Netflix drops plans to revive Terra Nova
updated 10:40 pm EDT, Mon March 26, 2012
Netflix skips reviving sci-fi series
Netflix has reportedly dropped its possible acquisition of Terra Nova. Sources said that Netflix and Fox's 20th Television were "unable to come to terms," The Hollywood Reporter had heard. It's unclear what had been the point of dispute.
The show had been dropped after low uptake on its two-hour premiere and first season. Fox had been looking to shop the series around to another studio. Apart from facing an uncertain response to the show online, Netflix would also have had to get lead actors Jason O'Mara and Stephen Lang out of their options with Fox. Actress Allison Miller is also on a comedy pilot show and might not have the option of committing to Terra Nova if her current work takes off.
Netflix has been rapidly acquiring original content, most recently getting Eli Roth's Hemlock Grove. Most are projects that will never air on TV but which have high potential, such as the David Fincher and Kevin Spacey project House of Cards.
The rush to make the deals has been attributed to countering old-guard TV broadcasters trying to shelter their traditional businesses. Starz dropped out of its deal for Disney and Sony movies after trying to push Netflix for a tiered plan similar to premium cable. Most studios are still onboard, but they often require a 28-day delay or are hesitant to give a given TV season until it's completed.
- Jon Fingas
