In a recent Instagram post, Scavengers Reign co-creator Joseph Bennett confirmed that Scavengers’ Reign isn’t returning for a second season at Max or Netflix–and shared a teaser trailer for what could’ve been, twisting the knife, somewhat. Have a look:
Though news of the series’ cancellation at Max was announced last May, it migrated to Netflix with hopes for a renewal. No dice, unfortunately. According to Bennett in his post, “As of right now, Scavengers Reign is not being renewed for a second season. I wanted to let everyone know directly because I really love our fanbase, they’ve been such champions for the show, and I don’t want to leave everyone hanging. We’ve had to fight tooth and nail every step of the way to get this show made, starting all the way back in 2016 with the Scavengers short film to the release of the first season last year. It’s a case study for believing in something and persevering through a million and one hurdles. But, it got made, thanks especially to so many people who supported it along the way, in big and small ways.”
The series, which premiered in October of 2023, concerned the survivors of an interstellar cargo ship marooned on the surface of Vesta, an alien planet teeming with strange and often deadly flora and fauna. Think Lost in Space by way of Nausicaa, Fantastic Planet and the Cobra-La segments from the first animated G.I. Joe movie.
It was really cool, if you haven’t seen it. And judging by the trailer above, season two would’ve revealed more corners of Vesta, including a species of flesh-rending flying monkeys, some absurdly complicated fruit, and megafauna our heroes’ learn to internally puppeteer by pulling on the poor creature’s organs (personally, that last part is grosser to me than anything in the last Terrifier movie, but your mileage will vary).
However, hope springs eternal. As Bennett says in his post, “…this is not the end. There is more story to be told, we are ready to make another season, and we produced in-house at Green Street a teaser for what was going to come in the second season.” Consider the above a pitch project for future investors or streaming services with an itch for sci-fi (Apple TV+?) , and one we’re absolutely glad to share. Come what may, Bennet concludes, “Thanks again to everyone who watched and supported the show.” Fingers crossed.
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