The Nevers started as an exciting 10 episode direct to series sci-fi drama created by Joss Whedon for HBO, and was announced as such way back in July 2019, with Tom Riley's role as Augustus Bidlow. Filming started summer 2019, and we saw hints that episode 1 completed filming by August 14th 2019. Then everything stopped for 5 months. No reason was given for that hiatus. It could have been because episode 1 was actually a pilot episode and needed more approval, but that negates the inital announcement of a direct to series order. We don't know for sure.
What we do know is that The Nevers picked up filming again in January 2020, and was going swimmingly until the pandemic shut down production between episodes 5 & 6 (according to interviews with co-star James Norton), mid-March 2020. Another 5 month hiatus followed for the pandemic lockdown, until the production wheels started again September 2020 and continued until mid-November 2020.
Obviously the pandemic and the constraints it enforced across all stage, TV, and film productions changed what was possible for continued storylines. Interviews with other cast members Nick Frost and Denis O'Hare hinted at this, as well as revealing that instead of 10 episodes, The Nevers would expand to 12 episodes, and possibly be broadcast in 2 parts, 6 episodes each. All interviewed cast members have reported that The Nevers was a very happy, and supportive show to work on.
Late November brought the awful news that Joss Whedon would be leaving his own show, citing health reasons. HBO announced on the same day that The Nevers would be broadcast summer 2021, and released The Nevers teasers in a trailer December 2020.
I mistakenly thought when shooting wrapped in November, that all 12 episodes had been filmed, and we were just waiting for broadcast. DOP Kate Reid did offer some more information on her website, back in November about season 1A.
I just wrapped my work on Episode 5 directed by Joss, of Season 1A of The Nevers! Due to the Covid pandemic the series was re-fashioned into a 6 part first season (originally I was due to shoot the finale episodes 9 + 10 with Joss also) which will broadcast next year!
Then this week, HBO announced that Philippa Goslett was taking over as showrunner from Joss Whedon, with Joss remaining as executive producer. According to Variety, Philippa's appointment is to oversee filming of the second half of The Nevers season 1, and they are now in pre-production!
The upcoming Joss Whedon HBO series “The Nevers” has selected Philippa Goslett as its new showrunner and executive producer. Goslett takes over the role from Whedon, whose exit from the show was reported back in November. Whedon said in a statement at the time his departure was due to being unable to meet “the physical challenges of making such a huge show during a global pandemic.” “The Nevers” is still due to debut in 2021.
According to an individual with knowledge of the production, production on the first season was interrupted by the pandemic, with the first half of the first season completing production in the U.K. in the fall.
Goslett will oversee the second half of Season 1, which is currently in pre-production.
From the Warner Media Press Room.
Synopsis: In the last years of Victoria’s reign, London is beset by the “Touched”: people - mostly women - who suddenly manifest abnormal abilities - some charming, some very disturbing. Among them are Amalia True (Laura Donnelly), a mysterious, quick-fisted widow, and Penance Adair (Ann Skelly), a brilliant young inventor. They are the champions of this new underclass, making a home for the Touched, while fighting the forces of… well, pretty much all the forces - to make room for those whom history as we know it has no place.
Cast: Starring Laura Donnelly, Ann Skelly, Olivia Williams, James Norton, Tom Riley, Rochelle Neil, Eleanor Tomlinson, Amy Manson, Pip Torrens, Denis O’Hare, Zackary Momoh, Elizabeth Berrington, Kiran Sawar, Nick Frost and Ben Chaplin.
Credits: THE NEVERS is created and executive produced by Joss Whedon; executive producers, Bernadette Caulfield, Ilene S. Landress, Doug Petrie and Jane Espenson.
Status: Debuting in 2021.
