Netflix has been plagued with loads of cancellations as of late, mainly due to the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the globe. While shows like The Society and GLOW were scrapped after Netflix renewed them, the streaming giant now axed a program before it even started filming. Netflix had big plans for The Magic Order, a show based on the comic series of the name, but the TV series has been scrapped, according to Deadline.
The Magic Order was developed as part of Netflix’s recent development push with Millarworld, Mark Millar‘s comic book imprint that Netflix purchased in 2017. The Magic Order would have become one of the first properties the service developed into a screen adaptation, alongside the already-filmed first season of Jupiter’s Legacy.
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Per the Deadline report, the added production issues caused by the pandemic played into the decision, but it was “not the primary one.” No other reason was given in the writeup, but the company apparently intends to revisit the property later on.
“I hear Netflix brass continue to be high on The Magic Order IP; upon release, the comic became the highest selling new comic-book launch in almost 20 years, with additional volumes coming soon,” Deadline’s Nellie Andreeva wrote. “I hear a decision was made that the series as currently envisioned won’t move forward but the streamer hopes to revisit The Magic Order as a TV series in the future. The large scope of the project and the global uncertainty amid the pandemic were a factor in the decision not to go forward with the series, though not the primary one, I hear.”
When news broke, Millarworld fans were disappointed, of course. Netflix’s purchase of the imprint made it seem that this planned adaptation was a sure-thing. Scroll through to see some of their reactions to the news.
I was lucky enough to be in the second writer’s room for this show. So sad it’s not moving forward. It was an amazing experience and the scripts were all finished and fantastic (Get it right Deadline hacks.) Bummed you guys won’t get to see it. https://t.co/GUovZuXAvj
— Susan Hurwitz Arneson (@batdorkgirl) October 9, 2020
It’s kinda funny that the Magic Order was the first comic Millar wrote from his “Millarworld” being acquired by Netflix, so this comic was made specially to be turned into a Netflix show. https://t.co/fX0LHq9xQb
— Mark Danvers (@MWDanvers) October 10, 2020
And now The Magic Order has been scrapped at Netflix… a series based on a comic property they own… who actually has been making the decisions lately? So many other shows they could get rid of but it always seems to be ones that aren’t ‘mainstream’ or fits a dull mould.
— Ooooooliver Douglas (@ODouglas_Writer) October 9, 2020
Netflix isn’t even letting shows START FILMING before cancelling them lol. /hj https://t.co/U0xHKbNvP3
— ViewToons 💙 MONKIE KID SPOILERS (@ViewToons) October 9, 2020
Netflix is shredding their coolness factor week by week. https://t.co/jntGNMityE
— Bloodsport Wants A New Kendrick Album (@RunTheFools4) October 9, 2020
Netflix on a real canceling spree. I wonder how many of these will return to the docket (especially the productions like the magic order that never aired) after COVID restrictions are fully lifted.
— JDavies (@6TallMidgets) October 10, 2020
WHAT?!
— Ben (@BenIsPrettyFly) October 9, 2020
NO! This needs to be adapted! It’s so good! https://t.co/w0OA5dbNc7
I feel like Netflix doesn’t want to make money.
— Batman2021 (@Slad3yW1lson) October 9, 2020
What!? The magic order comic was awesome and would have been a great series.
— mumbles (@mumblesjr) October 9, 2020
Damn you. Loved that comic https://t.co/jRDm8PPfYj pic.twitter.com/H0CrgU2jCT
— Ronan The Accuser 🦇🤓🇦🇺 (@ComicsNerd2) October 9, 2020