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Netflix drops $120m Get Down

US streamer Netflix has reportedly axed Baz Luhrmann drama The Get Down, widely thought to be its costliest ever show, after just one season.

Baz Luhrmann acted as showrunner on The Get Down

The 12-part series was produced by Sony Pictures Television (SPT) and revolved around a group of youngsters involved in the New York City hip-hop scene during the 1970s.

The decision to cancel the show, which is thought to have cost around US$120m, followed the launch in April of the second six episodes of the first season.

Rappers Grandmaster Flash and Nas were attached as executive producer and narrator respectively, but the show faced a series of delays before the first six episodes premiered in August.

Luhrmann (Australia, Moulin Rouge) was attached as showrunner but wrote of his frustration at an exclusivity deal that kept him from working on a movie project, which he described as a “sticking point” for Netflix and SPT.

“When I was asked to come to the centre of The Get Down to help realise it, I had to defer a film directing commitment for at least two years,” he revealed.

“This exclusivity has understandably become a sticking point for Netflix and Sony, who have been tremendous partners and supporters of the show. It kills me that I can’t split myself into two and make myself available to both productions.

“The simple truth is, I make movies. And the thing with movies is that, when you direct them, there can be nothing else in your life. Since The Get Down stopped, I have actually been spending the last few months preparing my new cinematic work.”

Luhrmann added it was “unlikely” the show would return, while Netflix has not yet confirmed the cancellation.

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