Amazon MGM is reportedly pausing allCitadelspinoffs amidst concerns about quality and the franchise’s ballooning costs. The Joe and Anthony Russo-produced spy series stars Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra Jonas as two spies who have their memories wiped after the fall of the titular international agency, only to be pulled back together. Despite the behind-the-scenes drama and lackluster reviews, the flagship was renewed for season 2 with various international spinoffs in the works, includingthe already-releasedCitadel: DianaandHoney Bunny.
Now, according toThe Hollywood Reporter, Amazon MGM is postponing the release of season 2, as well asputting all futureCitadelspinoff projects on holduntil at least the mainline show’s arrival for further determination. The flagship, which was reportedly scheduled to return in fall 2025, has now been pushed to spring 2026 with the studio said to be unsatisfied with season 2’s quality. Amazon MGM has yet to comment on the subject.
What This Means For Citadel
Future Spinoffs May Not Be Made
Citadelis reportedly one of the most expensive shows ever produced. Season 1 of the Russo Brothers' spy series reportedly cost around $300 million, with each of the six episodes averaging around $50 million, while the addition of its spinoffs and now-delayed seasonhave reportedly put the franchise’s price tag up to $500 million. While season 1 has received some success among viewers, having over 25 million viewers for its premiere, it has received divisive reviews from critics and fans.
Citadel: Honey Bunny Review - Prime Video’s Second Citadel Spinoff Is A Disappointing Snooze Fest
In reality, Citadel: Honey Bunny relies heavily on old tricks with a bland script that can’t seem to offer anything refreshing.
The news ofCitadelseason 2’s delaycomesin light of Jennifer Salke’s exit as head of Amazon MGM Studios, which was announced on Thursday. Since the franchise’s announcement, Salke has been a strong advocate for the international, multi-spinoff project, and as such, is not a surprise that the news would cast uncertainty on the franchise’s future. Instead of being replaced, Salke’s role has been eliminated with the studio transitioning to a more streamlined leadership structure.
Our Take On Citadel’s Future
The Franchise’s Future Faces Uncertainty
Amazon MGM has never announced a release date forCitadelseason 2, but the reportedly very expensive series has a history of behind-the-scenes dramas, including extensive reshoots and competing cuts.It’s unclear as to what’s really going on with the franchise, but based on the reviews from both critics and viewers,Citadelisn’t exactly the kind of show that would warrant spinoff investment, even in spite of its expansive world.
Citadelseason 1’s viewership was good, but it’s still the first season where the audience is warming up to the storylines and characters. Unlike a more established show,Citadelhas yet to have the kind of momentum that would yield the potential success of spinoff shows, thoughCitadel: Dianadid receive some praise for being a better series than its predecessor. It still doesn’t make sense for it to be a franchise, and if the news is true, it may just be for the best.
