Taika Waititi has explained the reasons behind the cancellation of Time Bandits, addressing the decision in a recent interview. He revealed that the show’s high production costs were the primary factor, despite its favorable reception among critics. This clarification comes as streaming platforms face increasing scrutiny over the financial viability of their original content.
Taika Waititi explains why Apple canceled Time Bandits
Taika Waititi recently addressed the cancellation of Time Bandits, an Apple TV+ series adaptation of Terry Gilliam’s 1981 cult classic.
The show, which premiered in July 2024. follows 11-year-old Kevin (Kal-El Tuck), who sets out on adventures with a group of time-traveling bandits. The cast includes Lisa Kudrow as Penelope and Waititi as the Supreme Being, among many others. Despite earning a 76% score on Rotten Tomatoes, the show was discontinued after one season.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Waititi attributed the cancellation to high production costs. “This is a show that lasted one glorious season,” he remarked. “Why didn’t it have another season? Too expensive.” Reflecting on the production, he said, “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 is part of a broader trend in the streaming industry, where high-budget productions are increasingly scrutinized for cost-effectiveness. Though critically appreciated, Time Bandits reportedly struggled to engage general audiences, as shown by its 50% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. This gap between critical acclaim and audience reception has become a common issue for many streaming projects.
Apple TV+’s decision reflects industry trends prioritizing instant viewership success. Time Bandits joins other canceled shows like Our Flag Means Death and KAOS, highlighting the challenges of sustaining ambitious projects amid financial constraints.
Waititi remains active in the industry, with upcoming projects such as Klara and the Sun in development.
