"The Grimm Reality" - Netflix shoots down new series from the "Dark" makers - after the end of filming
Mysterious Events, Strong Images and Dry-realistic Dialogues: The unique style of "Dark" made the Netflix series an international sensation. However, the creators of this fairy tale are unlikely to repeat it for another project: The series "The Grimm Reality" was quietly cancelled.
According to "Deadline," the project of the German production company Wiedemann & Berg was reportedly terminated by the streaming giant. The series, which "What's on Netflix" describes as a modern interpretation of the Brothers Grimm's fairy tales as an "urban fantasy thriller," has been in development in Germany since 2022. Erol Yesilkaya ("The Griffin") and Till Kleinert ("Hausen") were involved in the production. Actors such as Patrick Isermeyer and Eidin Jalali appeared in front of the camera.
Netflix' Harsh Cut
This step is all the more surprising because, according to "Deadline," filming had already been completed. The series was therefore terminated in a relatively late stage of production. It has been rumored for some time in German production circles that this could happen. A source told the magazine, "It seems the series has landed in a dark cellar." Neither Netflix nor the parties involved responded to inquiries from the site.
A rift between Netflix and the production company seems to be ruled out: The similarly produced series "Crooks" was recently renewed for a second season. The crime series, which also did well with international audiences like "Dark," appeared last spring.
In Pursuit of the Next Hit
Netflix is increasingly relying on the international film industry to make itself less dependent on Hollywood and offer more exclusive, original content. With series like "Squid Game" (South Korea) or "Money Heist" (Spain), two of the biggest successes of the streaming service come from the international market.
However, the strategy does not always work: The mystery series developed by "Dark" showrunners Jantje Friese and Baran bo Odar, titled "1899," was eagerly anticipated, as it is the most expensive series ever produced in Germany. However, Netflix apparently did not meet the expectations of the service with its release. Despite great hype at its premiere, Netflix announced after less than two months that there would be no second season, despite a cliffhanger ending.
The cancelled series, titled "The Grimm Reality," was envisioned as a modern take on the Brothers Grimm's tales by German production company Wiedemann & Berg, with Erol Yesilkaya and Till Kleinert as key producers. Despite completed filming, the series met an unexpected end in Netflix's "dark cellar." Despite this setback, Netflix continues to pursue international collaborations, aiming to reduce dependency on Hollywood and increase exclusive content, such as "Squid Game" and "Money Heist."
