Another highly anticipated title under the HBO Max banner is being scrapped, and it’s yet another animation casualty.Driftwood, the first animated feature film byAquaman: King of Atlantisco-creatorVictor Courtright, has been canceled just overthree months after it was given the green light. The film was part of a collaboration between HBO Max and Cartoon Network Studios to shine a light on burgeoning creatives in the animation industry.
Billed as an animated space opera for the whole family, the film would’ve followed Clover, a mouse-like creature in search of the fabled city of Driftwood which stands as the last bastion of freedom in a decaying society ruled over by an evil corporation. Aside from being a haven of free society, legend has it that the city hides the secret to sustainable fuel. Overlord Thorn, who leads the organization, is intent on destroying both Clover and Driftwood, thus removing the only hope of opposing their rule and ensuring society must rely on the organization’s toxic fuel source. The film would’ve centered on Clover’s battle to save all society from Thorn alongside a pair of new allies in Marigold and Caspia.
Thanks to the mind behind it and the promising premise, interest in the film was relatively high. Given the success ofKing of Atlantisand his resume full of animation work and writing forThunderCats Roar,Pickle & Peanut, andMystery Science Theater 3000among others, Courtright had more than proven himself capable as a creator. With the feature no longer in the works, and the general philosophy of HBO Max’s restructuring, it’s possibleInvincible Fight Girl, the othercollaborative effort of the streamer and Cartoon Network, may also be on the chopping block.
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Driftwoodseems to be another project lost with HBO Max’s shift in philosophy following the Warner Bros. Discovery merger and subsequent ascension ofDavid Zaslavto CEO. Most of the cuts have been in the animation division,with over 30 titles being wiped offthe platform to save on residuals. An official statement also notes the streamer is looking to move away from kids and family animation. As the cuts have unfolded, criticism against the company has continued to grow with the creator ofInfinity Trainthemost recent to speak outagainst the unprofessionalism displayed by Warner Bros. Discovery for pulling shows suddenly and without any communication. In total, Zaslav is looking to cut around $3 billion in costs.
Following the announcement ofDriftwood’s cancelation, one production manager at Cartoon Network took to Twitter to express their disappointment that the film wouldn’t be moving forward. Those sentiments were also shared by Warner Bros. Animation’sJen Hurlerwho lamented that Courtright’s vision wouldn’t be realized. The space adventure wasn’t the only project to get the shaft this time around. A number of other promising projects, includingBatman: Caped Crusader, were put to the sword in the latest round of cuts.
See the statements from Hurler and the production manager below.
