‘Veronica Mars’ Movie Fundraiser A Success: When Will Kristen Bell And Cast Hit The Big Screen?

The "Veronica Mars" movie fundraiser netted an unexpected $2.5 million by Thursday, exciting fans nationwide. The teen mystery-drama, which was canceled in 2007 by the CW, centers around a college student by day who partakes in private investigation work at night.

Less than half a day after the fundraiser was launched, fans poured money into the venture, surprising even series creator Rob Thomas.

Holy cow!" he wrote in a email to fans. "We couldn't be happier."

Thomas' goal of $2 million in 30 days was surpassed by the time the sun rose Thursday.

The "Veronica Mars"' movie fundraiser excited television critics as well. Maureen Ryan wrote for the Huffington Post that, "The giddiness among TV fans is understandable: The show was a wonderful gem that remains close to its fans' hearts all these years later. The idea of a return to Neptune [Calif.] is very exciting."

The "Veronica Mars" fundraiser is currently collecting funds through online collection site Kickstarter. Warner Brothers has officially picked up the project, and said it will cover promotion and marketing of the feature.

Thomas said he hopes to begin filming the "Veronica Mars" motion picture this summer, and is eyeing a release date sometime in 2014. He told Entertainment Weekly that the plotline will likely include a high school reunion, and of course, a murder-mystery.