'Wilde' exec: 'Lead role based on Arnett'

Running Wilde creator Mitch Hurwitz has claimed that lead character Steve Wilde is based on actor Will Arnett's own persona.

The writer told Collider that he had tried to capture some of Arnett's natural humor in the role of Steve.

"We're almost trying to capture Will Arnett, [but] the way he is on talkshows much [more] than the way he will play in movies sometimes," explained Hurtwitz. "There will be a pomposity to [Steve], and yet a self-awareness."

He continued: "That's the charm of Will. He's full of himself sometimes and he's unbelievably kind at heart. There's something to this character where he's kind of the generous one. It's the hard-headed woman (played by Keri Russell) and the soft-hearted man."

Hurwitz added that some viewers may be surprised by Arnett's performance in the sitcom.

"[Will] really does have great skills as an actor and can play a wide range of things," he insisted. "But because he is so funny... people tend to use that quality of his in movies and in guest spots on things. The fun for us, in working with Will, is finding those levels, those surprises and those dramatic moments."