Netflix has decided it will no longer move forward with its television series adaptation of Mark Millar’sThe Magic Order. The series had already been in the early stages of pre-production in Prague with a 2021 filming start date being eyed.
In 2017,Netflix acquired Mark Millar’s Millarworldcomic book production company with plans to develop film and television projects based on the writer’s works. Included in this line-up of projects was a series titledThe Magic Order, the streaming service’s first comic book. Netflix later ordered a television adaptation ofThe Magic OrderwithAquamandirector James Wan on board to direct the pilot and serve as executive producer alongside showrunner Lindsey Beer.
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Deadline reports the decision to pull the plug onThe Magic Ordertelevision series was partly due tothe ongoing COVID-19 pandemicand the large scope of the project. With cases on the rise in The Czech Republic, the outlet has heard at least one member ofThe Magic Orderteam within the country has been affected by the virus. Reportedly, the pandemic was not the primary factor in Netflix’s decision not to move forward with the series and the streaming service hopes to revisit the project again in the future, although not as currently planned. The series had previously been impacted by the pandemic when Wan had to drop out as director after the COVID-19 shutdowns pushed back the schedule of a film he was working on.
First published in 2018 and illustrated by Olivier Coipel, Millar’sThe Magic Ordercenters on the titular five families of magicians who are sworn to protect the world from supernatural and magical threats. By living among the rest of the world as seemingly ordinary people, they are able to hide their exploits as sorcerers, magicians, and wizards from the rest of society. However, the Order is threatened by a mysterious new enemy that begins to take them out one by one.
Netflix made many surprising cancelations in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Most recently, the streamingdecided against resuming productionon the fourth and final season ofGLOW,a comedy about the world of women’s pro wrestling.
Of course, Netflix is far from the only company in the entertainment industry facing challenges amid the pandemic, with movie theaters arguably faring the worst due to the delays of tentpole studio films. The situation with theaters is so dire that notable filmmakers co-signed a letter to the United States Congress urging lawmakers to providefinancial relief to American movie theaters.
The Magic Ordercomic book series is now available in local comic book shops.
