Netflix Suspends Horizon Zero Dawn TV Series Amidst Steve Blackman ControversyNetflix Suspends Horizon Zero Dawn TV Series Amidst Steve Blackman Controversy Toxic Behavior Allegations Surface Rolling Stone recently published an exposé detailing alleged toxic behavior by Steve Blackman, showrunner of “The Umbrella Academy.” Multiple employees accused Blackman of manipulative bullying on set. Horizon Zero Dawn Series Shelved Since the allegations emerged, Rolling Stone has reported that Blackman’s other project, a Horizon Zero Dawn prequel television series, has been suspended by Netflix. The scope of development for the show remains unknown. Sony May Seek New Production Partner Sony, the owner of the Horizon franchise, is likely to pursue production of the television series with a new partner. The success of other recent live-action adaptations, such as “The Last of Us,” suggests that Sony may be interested in exploring the potential for a Horizon series. Upcoming Insider Gaming Coverage For further coverage of the gaming industry, readers can refer to Insider Gaming’s articles on the upcoming “Watch Dogs” movie and subscribe to their newsletter for updates. Related Articles * Allegations of Toxic Behavior in ‘Umbrella Academy’ Production * Sony’s Horizon Zero Dawn TV Series on Hold * ‘The Last of Us’ Sets New Records, Celebrated as Historic Adaptation
Last week, Rolling Stone reported on toxic behavior from Steve Blackman, a showrunner who worked on The Umbrella Academy. The allegations were made by no fewer than twelve employees and the reports were reported to Rolling Stone, which subsequently investigated and uncovered quite a controversy.
Blackman vehemently denied the allegations, which accused him of being a manipulative bully on set, but since the report broke, Rolling Stone has scooped another scoop. One of Blackman’s other projects, the Horizon Zero Dawn prequel series, has been shelved.
Back to the drawing board
The topic of a Horizon-based TV series has long been discussed, given the show’s rich and compelling story and beautiful world. It’s the perfect title to adapt for a live-action series, and it was there to be developed at Netflix – until now.
According to a report from Rolling Stone’s Cheyenne Roundtree – who covered the original Blackman story – everything associated with the showrunner has now been scrapped, including Horizon Zero Dawn and Orbital. It’s unknown “how far” the team got in producing the Horizon TV show, but it’s not expected to have gone too far.
Scoop: Rolling Stone has learned that two of ‘Umbrella Academy’ showrunner Steve Blackman’s projects in development at Netflix, a Horizon Zero Dawn series and an original series, Orbital, have been dropped https://t.co/cFnyww0n3Q
—Cheyenne Roundtree (@cheyenne_round) July 3, 2024
It is likely that Sony will pick up production of the television series with another partner, especially given the recent success of other live-action adaptations, most notably The Last of Us, the award-winning series that broke records and became known as one of the best adaptations in history.
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