WestworldandThe Neversare among the shows being removed from HBO Max. The series will reportedly be shopped off to third-party streamers to increase Warner Bros. Discovery’s profits.
Westworldaired for six years on HBO. Though it only needed one more season to complete its story,Westworldwas cancelled by HBO after four seasons. Other titles such asLove Life,Minx,andThe Neverswere also axed. Warner Bros. recently merged with Discovery and is operating under the Warner Bros. Discovery mantle. Its CEO is David Zaslav, who hasexplained that the network is looking to recoup losses from previous years.
RELATED:Westworld And The Nevers Pulled Off Of HBO Max
According toThe Hollywood Reporter, Warner Bros. Discovery is expected to take in $800 million to $1 billion more in tax write-offs. In addition toWestworldandThe Nevers,FBoy Island,Legendary,The Time Traveler’s Wife, andRaised by Wolvesare all expected to be shopped to third-party streaming services. In a statement,Westworldcreators Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy wrote, “We are incredibly proud ofWestworldand the remarkable work of our cast and crew. We are excited to have the opportunity to welcome a whole new audience to our show.”
Minxhad previously been cancelleddespite having a season 2 renewal order. The cancellation was shocking on multiple levels because it was removed from HBO Max and only had a week left of filming left. The cancellation news also confirmed that that series was taken off of HBO Max because Lionsgate Television, its producer, intended to take the series to a new network.
Warner Bros. Discovery has also been cancelling various film projects.Wonder Woman 3is reportedly not moving forward, and there’s been a few indications that the DCEU may be rebooted. Even Henry Cavill’s return to the role of Superman, revealed earlier this year, has been cancelled. The actor may return to DC under a new role, but he will no longer play Clark Kent.
Zaslav’s tenure at Warner Bros. is invested in raising the bottom line for the company. TheSupermanandHarry Potterfranchisesare reportedly priorities for Warner Bros. As tried and tested franchises, they’re known quantities that can get audiences in the seats. The company is playing things as safely as possible, but its new effort may alienate audiences and creatives.
