Netflix halts release of Halle Berry-led sci-fi thriller “The Mothership”

The OTT platform has decided not to go on with The Mothership, a movie that completed production in 2021 but was facing delays.

Production Scrapped Amid Post-Production Challenges

Netflix has decided to halt the release of the sci-fi thriller “The Mothership,” featuring Halle Berry, citing challenges in post-production. 

The film, directed by British Oscar nominee Matthew Charman, faced multiple delays and required significant reshoots, making it difficult and costly. 

The decision follows a trend of scrapped films, including the cancellation of the $90 million DC adventure “Batgirl” and “Coyote vs Acme,” both abandoned during post-production for financial reasons.

Challenges with Post-Production and Reshoots

“The Mothership,” which completed filming in 2021, was initially scheduled for release in 2022. 

Sources suggest that the decision to scrap the film was not taken lightly, and the required reshoots were deemed financially and logistically challenging, particularly with child actors aging since the original shoot. 

The film’s cancellation marks another instance of studios facing difficulties during the post-production phase.

Director and Background

Matthew Charman, known for co-writing the script for Steven Spielberg’s “Bridge of Spies” (2015) and the Michelle Williams-starring “Suite Francaise,” wrote and directed “The Mothership.” 

Despite the film’s cancellation, Charman’s background in acclaimed projects indicates potential future endeavors.

Recent Scrapped Films and Netflix’s Q4 Performance

The decision to scrap “The Mothership” adds to the list of films abandoned during or after production, such as “Batgirl” and “Coyote vs Acme.” Last year, Netflix chose not to release two completed films, “The Inheritance” and “House/Wife,” allowing the makers to shop them elsewhere. 

Despite these challenges, Netflix reported an impressive Q4 performance with over 13 million new subscribers, surpassing predictions.

Halle Berry’s Relationship with Netflix

Halle Berry, an Oscar winner, has collaborated with Netflix on previous projects, including her directorial debut “Bruised.” 

She is set to star in the streamer’s upcoming action thriller “The Union” alongside Mark Wahlberg. Neither Berry nor Netflix has issued an official statement regarding the cancellation of “The Mothership.”