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Why Did Netflix Cancel Animated Gorillaz Movie?


Gorillaz animated movie
Credit: Netflix

Back in 2021, it was announced that Netflix is coming out with a Gorillaz animated movie. This, of course, excited fans who have been awaiting for the fictional band's return. But unfortunately, there is some bad news. The movie has been "permanently suspended" by the streaming platform.

Why Did Netflix Cancel Animated Gorillaz Movie?

2-D from Gorillaz
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Credit: YouTube|Gorillaz

The cancellation was confirmed by Gorillaz co-creator, Damon Albarn, to HUMO (via StereoGum). Albarn was working on the band's upcoming album, Cracker Island, in Los Angeles with co-creator Jamie Hewlett when news about the cancelation reached him.

"Yes. That is to say, and without naming names because the whole matter has not yet been settled: the streaming platform for which we were making the film has withdrawn. They started to panic because they were making too much content and decided to cut back on their movie offerings. And, as has been classic Hollywood practice for decades, the guy we were working with has moved on to another company... Hollywood is quite territorial: if a new guy comes along, he must and will have a different opinion, even if he secretly agrees with his predecessor."

Gorillaz Movie Cancelation Is Just One of Many

2-D of Gorillaz
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Credit: YouTube|Gorillaz

The cancellation of the animated movie comes shortly after the streaming platfor pulled the plug on other shows, some of which have accumulated their own following. Just recently, Netflix announced that it will not be renewing Mindhunter for a third season and 1899 for a second season. The service also announced that they will be removing all seasons of Arrested Development on March 14th.

It can be recalled that Netflix dismantled its own animation division, which also shut down several upcoming animation projects like Inside Job, Dead End: Paranormal Park, Bone, and Wings Of Fire.

Who Are the Gorillaz IRL?

Gorillaz band
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Credit: YouTube|Gorillaz

Gorillaz is a virtual band that was formed by Albarn and Hewlett in 1998. The band has been epitome as four fictional animated band members by the names of 2-D, Murdoc Niccals, Russel Hobbs, and Noodle. They rose to international stardom in 2001 with their smash hit, Clint Eastwood.

Despite the movie's cancellation, the band's upcoming album, Cracker Island, will be released on February 24, 2023.


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