Disney Plus has quietly pulled the plug on two unreleased original series

Two Disney Plus shows will not be airing on the streamer after it pulls the plug on them.

Disney Plus is currently home to some of the biggest TV shows in the world, including the Marvel Cinematic Universe streaming shows and the Star Wars offshoots. However, not every show on the streamer is as lucky as those spawned out of those two juggernaut franchises.

In a surprise move that has left fans stunned, Disney recently announced the cancellation of two unreleased shows: Nautilus and The Spiderwick Chronicles. The decision comes from the House of Mouse’s desire to reduce costs across Disney Plus.

While other production companies like Warner Bros have set similar precedents – think of the axing of Batgirl – Disney’s choice to abandon shows that were close to their release phase due to budgetary reasons is actually a little grim.

Nautilus and The Spiderwick Chronicles are no longer moving forward at Disney Plus

Nautilus, a 10-episode series inspired by the classic 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, had already completed filming all of its episodes. Starring Shazad Latif as Captain Nemo and Georgia Flood as Humility Lucas, the series revolved around a magical adventure with a vengeance-driven Indian Prince at its helm.

It’s important to note that all may not be lost for Nautilus, as Disney is reportedly “shopping” the series to other platforms and networks. Meetings and screenings are said to be underway.

Disney has also called curtains on another anticipated series according to Deadline: The Spiderwick Chronicles. Produced in collaboration with Paramount Television Studios and Disney’s 20th Television, this series, too, is being shopped around to potential buyers.

These cancellations are slightly concerning, especially with the series being cancelled so deep into production, and they raise questions about the future of original programming on Disney Plus. Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time that this happened on Disney Plus. The streamer has also removed certain series from its platform entirely in recent months, making them vanish into thin digital air. Yep. Cold-blooded series murder. No DVDs, no reruns, gone.

But for now, let’s keep our fingers crossed that both Nautilus and The Spiderwick Chronicles find new harbors for their fantastical tales.

Would you like to see The Spiderwick Chronicles and Nautilus find new homes? Which of the cancellations shocked you most?