Strike shuts down "1923," "Metropolis"

 

UCP and Apple canceled plans for a series adaptation of the classic silent sci-fi film "Metropolis."  The big-budget series -- from "Mr. Robot" veteran Sam Esmail -- has been in development for several years, and was in pre-production in Australia. UCP, the studio behind the series, explained that spiraling costs and uncertainty related to the WGA strike led to the decision to shut down the project, which had been in limbo for several weeks. UCP decided not to proceed with the series, and informed Apple TV+, which had ordered a first season last year. The series had been partially cast, and would have brought around 4,000 jobs to the Australian state of Victoria.