Netflix Cancels New Fantasy Series After Completion

To make matters even more perplexing, the series was partially produced by the team behind Netflix’s time-traveling hit, Dark, Wiedemann & Berg–given their involvement, one would think the project would have staying power—at least enough to make it through one season.

Dog Haus Films, who co-produced The Gryphon, also helped produce the fantasy series initially developed at Netflix’s German base. 

Netflix’s The Grimm Reality began production in late 2022, wrapping filming not long after, as planned–however, the streaming platform’s election to forfeit moving forward with the series was unexpected and harsh. 

To add more mystery to the enigma, the series’ plot remains largely under wraps. We know, however, that it was speculated to be inspired by the folklore tales of the German Brothers Grimm, as the name would imply.

Those behind the project described it as a “fairy tale urban fantasy thriller” that merged elements of timeless fairy tales with an updated, urban setting. 

Netflix’s The Grimm Reality was also slated to feature a compelling cast, including Hyuan Wanner, Patrick Isermeyer, and Eidin Jalali. 

The cancellation of the streaming project fueled discussions among German producers– one insider observed the title would seem to have been relegated to a “dark cellar”—meaning the show was demoted to limbo, perhaps before being formally booted from Netflix’s roster.

For their part, the streaming platform has opted out of commenting on their decision, while neither Wiedemann & Berg nor Dog Haus Films have dignified requests for comments with responses. 

Netflix fans have doubtlessly enjoyed the succession of engaging content to emerge from the region behind both The Grimm Reality and Dark, an area technically dubbed DACH (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland) by the company.

Headed by notable VP of Content Katja Hofem, the area has supplied significant titles to Netflix’s highly competitive global content selection—an aspect of the company including such mega-hits as Squid Game and Call My Agent!

Given the track record of DACH, one can’t help but wonder how and why Netflix pulled the plug.

Still, it is not all doom and gloom for German productions reserved for Netflix; the company has confirmed the renewal of a second season of Crooks, a German-language title enjoying success.

Moreover, Wiedemann & Berg continue to share a privileged relationship with Netflix despite the rejection of The Grimm Reality, as the two have recently put out Sixty Minutes and, in the future, will launch Brick and Blame the Game. 

Both projects were recently showcased to much fanfare at the Next on Netflix event in Berlin. 

Still, the unexpected and early shelving of The Grimm Reality is a bit of bad news for fantasy-heads, who might have relished the show’s fusion of urban realism with Brothers Grimm-inspired fiction. Ultimately, the cancellation serves to remind us all how volatile the entertainment industry can be. 

Source: Deadline