Marco Polo
Marco Polowas ab initio billed as the nextGame of Thrones , but bury after just two season . The show was created by John Fusco and debut on Netflix in 2014.The pennon ’s historical epos quickly became one ofthe most expensive telly appearance of all time . A truly massive series that was mostly filmed on location with detailed set , vast casts , and telling fight scene , the series was designed to compete directly with HBO’sGame of Thrones , which at the clip was at the height of the show ’s ethnic impact . On paper , the concept seemed like a hit for Netflix .
However , the series ( which was a co - production with the now defunct Weinstein Company ) stop up only getting twenty episodes and a particular before being unceremoniously canceled a few months after the conclusion of its second season . Although the show did n’t change the goggle box landscape in the agency it was think to , Marco Polo ’s legacy does still spue a dark over Netflixand how the streaming service now gauges succeeder with their original productions a ten later . Here ’s how Netflix ’s early answer toGame of Thronesflopped critically and financially , and how it changed the way Netflix operates to this day .
Marco Polo is a historical epic focusing on the exploits of the famed Italian explorer and his encounters with Kublai Khan , the Mongol regal ruler .
Marco Polo Was Netflix’s Big Bet Against Game Of Thrones
Marco PoloGave Netflix Their Own Medieval Epic
Marco Polowas supposed to be Netflix ’s answer toGame of Thrones , but the historical epic did n’t make the variety of a ethnic imprint that would rationalize the massive budget . Marco Polowas base on the story of the titular Venetian merchandiser and Internet Explorer . After traveling to China in the thirteenth one C , Marco see himself a " guest " of Kublai Khan , the ruler of the Mongol Empire . The series featured plenty of historical tweaks for the sake of the account , painting Lorenzo Richelmy ’s version of Marco Polo as a skilled warrior and devote Benedict Wong a meaty dramatic role as Khan .
Marco Polowas a massive endeavor and had primitively been signify to be produced by Starz . The first season of the show cost some $ 90 million , making it one of the most expensive tv set production of all time . The 2d season and the rack - alone " One Hundred Eyes " special price a similar amount in the foresightful run . The hope was to produce a stop piece heroic that could rival the winner ofGame of Thrones . However , there were some serious problem that arose pursue the passing of the first time of year that made it clear Netflix ’s ambitions for the series would bumble .
Marco Polo Was Not As Well Received As Game Of Thrones
Critics Didn’t Much Care ForMarco Polo’s First Season (Even If Audiences Did)
Despite the money clothe in the project , Marco Polosuffered in comparison toGame of Thrones . Whereas the fantasy HBO epic chop-chop became a decisive darling and determine a massive consultation to justify the cost , Marco Polodid not fare as well with critics . The first season finally only bring in a 33 % positive score on Rotten Tomatoes , with the consensus being that the serial publication was simply irksome . Richelmy ’s carrying into action was heavily criticized ( although critic did seem more receptive to Wong ’s employment on the show ) , and many critics complained that the series at long last feel derivative of other , more compelling historic epics .
Although later episodes found their footing and the 2d season as a whole was more well - received by critics , Marco Polo ’s initial stumbles kept it from earn the kind of industry momentumand vocal appraisals that could have translated to wider - reach honor recognition . Marco Polowas only ever appoint for a single Emmy , losing " Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music " to Prime Video’sTransparent . Despite the critical licking , Marco Polodid find an audience , garnering a more cocksure interview grudge on Rotten Tomatoes and , according toVariety , even joined the top ten streaming / transmission line shows in the month it was released .
This ten precede iconic idiot box show with insane budget . From Game of Thrones to The Crown , let ’s take a look at the most expensive episodes !
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Marco Polo’s Cancelation Had To Do With Budget
Marco PoloCost Netflix Roughly $200 Million In The Long Run
in the end , it wasMarco Polo ’s budget that proved to be its unfastening . Despite a well meet second time of year ( that impress the deed character to the sidelines to focalise more on characters like Benedict Wong ’s Kublai Khan , Tom Wu ’s Hundred eye , and Michelle Yeoh ’s Lotus),the sheer cost of the production led Netflix and their partner at the Weinstein Company to balk at producing another time of year . By the timeMarco Polowas formally set off in late 2016 , it had been account byThe Hollywood Reporterthat the serial had at long last been conceive a $ 200 million loss for Netflix and their partners .
the sheer cost of the show that was conk out to succeed Netflix acclaim try out too great to overlook
This meantMarco Polowas the first Netflix Original series to not be approve for a season 3,setting off a case law that continue with the streaming Robert William Service almost a X subsequently . Despite the outside popularity of the show ( which had been laud by critic for the show ’s large representation of Asiatic performers and focalise ) and the great interview that flocked to the series , the bold cost of the show that was run out to get ahead Netflix acclaim proved too great to overlook . time of year 2 end on a open - concluded note , alluding to future challenges that the show never got to explore .
Netflix’s Streaming Model Has Changed A Lot Since Marco Polo
How Netflix Has adjust Since The opprobrious End OfMarco Polo
Since the cancelation ofMarco Polo , the video landscape has shifted — particularly at Netflix . Other streamers like Prime Video and Apple+ tried to produce their own answers toGame of Thrones , with miscellaneous result . Netflix has since expanded its own programing slating , leaning more towards releasing a wide number of small shows instead of putting all their testicle into one hoop . The banner also became much more comfortable canceling shows that failed to earn quick successwith audiences and critic , cite their home algorithm . The streamer has also become more dependent on establish IP ( such asWednesdayandCobra Kai ) .
Netflix still produces expensive productions like the live - action adaption ofThe SandmanorAvatar : The Last Airbender , but has proven far more uncoerced to end show quicker .
The streamer has also embraced more international productions , suggestingMarco Polo ’s ball-shaped popularity did influence the streamer . Netflix still produce expensive productions like the live - action adaptation ofThe SandmanorAvatar : The Last Airbender , but has prove far more willing to end shows quicker . It ’s potential the high - profile failure and be ofMarco Poloshifted thing irrevocably for the pennant service , convincing them that smaller projects and a harsh hand is the way to go . By seek to makeMarco Poloa serial that could vie with the paradigm gearshift that wasGame of Thrones , Netflix only really changed itself .
Key Background
Source : Variety , The Hollywood newsman
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