HBO’s “Lovecraft Country” is not returning for a second season. The TV show adaptation of Matt Ruff’s novel under the same title was highly anticipated from the moment HBO announced its development. The series included J.J. Abrams and Jordan Peele as producers, eventually casting Jonathan Majors as Atticus and Jurnee Smollett as his friend Letitia. “Lovecraft Country” was one of 2020’s best shows as it combined sci-fi elements and commentary on racism all the while telling a compelling, bloody story. Though it is compared to “Watchmen,” given both its prominent HBO Sunday berth and its determination to view race in America through the prism of science fiction, “Lovecraft Country” is lighter in tone, and far pulpier in sensibility. Some also say it rejuvenates the niche genre of horror by not only making the heroes black, but also by simply centering the story around the racially segregated Jim Crow era of the 1950’s.
The apparent and expected success of the first season led to some discussions and rumors about a second season happening. Series creator, Misha Green, began creating ideas for where the story could go by the time the finale episode of season 1 aired last October. Fans of the series largely expected that a season 2 renewal was nothing but a formality, especially after the first season left plenty of unanswered questions. In addition, while season 2 was in development in early 2021, HBO now confirms that it will not be happening. All parties involved with the show ultimately came to the decision that it would be best not to make a second season. Obviously, for fans, this news is crushing.
Here is a statement released by HBO about the discontinuation of the series: “We will not be moving forward with a second season of Lovecraft Country. We are grateful for the dedication and artistry of the gifted cast and crew, and to Misha Green, who crafted this groundbreaking series. And to the fans, thank you for joining us on this journey.”
The news of the series’ cancellation is sure to come as a surprise for many of the show’s viewers. Unfortunately, this decision on the part of HBO and the show’s creators to not move forward with “Lovecraft Country” does not seem mutual. The main issue might have been finding the right story to tell next, which is a common quarrel between show creators and writers. The first season was based on Matt Ruff’s book, but there is no more source material for where the story goes next. After spending a few months trying to come up with the next chapter, it is possible Misha Green and everyone else involved agreed it was best to leave the story as it currently stands.
Although fans of Lovecraft Country will be disappointed at this outcome, those who worked on the series already have plenty of projects planned for the future. Misha Green is writing and directing “Tomb Raider 2” starring Alicia Vikander as Lara Croft while Jonathan Majors will be the next villain set to be opposite Michael B. Jordan in “Creed III.” Meanwhile, Jurnee Smollett will co-star on Netflix’s action movie “Escape From Spiderhead” alongside Chris Hemsworth.
“Lovecraft Country” is available to stream on HBO Max.
By Jimmy Meyer