In a significant blow to the streaming landscape, HBO has pulled the plug on two highly anticipated projects featuring major talent, including comedian Rachel Sennott's modern feminist take on Robin Hood.
The decision forms part of Warner Bros. Discovery's ongoing content strategy review, which has seen numerous projects shelved since the corporate merger.
What Projects Got the Axe?
The cancelled series include Rachel Sennott's contemporary Robin Hood reinterpretation, where the Bottoms star was set to play the legendary outlaw. Meanwhile, a separate musical project featuring the iconic music of Florence + the Machine has also been eliminated from HBO's development slate.
These cuts represent the latest casualties in Warner Bros. Discovery's aggressive cost-cutting measures, following the high-profile cancellation of completed films like Batgirl and Scoob! Holiday Haunt.
The Streaming Wars Take Their Toll
Industry analysts note that these cancellations reflect broader trends in the streaming industry, where platforms are becoming increasingly selective about greenlighting new content. The era of unlimited spending appears to be over as companies focus on profitability.
HBO's parent company has been particularly aggressive in its restructuring, seeking to reduce debt while maximising returns from its streaming service, now rebranded as Max.
What This Means for Viewers
For audiences, these developments signal a shift toward more conservative content choices from streaming giants. While fans of Sennott and Florence Welch will undoubtedly be disappointed, industry watchers expect more such announcements as streaming services continue to refine their offerings.
The future of several other developing projects at HBO remains uncertain as the company continues to evaluate its content portfolio against financial targets.
