashton as we go through the process. What I can tell you is that we're very excited about Ashton's presence in the show."

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