'Marco Polo' cancellation news: Netflix cancels 'Marco Polo' after two seasons
After months of silence, Netflix has finally confirmed that they are pulling the plug on "Marco Polo" after only two seasons. The Hollywood Reporter has reported that Netflix and The Weinstein Company agreed to end the series after the second season, and the publication also revealed that "Marco Polo" brought in a loss of $200 million for the network during its two-season run.
In a press statement, Netflix's Cindy Holland thanked the cast and crew of the show for their commitment during its run.
"We want to thank and are grateful to our partners on Marco Polo from the actors, whose performances were enthralling and top-notch; to the committed producers, including John Fusco, Dan Minahan, Patrick Macmanus, and their crew, who poured their hearts into the series; and of course Harvey [Weinstein], David [Glasser] and our friends at TWC, who were great collaborators from start to finish."
"Marco Polo" is the first Netflix original series to end after two seasons. It is also the fourth original show to get canceled by Netflix after Lilyhammer, Hemlock Grove and Bloodline.
"Marco Polo" stars Lorenzo Richelmy as the titular character and Benedict Wong portrayed the Mongol ruler Kublai Khan. The series is set in the 13th century during Kublai's reign as Great Khan of the Mongols.
The show also stars Joan Chen as Empress Chabi, Pierfrancesco Favino as Niccolò Polo, Olivia Cheng as Mei Lin, Remy Hii as Prince Jingim, Zhu Zhu as Nergui/Kokachin, Tom Wu as Hundred Eyes, and Rick Yune as Kaidu. Chin Han played the primary antagonist, Jia Sidao, in season 1, and Michelle Yeoh also appeared as Lotus in season 2.
It was also revealed that "Marco Polo" creator John Fusco is planning another project with executive producer Harvey Weinstein and his production company. "We're working on an idea right now in a similar space that we're very excited about," Fusco stated. Weinstein also said they were "both fascinated to continue exploring this exciting period in history on future projects together."