Starz Halts Production on Ava DuVernay’s In-Progress Series.
Starz has canceled Ava DuVernay’s latest project, an untitled romantic drama series, despite partially filming it. The show, set to feature Joshua Jackson from “Fringe” and Lauren Ridloff from “Eternals,” started production in March but stopped in May because of the onset of the Writers Guild of America writers’ strike.
With the ongoing SAG-AFTRA actors’ strike and DuVernay’s recent departure from a comprehensive deal with Warner Bros. Television, Starz has opted to cease work on the series rather than resume production later. The fate of the show’s potential revival on another network remains uncertain. Initially, the series, executive produced by Ridloff and Jackson, was slated for three seasons and 18 episodes if picked up by Starz.
The series would have reunited Ridloff and Jackson, who had previously worked together in the Broadway production of “Children of a Lesser God.” The half-hour drama aimed to delve into the complexities of maintaining a radical and rebellious love. One character embodies ambition while the other grapples with restlessness. One is prepared for commitment, while the other contemplates the value of relationships. One is black, the other white. One is deaf, and the other is not. Despite their stark differences, the two share a powerful emotional and physical connection that defies personal expectations and societal assumptions. Their attraction challenges preconceived notions of race, gender, class, physical ability, and conventional culture, developing into a genuine love that transcends disparities.
“There is no comparable series on television, and we are delighted to collaborate with Ava, a trailblazer and unwavering advocate for diversity,” remarked Kathryn Busby, Starz’s President of Original Programming. “Lauren is a genuine source of inspiration. Along with Joshua, a seasoned and exceptional actor, they will contribute their incredible talents to this project, both in front of and behind the camera. This series embodies our #TakeTheLead mission, and we couldn’t be prouder.”
Ava DuVernay expressed her enthusiasm for the project on behalf of her producing partner, Paul Garnes, and the entire team at Array Film Works. “Starz and Warner Bros. Television have made a daring commitment to begin development on three seasons immediately, and we’re all geared up and eager to embark on what I hope will be a beautiful journey for everyone involved.”
DuVernay’s upcoming film, “Origin,” led by Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor and Jon Bernthal, is inspired by the life and achievements of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Isabel Wilkerson (portrayed by Ellis-Taylor in the film). The narrative follows Wilkerson’s pursuit of investigation and self-discovery following a personal tragedy, culminating in the writing of her book, “Caste: The Origin of Our Discontents.”
Alongside Ellis-Taylor and Bernthal, “Origin” features a stellar cast, including Niecy Nash-Betts, Vera Farmiga, Audra McDonald, Nick Offerman, Blair Underwood, Finn Wittrock, Jasmine Cephas-Hones, and Connie Nielsen.
