Taika Waititi has shared the reasons behind the cancellation of Time Bandits, an Apple TV+ adaptation of Terry Gilliam's 1981 cult classic. In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Waititi attributed the decision to high production costs, marking another example of streaming platforms' increasing scrutiny over expensive original content.
Premiering in July 2024, Time Bandits followed 11-year-old Kevin (Kal-El Tuck) and a group of time-traveling bandits on surreal adventures. The show boasted a stellar cast, including Lisa Kudrow as Penelope and Waititi himself as the Supreme Being. Despite a solid 76% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes, it failed to resonate with general audiences, earning only a 50% audience score. This disconnect, combined with high costs, led to its cancellation after just one season.
In the interview, Waititi reflected on the show's brief but memorable run, stating, “This is a show that lasted one glorious season. Why didn't it have another season? Too expensive.” He added, “My favorite thing about this show was that we got to shoot in New Zealand. If you ever get a chance to come to New Zealand, don't. We don't want you. But I can report it's a great place. Yeah, that's my favorite memory. Being at home, with my countrymen, shooting Time Bandits.”
The cancellation aligns with a broader trend in the streaming industry, where platforms increasingly prioritize projects with guaranteed audience engagement. Shows like Our Flag Means Death and KAOS have similarly faced early cancellations due to budgetary constraints. While Time Bandits garnered critical praise, it struggled to attract a broad viewership, highlighting the challenges faced by ambitious, high-budget productions.
Apple TV+'s decision also underscores the shifting dynamics in the streaming landscape, where financial viability often trumps artistic ambition. As platforms battle to balance quality and profitability, beloved projects like Time Bandits risk becoming collateral damage.
Despite the setback, Waititi remains active, with several upcoming projects in the pipeline, including an adaptation of Klara and the Sun.
My Impressions: Time Bandits was a fascinating attempt to reimagine a beloved cult classic, and its cancellation is undoubtedly disappointing for fans. The blend of quirky storytelling and strong performances promised a unique series. However, its high production costs and niche appeal likely made it a tough sell for Apple TV+. This trend in streaming raises questions about the future of daring, creative projects that prioritize storytelling over mass-market appeal.
Do you think streaming platforms should take more risks on ambitious, high-cost projects like Time Bandits, or are they right to prioritize financial sustainability? Why or why not?
