After a bidding war among the networks, including Netflix, forJoss Whedon’s latest project, it looks likeThe Nevershas landed at HBO with a straight-to-series order. According toTHR, the Victorian series will mix in elements of sci-fi as it follows a group of women who begin to develop powers, and soon use them to try to save the world from a host of relentless enemies. Yep, pretty much sounds on-brand for Whedon.
In a statement, Whedon said that “I honestly couldn’t be more excited.The Neversis maybe the most ambitious narrative I’ve created, and I can’t imagine a better home for it than HBO. Not only are they the masters of cinematic longform, but their instant understanding of my odd, intimate epic was as emotional as it was incisive. It’s been too long since I created an entirely new fictional world, and the HBO team offer not just scope and experience, not just ‘prestige,’ but a passionate collaboration. I could go on, but — I’m impatiently grateful to say — I have work to do.”
HBO programming presidentCasey Bloysadded, “We have long been fans of the incredibly talented and prolific Joss Whedon and we can’t think of a better project thanThe Neverswith which to welcome him to the HBO family. We look forward to meeting the strange, multifaceted characters ofThe Nevers, to learn their stories, see them in action and share them with our viewers. We’re honored that Joss chose HBO as the place to build his ambitious new world and we are excited to get started.”
The Neverswill mark Whedon’s first return to television since creatingDollhousefor Fox. In more recent news, though, heexitedtheBatgirlmovie, and courted controversy after his ex-wife wrote ascathing editorialabout the hypocrisy of his supposed feminism.
As for HBO, the premium network has a number of high-profile series now on its docket, includingDamon Lindelof’sWatchmen, as well asJ.J. Abrams’Demimonde, perhaps embracing more fantasy and fandom-focused series in the wake ofGame of Thrones' major success. That may not be good enough for new owners AT&T, though, who are looking to drasticallyincrease HBO’s volume of seriesin the coming years, as Warner Media CEOJohn Stankeyhas invoked the Netflix model as something to emulate. For better or worse, it’s worth noting that this year Netflix broke HBO’s long record of having the mostEmmy nominations.
