Jessica Jones And The Punisher Cancelled By Netflix
So who saw this one coming? Actually, who DIDN’T see this one coming? Netflix has dumped The Punisher and Jessica Jones, its remaining two shows from the deal it made with Disney/Marvel years ago. They join Daredevil, Iron Fist and Luke Cage on the scrap heap, along with the crossover “The Defenders.”
“We are grateful to Marvel for five years of our fruitful partnership and thank the passionate fans who have followed these series from the beginning,” Netflix said to Deadline.
Netflix has never said it outright, but it’s quite obvious the cancellation of these shows has a lot to do with the uncoupling of Disney from their service. The entertainment behemoth is launching its own streaming channel later this year, and pulling the majority of its content from Netflix in the process (not so much from Hulu, as Disney actually owns a significant stake in that company).
So might we see any of the Netflix Marvel shows become Disney+ shows? We hate to break it to you, but…not anytime soon. The contract between Netflix and Marvel stated that after cancellation, Netflix retains the rights to the programs for at least two years — which doesn’t just mean Disney can’t produce new episodes themselves. It also means Disney+ can’t stream the reruns, and it even means Disney can’t make NEW shows using these characters until the Netflix deal expires in 2021. By that time, the company may have moved on.
Rest in peace, Netflix Marvel Television Universe. You weren’t always as good as you could have been, but death by corporate politics is no just fate for anyone. The final season in this universe, Jessica Jones Season 3, premieres later this year.