Junking ‘Jupiter’s Legacy’ Illustrates the Limits to Netflix’s Superpowers

Avengers Campus, a sprawling extension of the superhero brand, opened its three-acre spread at Disney’s California Adventure Park in Anaheim.

Of course, Avengers and Harry Potter aren’t merely the centerpieces of hit movies.

Just one day after debuting atop Nielsen’s weekly count of the top streaming original titles, new series “Jupiter’s Legacy” got its plug pulled by Netflix — not that it was characterized as a formal “cancellation.” Instead, there was the announcement of a decision to let the cast out of their contracts in lieu of ordering a second season.

The Hollywood Reporter’s Borys Kit indicated this was a costly closure for Netflix, with season one of “Jupiter’s Legacy” costing in the neighborhood of $200 million; other sources indicate it was closer to $130 million.

If Millarworld brings to mind Disney’s Marvel, that’s no coincidence.

In that respect, Millarworld won’t be much different than Marvel or DC Comics, neither of which were overnight successes in Hollywood.

The major players in the streaming wars are realizing that original programming is not just a volume game in which you pray your portfolio appeals to as many audience segments as possible.

The hype machine will no doubt go into overdrive on any number of programs. There’s no reason to doubt Netflix’s hitmaking abilities, and it’s a good bet that in time the streamer will figure out franchises.

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