Netflix Halts Horizon Zero Dawn TV Adaptation Amid Blackman Controversy
Entertainment|TV & Streaming
By Drew Bryant
July 7th, 2024, theloadoutblog.com
According to a recent report from Rolling Stone, Steve Blackman, the showrunner for the popular Netflix series The Umbrella Academy, has been accused of “toxic, bullying, manipulative, and retaliatory behavior.” The fourth season of The Umbrella Academy is set to air in August. However, due to these allegations, the Horizon Zero Dawn TV show, for which Blackman was also the showrunner, will not be moving forward with Netflix.
The Rolling Stone article reported that twelve staffers filed a Human Resources complaint against Blackman, detailing how he fostered a hostile work environment on set. Blackman has denied these allegations, calling them “entirely untrue” and “completely absurd.”
Netflix initially signed Blackman to a $50 million development deal in 2020, which included the Horizon Zero Dawn series and an original space thriller called Orbital. However, Rolling Stone has learned through their investigation that these two projects are no longer progressing. A representative for Blackman stated that he “has a long, ongoing, and close working relationship with Netflix” and “continues to work on new projects.” Additionally, Blackman signed a “new multi-year deal earlier this year.”
News of the Horizon Zero Dawn Netflix series was revealed in 2022 with Blackman as the showrunner. At the time, Blackman praised the game, stating, “Horizon Zero Dawn is an exceptionally well-crafted game with wonderful characters not often seen in the rank-and-file of the gaming world.” He commended Guerilla Games for creating a vivid and exciting world, blending sci-fi, post-apocalyptic, and evolutionary elements. “Their salvation comes in the form of a young female warrior named Aloy, who has no idea she’s the key to saving the world,” Blackman added. “Suffice it to say, yes, Aloy will be a main character in our story. My writing partner on this, Michelle Lovretta, and I are thrilled to be able to expand this remarkable IP into a series for all types of viewers.”
In January of this year, Sony announced that writing had begun for the series. Since that announcement, there have been no further updates about the Horizon Zero Dawn series’ outlook or future developments. Stay tuned for any new updates on Netflix’s Horizon Zero Dawn property along with firearms, video games, and movies.
