In a recent interview with Variety, the creators of The OA, Britt Marling and Zal Batmanglij, discuss the cancellation of their Netflix show four years later. Initially premiering on the streaming platform in 2016, The OA quickly gained a devoted fanbase during its two-season run. However, the series, which follows Marling's character Prairie after her return home from a 7-year disappearance, was unexpectedly canceled in 2019, leading to a strong backlash from viewers. Marling and Batmanglij's remarks shed light on the controversial decision and add to the list of show cancellations that have sparked dissatisfaction among Netflix subscribers. Read their complete statements below.
Marling stated that in Hollywood, there are often moments of incredible creativity that emerge. Examples of this include shows like "Orange Is the New Black" and "Stranger Things," which were considered risky endeavors. Marling acknowledged that these moments of creativity are temporary, like a window that eventually closes. This is a common occurrence across industries, as technology disrupts and forces changes to business models. Eventually, Wall Street recognizes the need for a shift in the way things are done, particularly when operating at a constant loss. Marling admits that her work was affected by this necessary correction.
The value of a piece of intellectual property with such a significant following throughout history is undeniable. Netflix's failure lies in its inability to find a way within its business model to capitalize on this. With a large number of people who are so deeply invested in a show that they resort to extreme actions like hunger striking or dance protesting, it is clear from an economic standpoint that there is potential for significant financial gain.
According to Batmanglij, the way we approach our work is not to have a separate persona when dealing with corporations, but rather to foster intimacy and connection with every person we collaborate with.
More to come...
Source: Variety
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z netizen, I have mixed feelings about the cancellation of The OA. On the one hand, I understand that Netflix is a business and has to make decisions based on what is best for its bottom line. On the other hand, I feel that the show's cancellation was premature and that it had the potential to be a groundbreaking and influential series.
I think that Netflix's decision to cancel The OA reflects a larger trend in the entertainment industry, where shows are increasingly being canceled after just a few seasons, even if they have a loyal and passionate fan base. This is a frustrating trend, as it means that many shows that have the potential to be great are never given the chance to reach their full potential.
I hope that Netflix will reconsider its decision to cancel The OA and that the show will be given a chance to continue its story. I believe that the show has a lot to offer viewers and that it deserves to be seen by a wider audience.
