Highlights
- Netflix cancels Horizon Zero Dawn adaptation due to allegations against showrunner Steve Blackman.
- Blackman’s alleged toxic work environment and unsatisfactory script quality may have contributed to the cancellation.
- Other video game adaptations, like God of War and The Legend of Zelda, are still in development.
Popular video games are increasingly being transformed into live-action adaptations. However, it seems that Netflix has officially canceled the Horizon Zero Dawn adaptation.
Many video game companies are jumping on the trend of successful adaptations, with even the biggest names joining in. However, one notable project is not moving forward. Why did Netflix cancel the Horizon Zero Dawn adaptation?
According to a recent report by Rolling Stone’s Cheyenne Roundtree, Netflix is canceling the potential live-action adaptation of the popular Horizon Zero Dawn video game. Initially, reports suggested that the series would proceed without its previous showrunner. However, it has now been confirmed that the project is entirely scrapped. Although not fully confirmed, it is implied that this decision heavily stems from recent accusations against the showrunner, Steve Blackman.
The initial news about the live-action adaptation came out in 2022 when Sony announced its intention to adapt the popular RPG video game series. Netflix later took on the project, enlisting Umbrella Academy‘s Steve Blackman and Michelle Lovretta, the creator of Lost Girl, as co-showrunners. However, despite these promising beginnings, Netflix has ultimately chosen to cancel the project altogether. While Netflix has not officially disclosed the exact reasons behind the cancellation, several factors are speculated to have contributed. Foremost among them are allegations surrounding Blackman himself.
Reports have surfaced accusing Blackman of a long history of toxic work environment, manipulative behavior, bullying, stealing ideas from colleagues and more. These accusations gained significant attention, particularly with the backing of at least twelve employees who came forward. Moreover, Netflix’s decision to cancel another high-profile project helmed by Blackman, his original sci-fi thriller series Orbital, despite a substantial investment of $50 million for both projects’ development, appears to substantiate concerns over his conduct. Despite the denials from Blackman, who has labeled the allegations as “untrue” and “absurd,” the controversy has cast a shadow over the Horizon adaptation. In addition to these issues, rumors have circulated suggesting dissatisfaction with the quality of the script of the live-action adaptation as another potential reason for its cancellation. Allegedly, concerns about the script’s direction and execution may have contributed to Netflix’s decision to pull the plug on the project.
In 2022, Blackman discussed his motivations for the adaptation, emphasizing his goal of bringing to life the intricately crafted characters rarely explored in other media. He confirmed plans for the series to closely follow Aloy, the young warrior protagonist of the video games, on her journey to save the world. Sony announced in January of this year that writing had started for the adaptation, but since then, there have been no updates on its progress. Casting details remain undisclosed, and now, the series has been fully scrapped. Speculation lingers about the possibility of reviving the project under different leadership or with a new production company, though no concrete plans have emerged. On a brighter note, other video game adaptations are gaining traction. Both God of War and The Legend of Zelda are in development for live-action adaptations, while Elden Ring has received approval for a movie adaptation from its creators. However, it appears that Horizon Zero Dawn will not be among those moving forward with its adaptation plans.
Source: Rolling Stone
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