Netflix Batgirl’d Grendel, Series Not Moving Forward

Another masked comic-book hero has been taken down. According to Deadline, Netflix will not move forward with the Dark Horse comic-book series Grendel, which originally had an eight-episode order through the streamer’s first-look deal with Dark Horse Entertainment. The series, written and executive produced by Supernatural’s Andrew Dabb, reportedly had finished filming a “bulk” of the episodes, but it was not completed. It would have become the first comic-book series with an Arab Muslim actor, Abubakr Ali, in the titular leading role. Reportedly, the producers are able to shop the series elsewhere.

Grendel follows Ali as Hunter Rose, a fencer-assassin who seeks to avenge the death of his long-lost love. Originally fighting against New York City crime, he decides to join in on the fun. The show also stars Jaime Ray Newman, Julian Black Antelope, Madeline Zima, Kevin Corrigan, Emma Ho, Erik Palladino, Brittany Allen, and Andy Mientus. Maybe Grendel can take a page from Batgirl’s book and host a private screening (or at least post some behind-the-scenes pics.)

Update September 29: Grendel has taken at least one page from Batgirl’s book and let the team behind it start issuing statements on its cancellation. Lead actor Abubakr Ali made a statement via Instagram decrying the lack of complicated roles for Muslims on TV, and expressing gratitude for the crew that made Grendel almost happen.