Amazon MGM is reportedly pausing all Citadel spinoffs amidst concerns about quality and the franchise’s ballooning costs. The Joe and Anthony Russo-produced spy series stars Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra Jonas as two spies who have their memories wiped after the fall of the titular international agency, only to be pulled back together. Despite the behind-the-scenes drama and lackluster reviews, the flagship was renewed for season 2 with various international spinoffs in the works, including the already-released Citadel: Diana and Honey Bunny.
Now, according to The Hollywood Reporter, Amazon MGM is postponing the release of season 2, as well as putting all future Citadel spinoff projects on hold until at least the mainline show’s arrival for further determination. The flagship, which was reportedly scheduled to return in fall 2025, has now been pushed to spring 2026 with the studio said to be unsatisfied with season 2’s quality. Amazon MGM has yet to comment on the subject.
What This Means For Citadel
Future Spinoffs May Not Be Made
Citadel is reportedly one of the most expensive shows ever produced. Season 1 of the Russo Brothers’ spy series reportedly cost around $300 million, with each of the six episodes averaging around $50 million, while the addition of its spinoffs and now-delayed season have reportedly put the franchise’s price tag up to $500 million. While season 1 has received some success among viewers, having over 25 million viewers for its premiere, it has received divisive reviews from critics and fans.
Related
Citadel: Honey Bunny Review – Prime Video’s Second Citadel Spinoff Is A Disappointing Snooze Fest
In reality, Citadel: Honey Bunny relies heavily on old tricks with a bland script that can’t seem to offer anything refreshing.
The news of Citadel season 2’s delay comes in light of Jennifer Salke’s exit as head of Amazon MGM Studios, which was announced on Thursday. Since the franchise’s announcement, Salke has been a strong advocate for the international, multi-spinoff project, and as such, is not a surprise that the news would cast uncertainty on the franchise’s future. Instead of being replaced, Salke’s role has been eliminated with the studio transitioning to a more streamlined leadership structure.
Our Take On Citadel’s Future
The Franchise’s Future Faces Uncertainty
Amazon MGM has never announced a release date for Citadel season 2, but the reportedly very expensive series has a history of behind-the-scenes dramas, including extensive reshoots and competing cuts. It’s unclear as to what’s really going on with the franchise, but based on the reviews from both critics and viewers, Citadel isn’t exactly the kind of show that would warrant spinoff investment, even in spite of its expansive world.
Citadel season 1’s viewership was good, but it’s still the first season where the audience is warming up to the storylines and characters. Unlike a more established show, Citadel has yet to have the kind of momentum that would yield the potential success of spinoff shows, though Citadel: Diana did receive some praise for being a better series than its predecessor. It still doesn’t make sense for it to be a franchise, and if the news is true, it may just be for the best.
Source: THR
Citadel
- Release Date
-
April 28, 2023
- Writers
-
John Applebaum, Bryan Oh, David Weil