Amazon MGM Studios TV Head Discusses Emmys, ‘Fallout,’ ‘Tomb Raider’ Future

Amazon MGM Studios’ television head Vernon Sanders expressed immense pride over the Emmys recognition for Prime Video’s genre television series “Fallout” and “Mr. & Mrs. Smith.” These shows, which received 17 and 16 nominations respectively, marked a significant achievement for the studio, including nods for Outstanding Drama Series.

The overwhelming recognition includes acting nominations for “Fallout” star Walton Goggins and “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” leads Donald Glover and Maya Erskine. Sanders mentioned the studio’s humility in approaching the awards, but the scale of the nominations exceeded their expectations. He highlighted the long-term partnerships with creators and the successful execution of these projects as key factors in their success.

In total, Prime Video’s content garnered a substantial portion of the 62 total nominations for Amazon MGM Studios, with other recognized shows including “Tig Notaro: Hello Again,” “Red, White & Royal Blue,” and “Invincible.”

Sanders shared insights on their upcoming projects, including the second seasons of “Fallout,” “Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” and “Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.” When asked about Season 2 of “Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” Sanders mentioned that Donald Glover and Francesca Sloane have a compelling vision for it, hinting at an equally special season compared to the first.

Regarding “Fallout,” Sanders noted that the creators Geneva Robertson-Dworet, Graham Wagner, Jonathan Nolan, and Kilter Films have a strong vision. The team already has scripts for the second season, and although he couldn’t provide a specific release date, he assured that they are working diligently for a rapid return. He emphasized the vast potential of the “Fallout” universe and their ongoing discussions with Bethesda for future directions, indicating a multi-season trajectory for the series.

When asked about potential “Fallout” spinoffs, Sanders stated that their current focus is on building the main series to a level that might merit expansion. Conversations with Bethesda about the video game franchise’s plans are ongoing, but any extension of the series will depend on its success and fan demand.

For the second season of “Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power,” Sanders highlighted the new production location in London, which he believes contributes to a refreshed tone and dynamic. He expressed confidence in the season’s capacity to build on the momentum of the first, bringing excitement and extraordinary performances. There are optimistic but cautious expectations regarding its prospects for further Emmy consideration.

Discussing “The Boys” concluding with its fifth season, Sanders attributed the decision to Eric Kripke’s original vision. The creators have always viewed the series as a five-season story. Despite their inquiries about potential extensions, they chose to honor Kripke’s intended narrative arc. Additionally, he commented on the strength of “Gen V,” the series’ spinoff, predicting it will be well-received by fans despite recent challenges during its production.

Production for “Gen V” Season 2 is currently underway, with a tentative release expected next year. About the “Beast Games,” Sanders praised Jimmy Donaldson and his team for their creativity and promised that every episode would leave viewers amazed. The collaborative spirit and ambitious plans of MrBeast were highlighted as central to the project’s anticipated success.

Sanders also provided updates on “Citadel: Diana” and the India-focused spinoff “Citadel: Honey Bunny.” He praised the distinct regional flavors and accessibility while maintaining connections to the main series. These offshoots will appeal both to new viewers and existing fans through well-placed Easter eggs.

Although production for “Citadel” Season 2 hasn’t started yet, Sanders expressed optimism about the material and new cast members. He hopes to commence production soon with a potential release next year. For Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s “Tomb Raider,” Sanders revealed that preps are actively ongoing, with production likely starting early next year, emphasizing the importance of finding the right actor to play Lara Croft.

On the status of “The Dark Tower” from Mike Flanagan, Sanders acknowledged the passion behind the project and mentioned ongoing weekly discussions. While there’s no concrete update yet, the collaboration with Intrepid remains a priority for the studio.

Source: TheWrap