Chernobyl star Stellan Skarsgård looks back on the unexpected success of the HBO miniseries, while expressing disappointment in the current state of the network. The miniseries, released in 2019, portrayed the chilling true story of the world's worst nuclear disaster, showcasing the bravery and cowardice of those involved in causing and managing the catastrophe. This gripping five-episode series garnered widespread praise and achieved multiple accolades, including the Emmy for Best Limited Series.
Reflecting on the show's surprising triumph five years later, Skarsgård shares his thoughts with Vanity Fair. He reveals that even HBO was skeptical about the miniseries' potential success, suggesting that TV and streaming platforms have become more cautious in greenlighting challenging content in recent times. Explore his comments below.
HBO didn't anticipate the success of the show, but they felt it was necessary to create it. This was the ethos of HBO in the past. However, things have changed now. Initially, there were no expectations of it being a hit, but they believed in its importance and aimed for high-quality production.
Surprisingly, the show made a significant impact and attracted a large audience. I hope viewers realize that it sheds light on the cowardice present in every society. It's not just about the Soviet society; it applies to our society too. It delves into the fear of challenging authority and conforming to the norms of the time.
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Would HBO Make Chernobyl in 2024?
Chernobyl (2019) 4 - Would HBO Make Chernobyl in 2024?
Five years may not sound like a lot, but HBO has undergone significant changes since 2019. The major shift occurred in 2021, when WarnerMedia merged with Discovery to form Warner Bros. Discovery. This brought both HBO and Max streaming service together under one roof. However, the new Warner Bros. Discovery leadership has faced criticism for controversial decisions, such as putting completed movies like Batgirl and Coyote vs. Acme on hold, reportedly due to tax considerations.
Chernobyl can now be watched on Max.
Skarsgård's comment about HBO not taking a risk on a show like Chernobyl may show a widespread disapproval towards the network's parent company due to recent high-profile cancellations. This sentiment was echoed by Will Forte from Coyote vs. Acme, who praised a canceled movie, calling it "super funny, visually stunning, sweet, sincere, and emotionally resonant."
Arguably, things on HBO's front also appear bleak. The network's top show of 2024, True Detective: Night Country, has some good qualities but overall plays it safe by trying to capitalize on the True Detective brand with unnecessary references to past seasons. While a risk like Chernobyl made sense for HBO in 2019, it seems less probable now with WBD in charge.
Editor's P/S:
The article paints a poignant picture of the transformative journey of HBO and its evolving approach to content creation. The success of "Chernobyl" in 2019 stands as a testament to the network's past boldness in taking risks and prioritizing quality over mainstream appeal. However, Stellan Skarsgård's concerns about HBO's current state are shared by many, with the merger with Discovery and subsequent controversies casting a shadow over the network's future.
It is disheartening to see a once-lauded network seemingly abandon its commitment to groundbreaking storytelling. The cancellation of "Batgirl" and other promising projects, coupled with the conservative approach of "True Detective: Night Country," suggests a shift in priorities at Warner Bros. Discovery. It remains to be seen whether HBO will regain its former glory or succumb to the pressures of financial constraints and corporate interests.
