As Prime Video prepares to release the final episodes of Carnival Row this week, viewers will witness the story’s emotional climax that follows Rycroft Philostrate (Orlando Bloom) and his estranged love Vignette (Cara Delevingne).
The wait for this final chapter was long and arduous – three-and-a-half years, to be exact – and it also marks a deviation from the initial plan for the ambitious fantasy series.
The original creators Travis Beacham and Marc Guggenheim had envisioned at least four seasons of Carnival Row (via Collider), but unfortunately, that vision has been cut short for now.
Orlando Bloom spoke to RadioTimes.com about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the decision to end the show early, but he did not comment on the behind-the-scenes changes that led to Erik Oleson taking over as the new showrunner.
He said that “there were a lot of changes at the top of the food chain” during the making of the show, but he added that it was “above my pay grade” to discuss them.
He also explained how the pandemic affected the production: “We were finishing what we thought was season 2 when the world went on pause, and we all went into hibernation.
“But whilst that was a really challenging time… everyone could work from home and look at the footage that we had, and really address what was there and what we could do more of – or improve upon.”
“So in the time that we were shut down… they actually got a pretty interesting shape of what the show was.”
Bloom concluded: “I think COVID really put the brakes on everything. It was jarring and so the thinking was, there was a lot of love for the show in season 1 – and certainly Amazon was super supportive – but really, we had so much footage that we were able to take this world and bring it to a conclusion in a really great way.”
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The actor, who has starred in the Lord of the Rings and Pirates of the Caribbean franchises, expressed his satisfaction with the ending chosen by the new showrunner Oleson, who had to deal with a lot of complicated storylines to conclude.
“[He] really delivered the show in a way that I’m very proud of,” said Bloom. “And I think that it’ll stand the test of time. It’s something that I’m really glad I got to do, and I’m sad to see it gone.”
Carnival Row Season 3 Renewal Status: Canceled
Carnival Row burst into the scene in 2019, promising to be a major fantasy television show that could rival some of the most beloved series in the genre.
Expectations were high with a prestigious studio backing it and a star-studded ensemble featuring the likes of Cara Delevingne, Indira Varma, Jared Harris, and Orlando Bloom. Early preview trailers showcased impressive visual effects and alluring fantasy themes, garnering attention from audiences worldwide.
However, 2020 brought its share of challenges, causing many projects to face delays due to the global lockdown. Despite the obstacles, Carnival Row delivered an enthralling second season, reuniting viewers with beloved characters Philo and Vignette after a long absence. Nevertheless, the news is disheartening for fans, as Amazon has canceled Carnival Row after its second season.
Carnival Row Season 3 Release Date: Speculation
While Carnival Row’s cancellation has left fans disheartened, there remains a glimmer of hope for a potential revival in the future. If the show were to come back in one form or another, a realistic timeline could point toward 2025 or beyond.
Given the complexities of production, script development, casting, and post-production, a two to three-year timeframe seems reasonable.
Fans can only hope that the captivating world of Carnival Row will once again grace their screens with its enchanting storytelling and talented cast.
Until any official announcements are made, enthusiasts of the series eagerly await news of a potential resurrection and continue to cherish the show’s magic through rewatches and discussions.
Carnival Row Season 3: Potential Plot
The second season of Carnival Row delved into the divide between ordinary humans and supernatural beings, unveiling the Darkasher mystery and exploring Philo’s enigmatic past. As power dynamics shift with Jonah and Sophie’s ascension, supernatural beings are restricted to the Row, forbidden from flying.
Meanwhile, Vignette is responsible for protecting humans from the Black Raven, while Philo confronts a fresh enigma.
Season 2 expanded the show’s scope, focusing more on the Burgue. Had the show been renewed for a third season, fans could have expected further exploration of Ragusa, the Pact, and the New Dawn.
With Tirnanoc free from the Pact’s rule, a glimpse into the fae’s earliest days would have been intriguing. There is also potential reanimation magic for characters like Darius and Sophie, who could have played pivotal roles in Season 3’s narrative.
Carnival Row Season 3: The Cast
The cast of Carnival Row has been instrumental in bringing the fantastical world to life, with notable performances from talented actors:
- Orlando Bloom (“Pirates of the Caribbean”, “The Lord of the Rings”) as Rycroft “Philo” Philostrate
- Cara Delevingne (“Suicide Squad”, “Paper Towns”) as Vignette Stonemoss
- David Gyasi (“Interstellar”, “Dragonheart”) as Agreus Astrayton
- Tamzin Merchant (“Pride & Prejudice”, “Jane Eyre”) as Imogen Spurnrose
- Andrew Gower (“Outlander”, “Being Human”) as Ezra Spurnrose
Carnival Row: Where to Watch?
Though fans might be disappointed by the cancellation news, they can still enjoy the first two seasons of Carnival Row on Amazon Prime Video. With its impressive visual storytelling, compelling characters, and enthralling plotlines, the show remains a must-watch for fans of the fantasy genre.
Carnival Row: Similar Shows to Fill the Void
If the cancellation of Carnival Row has left you yearning for a more captivating fantasy series, fear not, as other shows can fill the void and transport you to enchanting worlds. These shows offer thrilling narratives and fantastical settings, making them excellent alternatives for fans of Carnival Row:
- The Witcher: Based on the book series by Andrzej Sapkowski, this fantasy series follows the adventures of Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter with extraordinary abilities. The Witcher is a must-watch for fantasy enthusiasts with its rich lore, complex characters, and epic battles.
- His Dark Materials: Adapted from Philip Pullman’s acclaimed trilogy, this series follows the journey of young Lyra Belacqua through parallel universes as she unravels a dangerous conspiracy. It combines magic, adventure, and profound themes, offering a compelling fantasy experience.
- Outlander: This time-traveling historical drama follows Claire Randall, a World War II nurse transported to 18th-century Scotland. With its mix of romance, historical intrigue, and mystical elements, Outlander is a gripping journey through time.
- Shadow and Bone: Adapted from Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse novels, this series combines magic, adventure, and political intrigue in a war-torn world. Follow the story of Alina Starkov, a young soldier with hidden powers, as she navigates through a dangerous landscape.
While nothing can replace the unique allure of Carnival Row, these similar shows will captivate your imagination and provide hours of entertainment in fantastical realms.
Carnival Row Season 3: Uncertain Return
The future of Carnival Row Season 3 remains uncertain, leaving fans eager to hear Amazon’s response to their fervent request for a continuation of the beloved series. The show boasts a dedicated fanbase, an expansive universe, and compelling storylines that continue to resonate with audiences.
With its performance, ratings, and critical acclaim, Carnival Row can be considered a success story that merits further exploration. As we await news of a potential revival, fans can keep the magic alive by rewatching the thrilling adventures of Carnival Row on Amazon Prime Video.
