HBO has parted ways with Joss Whedon as the writer-director is leaving The Nevers, the quasi-superhero series he was developing for the network.
HBO confirmed in a statement: “We have parted ways with Joss Whedon. We remain excited about the future of The Nevers and look forward to its premiere in the summer of 2021.”
Joss Whedon also said in a statement (via CinemaBlend): “This year of unprecedented challenges has impacted my life and perspective in ways I could never have imagined, and while developing and producing The Nevers has been a joyful experience, I realize that the level of commitment required moving forward, combined with the physical challenges of making such a huge show during a global pandemic, is more than I can handle without the work beginning to suffer. I am genuinely exhausted, and am stepping back to martial my energy towards my own life, which is also at the brink of exciting change. I am deeply proud of the work we have done; I’m grateful to all my extraordinary cast and collaborators, and to HBO for the opportunity to shape yet another strange world. The Nevers is a true labor of love, but after two-plus years of labor, love is about all I have to offer. It will never fade.”
Ray Fisher comments on Joss Whedon
While not mentioned, HBO deciding to part ways with Joss Whedon follows accusations from Ray Fisher about poor treatment Fisher received on the set of Justice League from Whedon.
Fisher commented on Whedon departing HBO and The Nevers on Twitter: “I have no intention of allowing Joss Whedon to use the old Hollywood tactic of ‘exiting’, ‘stepping down’, or ‘walking away’ to cover for his terrible behavior. WarnerMedia’s JL investigation has been in full swing for over 3 weeks now. This is undoubtedly a result of it. A>E.”
The official description for The Nevers offers: “In the last years of Victoria’s reign, London is beset by the ‘Touched:’ people — mostly women — who suddenly manifest abnormal abilities, some charming, some very disturbing. Among them are Amalia True (Laura Donnelly), a mysterious, quick-fisted widow, and Penance Adair (Ann Skelly), a brilliant young inventor. They are the champions of this new underclass, making a home for the Touched, while fighting the forces of… well, pretty much all the forces — to make room for those whom history as we know it has no place.”
The cast for the show includes Olivia Williams, James Norton, Tom Riley, Ben Chaplin, Pip Torrens, Amy Manson, and Nick Forst. Bernadette Caulfield, Ilene S. Landress, Doug Petrie, and Jane Espenson are executive producers.
