Don't hold your breath, but the long-awaited "Deadwood" movie might be filming as early as next year.

"Sources confirm" to TVLine that HBO wants to start filming the follow-up to the acclaimed TV series in Fall 2018. HBO refused to comment on the project, which hasn't yet been officially greenlit.

At the Television Critics Association summer press tour, HBO top programming executive, Casey Bloys said he was pleased with the script series creator David Milch has written. "The one thing that I was concerned about was I wanted a script that would stand on its own [for fans of 'Deadwood' fans and newcomers]," he said. "David totally delivered on that. I think it's a terrific script. If we can do it on a budget that makes sense for us, and if we can get the cast together, we're inclined to do it."

Of course, "inclined to do it" is a long way from "definitely going to do it," but the outlook seems good. And that's a mighty sprawling cast to reassemble. Two key players sound very game, however.

Paula Malcomson recently told TVLine that the movie is "a big Valentine" to her character Trixie and Al Swearengen (Ian McShane). And she's confident about the movie actually getting made." I really think it will happen [this time]. And I would never say that. I'm usually the most cynical about these things," she said.

Back in April, McShane told TVLine, "[Milch]'s two-hour movie script has been delivered to HBO. If they don't deliver [a finished product], blame them."

McShane currently stars on "American Gods," while Malcolmson just joined the Superman prequel series "Krypton" after four seasons on "Ray Donovan."

One cast member who sadly won't be back: Powers Booth, who played saloon owner Cy Tolliver. Boothe passed away in May.