Charlie Sheen to return in new sitcom

[July 19, 2011]  NEW YORK (AP) -- Charlie Sheen, who was fired from "Two and a Half Men" in March, aims to launch another hit sitcom -- this time, on his own terms.

The tempestuous star is planning to return to series television in the aptly titled "Anger Management," based on the 2003 film of the same name.

With no network currently in place, the new series will be produced by Lionsgate Television and shopped to prospective broadcast and cable networks by Lionsgate subsidiary Debmar-Mercury, the company announced Monday.

The 45-year-old Sheen will have a "significant ownership stake" in the series, Lionsgate said.

Not only that, but, as Sheen noted in the statement, he will have "a certain amount of creative control."

"I chose `Anger Management' because, while it might be a big stretch for me to play a guy with serious anger management issues, I think it is a great concept," he said.

Anger issues and what he complained was a lack of creative control led to his terminal clash with "Two and a Half Men" producer Chuck Lorre and the show's network, CBS. By the time of his dismissal, Sheen had threatened and maligned his bosses, who in turn blasted him for his erratic behavior as a drug-abusing, reckless playboy. After that he intensified his rants in various media interviews and a live concert tour.

In May, Ashton Kutcher was announced to replace Sheen in "Men," TV's most-watched sitcom, which returns this fall for its ninth season.

Sheen's new project will reunite him with Joe Roth, with whom Sheen has worked in five features, including "Major League," "Young Guns" and "Three Musketeers."

Sheen welcomed the chance to be back in business with Roth, whom he called "one of my favorite movie producers of all time."

No co-stars or production start date have been announced by Lionsgate for "Anger Management."

In the film, which starred Adam Sandler and Jack Nicholson, a mild-mannered man is ordered to attend group anger-management sessions led by a therapist who needs anger therapy himself.

The role Sheen will play was not specified by Lionsgate.

[Associated Press; By FRAZIER MOORE]

Television Writer Lynn Elber in Los Angeles contributed to this report.

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