Sam Esmail Talks About His Series Adaptation of METROPOLIS Being Scrapped
Mr. Robot creator Sam Esmail had been developing a series adaptation of Fritz Lang’s classic 1927 sci-fi film Metropolis for years. The project was set up at Apple TV+, but it ended up being one of the first big project casualties of the Hollywood strikes when they started and the scripts were not completed before the writers’ strike hit.
It was explained at the time: “Because of the timing, UCP was faced with rising costs related to pushing the start of production, building and holding expansive stages, labor an VFX work — while not knowing when filming could begin due to the writers strike. After evaluating the money spent so far and the risk of going forward, UCP opted to not proceed with the series and notified their partners at Apple TV+.”
This was a project that I was actually excited about, so it sucks that it’s not going to get made. Esmail recently shared his thoughts about Metropolis being scrapped:
“Obviously, it was heartbreaking. But during the strike, we all understood. And I got to work with a lot of talented people out in Australia, where we were mounting the production. It was a really good experience, and I don’t regret it for a second.”
That’s a very diplomatic answer, and I’m sure he’s much more disappointed than what he’s showing here. This was a passion project for Esmail an he had been working on if for more than seven years.
Like the original film, this series adaptation took “place in a future society where wealthy industrialists rule the vast city from high-rise tower complexes, while a lower class of underground-dwelling workers toil constantly to operate the machines that provide its power. Risking everything they know, two star-crossed lovers from opposite sides of the divide must find a way to bring down the whole system.”
The story was set in “a futuristic urban dystopia and follows the attempts of Freder, the wealthy son of the city master, and Maria, a saintly figure to the workers, to overcome the vast gulf separating the classes in their city and bring the workers together with Joh Fredersen, the city master.”
Briana Middleton and Lindy Booth were set to star in the series.
Source: Deadline