Citadel, Amazon MGM’s ambitious spy series, is facing significant challenges. This high-budget project, backed by Joe and Anthony Russo’s AGBO, aimed to reach a global audience but has struggled with costly production delays and internal conflicts. Despite being renewed for a second season, things have changed recently.
Sources tell The Hollywood Reporter that the show’s release has been delayed from fall 2025 to spring 2026. There’s also a pause on all planned spinoffs until the main series can debut, raising concerns about the show’s future.
Amazon MGM is reportedly dissatisfied with what they’ve seen from the upcoming season. Although the company hasn’t provided official comments, insiders mentioned that no return date has been set yet. AGBO has also stayed silent on the matter.
Initially, Citadel was designed with multiple international spinoffs tied to the main show, which stars Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra Jonas as secret agents. Among these were Citadel: Diana and Citadel: Honey Bunny, which gained popularity in their respective markets. But for now, development on these spinoffs is on hold while the main series undergoes revisions. Filming for season two wrapped up in November 2022.
This series has had a rocky journey since its inception. The first season suffered costly reshoots, multiple edits, and crew changes, which inflated its budget to $235 million. This hefty price tag positioned it as one of the most expensive series ever, second only to Amazon’s other title, The Rings of Power. Despite these hurdles, Citadel was given a green light for a second season even before its first season premiered in April 2023.
With this latest setback, questions arise about the show’s long-term viability. Previously championed by Jennifer Salke, Amazon MGM’s former head, Citadel was envisioned as Amazon’s answer to the James Bond franchise. But with Salke’s recent departure unexpectedly shaking things up, the show’s prospects could be in jeopardy. Vernon Sanders, head of TV, will now oversee the series, but losing a visionary leader might not bode well.
Current industry sentiment suggests that the elaborate plans for Citadel may need to be reevaluated. According to a survey by Statista, over 60% of streaming viewers prefer series that deliver compelling storytelling over high production values. This data hints that simply spending more doesn’t guarantee success. As streaming platforms continue to fine-tune their strategies, the fate of Citadel may depend on whether it can carve out its narrative in a crowded market filled with spy thrillers.
As the situation develops, fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see if Citadel can overcome its turbulence and fulfill its promise of exciting espionage adventures.
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Citadel,Prime Video