Disney Plus does not have the reputation of not liking cancellations as much as Netflix, but it still occasionally cancels original programming. The latest is "National Treasure: Edge of History," a sequel to the hit movie "National Treasure," which Deadline (opens in new tab) reports Disney has canceled after just one season.
The 10-episode series debuted in December 2022 and ended in February. Rather than develop the mystery-solving adventures of Benjamin Gates, played by Nicolas Cage, National Treasure: The End of History follows newcomer Jess Valenzuela (Lizette Olivera). Her search for answers about her family leads her to the heart of a treasure hunt for lost artifacts hidden from the Spanish conquistadors by a network of Aztec, Inca, and Mayan women.
Justin Bartha and Harvey Keitel reprise their roles from the film "National Treasure" to help connect "Edge of History" to the universe. Catherine Zeta-Jones stars as Billy, a black market antiquities dealer who is after the same treasure as Jess.
Disney brought back several "National Treasure" veterans to produce the series. Among the executive producers are Cormac and Marianne Wibberly, the writing duo behind the two "National Treasure" films, as well as Jerry Bruckheimer, the film's producer, and director John Turtletaub.
That the show would be canceled after one season is surprising, but not unprecedented for the Mouse. Disney Plus has produced original Marvel and Star Wars series at a breakneck pace since launching its streaming service; in 2022 alone, the Marvel Cinematic Universe will see three new "Moon Knight," "She-Hulk," and "Ms. Marvel" shows, and Star Wars aired "The Book of Boba Fett," "Obi-Wan Kenobi," and "Andor. Marvel burnout is widespread, and Marvel President Kevin Feige confirmed plans to review the MCU's current content release strategy.
However, Disney seems to be more cautious when it comes to shows not tied to these two highly profitable franchises; as Deadline points out, "National Treasure: At the End of History" was canceled after one or two seasons, other than Marvel and "Star Wars" It is the latest in a long line of Disney Plus Originals. The others are "Big Shot," "The Mighty Ducks: The Mysterious Benedict Society," "Diary of a Future President," and "Turner and Hooch."
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