Netflix executive talks about controversial cancellations and Henry Cavill’s departure from ‘The Witcher’

Originally a streaming service with original content, Netflix has earned a reputation as the savior of series, but in recent years has done a 180-degree turn to earn a completely opposite reputation: no series is safe on Netflix. Cancellations after one or two seasons are increasingly frequent and the platform has no mercy when it comes to tearing down titles, if it feels that they have not met its exacting and immediate expectations.

In this scenario, getting hooked on a Netflix series is a risky sport. Ted Sarandos’ company is going through an internal restructuring after a crisis that led it to lose subscribers for the first time, and in the meantime many series are falling (although this is from before, it must be said). The last to receive the ax blow was ‘The Warrior Nun’ which was canceled after two seasons, but it is only one of a long list, which includes ‘File 81’, ‘Resident Evil’, ‘Space Force’ or ‘The Midnight Club’, among many others. Other titles, such as ‘DAHMER – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story’ or ‘Wednesday’ are bringing great joy to the company, but not all of them enjoy the same impact and, therefore, the same treatment from Netflix.

The Netflix executive Peter Friedlander spoke on the cancellations that took place during 2022which have sparked controversy for being considered premature. “Cancellations are the hardest part of this job”says Friedlander in a recent interview for Variety. “I think of the work done by both the creators and employees of Netflix [esas series]. We put a lot of love and passion into it and it’s not something we take lightly. It’s just a frustrating part of the job that’s been part of our business forever. Cancellations are not a new experience and hopefully we can continue to create series that continue.”.

On why Netflix is ​​canceling shows with little chance of growing and finding their audience, Friedlander cites the platform’s Top 10 as one of the factors they consider in making these decisions.. “I think the Top 10 is a useful tool for people to find, discover and talk about shows, and it helps you watch them”says the executive.”The Top 10 is to determine popularity at the time and that’s what it’s all about. When it comes to making a decision, we take the long-term view into consideration. We are always looking for many variables. Top 10 is just a variable.”.

On changing Geralt to “The Witcher”

In the same interview, Friedlander spoke out on Henry Cavill’s departure from ‘The Witcher’. The popular British actor, who also won’t be returning as Superman in the DC Universe, has been replaced by Liam Hemsworth, who will play Geralt of Rivia in Season 3. The news of Cavill’s departure came as quite a shock to fans of the fantasy series, but Friedlander says Hemsworth will be up to the challenge.

“Henry is an amazing Geralt and I think Liam will continue that and be an amazing Geralt as well.”says the executive. “There is a legacy of incredible and iconic characters that have changed actors and we are extremely optimistic about that. We will continue to honor this property, the fans and the story to the end.”. The release date of the third season of ‘The Witcher’ is unknown, with Hemsworth taking over from Cavill, but next Christmas day comes its spin-off, ‘The Witcher: The Origin of Blood’ starring Michelle Yeah.