Horizon: Zero Dawn (Netflix): Series on the verge of ending? Controversy surrounding the showrunner

Turning Horizon: Zero Dawn into a series doesn’t sound so stupid, and Netflix already had exactly that in the pipeline. But now the series could be on the verge of being canceled, at least for the time being.

It has been known for some time that Netflix had a series adaptation of Horizon: Zero Dawn on its list, as well as that Steve Blackman, showrunner of The Umbrella Academy, was supposed to lead the project. But now there are reports that the series is ending up in the trash, at least for the time being.

The reason for this is apparently the behavior of showrunner Blackman, at least according to one Report from Rolling StoneAccording to the report, Blackman is accused of toxic behavior by no fewer than twelve employees, and is said to have behaved like a manipulative, bullying and vengeful tyrant on set.

Blackman, not surprisingly, categorically denies these allegations: “These allegations from a handful of disgruntled employees are completely false and outrageous and in no way reflect the cooperative, respectful and successful work environment that Mr. Blackman has cultivated.” But there are apparently still effects.

According to an article by Cheyenne Roundtree of Rolling Stone – who reported on the original Blackman story – Netflix has canceled all projects associated with the showrunner, including Horizon Zero Dawn.

It is unclear how far work on the series has progressed. It remains to be hoped that Sony and Netflix will pick up the series again and possibly find a new showrunner. After all, Sony has already had a hit with the series adaptation of The Last of Us and is sure to have a taste of money.

It is also unclear whether the allegations against Blackman are justified. On the one hand, there are a number of statements from employees, and on the other hand, Blackman was largely exonerated of the allegations in an investigation conducted by UCP in spring 2023.