Britt Marling is hopeful for The OA’s third season despite setbacks and changes in the industry.
The world of entertainment is always full of surprises, and in the case of The OA, a Netflix series that has been admired by both critics and fans, the surprise may be the unexpected return. Britt Marling, co-creator of this mystery and drama series, shared her hopes of reviving the story for a third season, even though it was canceled years ago. But how much can this dream be?
The end is not the end
The cancellation of the series in 2019, after captivating audiences, was a setback for both Marling and the series’ loyal audience. In a recent interview with Vulture, Marling expressed her pain and resignation, but also a glimmer of hope. According to her, if the conditions and circumstances are right, OA could pick up from where the second season left off.
One of the biggest challenges for the return of OA is the issue of copyright. Marling and Zal Batmanglij, the creators of the series, do not own the rights, complicating any attempt at a resurrection. However, Marling remembers episodes like ‘Twin Peaks’ that returned after a long hiatus. This premise gives ‘The OA’ a glimmer of hope.
Why was the series cancelled?
Netflix’s cancellation was primarily due to cost and viewership parity. Netflix CEO Reed Hastings explained in an interview that the platform wants to balance costs with views. Despite the series’ critical success, it was highly rated on Rotten Tomatoes and ranked high on popular lists, but the final decision was based on numbers.
The writers’ strike and changes in the business model of the entertainment industry played a role in OA’s cancellation. This situation is not unique to this series as other Netflix productions have suffered the same fate. However, with the new interim agreement between SAG-AFTRA and the major studios, there may be a window of opportunity for Marling and Batmanglij to continue working.
Prairie Johnson: The Heart of OA
Prairie Johnson, a master of Marling, is more than just the central character of the series. She represents a combination of mystery, mystery and humanity that captivated the audience from the very first episode. Blind at the start of the series, Prairie regains her sight years later, taking viewers on a journey through alternate dimensions and emotional challenges. Her story, not just one of survival but one of empowerment and a search for truth, resonates deeply in an era where strong and complex female characters are increasingly celebrated.
The plot unfolds like a tapestry of genres: from drama and science fiction to thriller, each element intertwines to create an unforgettable narrative. Compared to cult series like Stranger Things or Darkness, OA stands out for its unique focus on spirituality and human relationships. Although these series share supernatural and mystical elements, the series brings its viewers to a deep reflection and emotional connection, thanks to the complexity and beauty of Prairie Johnson.
Marling teaches us that in the world of entertainment, even when the lights go out, the hope of rebirth continues to shine. Marling’s commitment and fan loyalty could be the spark needed to revive this unique story. Only time will tell if OA finds its way back to our screens.