Netflix Has Cancelled A Fan-Favorite Show After Just One Season
Netflix just canceled a fan favorite show somewhat out of nowhere. It looks like the fantasy genre took another hit on the streamer
This article is more than 2 years old
Popular fantasy series Cursed has been canceled by Netflix after just one season. According to Deadline, the cast has been released from their contracts to peruse other opportunities. The first ten-episode season was released on Netflix on July 17th last year.
Billed as a coming-of-age story, the Netflix show explored themes that are familiar to our own time. This included topics like the obliteration of the natural world, religious terror, senseless war, and finding the courage to lead in the face of the impossible.
Based on Frank Miller and Tom Wheeler’s illustrated novels, Cursed was a Netflix re-imagining of the Arthurian legend as told through the eyes of Nimue, a young heroine with a mysterious gift who is destined to become the powerful and tragic Lady of the Lake. After her mother’s death, she finds an unexpected partner in Arthur, a young mercenary, in a quest to find Merlin and deliver an ancient sword. Throughout her journey, Nimue becomes a symbol of courage and rebellion against the terrifying Red Paladins, and their complicit King Uther.
Netflix’s Cursed was executive produced by Tom Wheeler and Frank Miller. Wheeler also served as the series showrunner and writer. Alex Boden handled producing duties alongside Silenn Thomas as co-executive producer.
The Netflix fantasy drama starred 13 Reasons Why‘s Katherine Langford as Nimue, Devon Terrell as Arthur, Gustaf Skarsgard as Merlin, Daniel Sharman as Lancelot, Sebastian Armesto as King Uther, Lily Newmark as Pym, Peter Mullan as Father Carden, Shalom Brune-Franklin as Morgana, Bella Dayne as Red Spear and Matt Stokoe as Gawain.
Before the first season’s release on Netflix Langford told EW what really excited her about Nimue. She explained that a lot of season one is about the sword and slightly opening the door ajar a tiny bit on her potential. Because there’s so much more left behind that door that we haven’t seen with or without the sword. There’s also her relationship with Merlin to explore.
Although the cancellation is hugely disappointing for fans, it doesn’t come as a massive surprise given the silence from Netflix. Cursed debuted almost a year ago and the streaming giant hasn’t mentioned its future at any point since. That’s usually not a good sign. Moreover, there are also shows like Shadow and Bone and The Witcher to consider. Both of these fantasy properties have been renewed by Netflix and come with substantial budgets. The numbers likely indicated that Cursed wasn’t doing as well as the other medieval fantasy dramas on the streaming site and had to be cut.
The season one finale of Cursed ended with the reveal that the show’s villain, Daniel Sharman, was actually Lancelot, the beloved knight of Arthur’s round table. His story would’ve been explored more deeply has there been a second season.
Cursed is the latest in a recent string of single-season cancellations at Netflix. Other shows to get axed include the superhero saga Jupiter’s Legacy, the teen drama Grand Army, the Kevin James comedy The Crew, and Jamie Foxx’s sitcom Dad Stop Embarrassing Me!
