Amazon Studios is looking to increase its profile in the media game in a big way. They spent hundreds of millions on “The Rings of Power” in an attempt to get a “Game of Thrones” level fantasy hit using the good name of “The Lord of the Rings.” To what degree that panned out is up for debate. The company will also be investing heavily in theatrical releases, with Ben Affleck’s “Air” serving as a recent example of the new strategy on that front.
As for “Citadel,” it was ambitious from the very start but suffered a lot of trouble in the production process. The budget ballooned and, in some ways, Amazon was in too deep to pull out. So this spin-off was going to happen one way or another, given that it was already in the can. Whether or not the universe continues to expand is another question entirely. Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon and MGM Studios, recently had this to say in announcing the renewal of “Citadel” for a second season.
“‘Citadel’ is a truly global phenomenon. Our goal was always to create a new franchise rooted in original IP that would grow Prime Video’s international audience. This show has drawn an outsize number of new international customers to Prime Video. Its massive worldwide debut audience is a testament to Joe and Anthony Russo’s remarkable vision, the incredible talents of Richard Madden, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Lesley Manville, and Stanley Tucci, and the tireless work of the creative teams, cast, and crew.”
“Citadel” season 1 is now streaming on Prime Video, with “Citadel: Diana” due to hit the streamer sometime in 2024.
