Netflix has cancelled its 'Messiah' series, confirming that there will be no Season 2 of the show, which was produced by Mark Burnett and Roma Downey.
One of the stars of the show, Wil Traval, told the disappointing news to fans through his Instagram account this week, writing: "It's a very sad day today. I have just received news from Netflix that there will be no season 2 of #messiah I wanted to say to all the fans thank you for your support and love. I wish things were different."
Reports have claimed that one factor which influenced Netflix choosing to cancel the series is the show's necessity to shoot in various international locations. The streaming service did not feel comfortable given the current global situation with coronavirus-related lockdowns affecting countries all over the world.
The 'Messiah' series featured the appearance in the Middle East of a Christ-like character who, following an apparently spectacular miracle, gains a following.
Through the episodes, various government agencies have to decide what they make of the figure people start calling al-Masih. It's a title used by Muslims and Arab Christians for Jesus, meaning the anointed one.
Al-Masih himself, played by the actor Mehdi Dehbi, prefers to describe himself as a messenger.
The show sparked controversy, and Netflix was asked not to stream the show in Jordan.
Netflix released the series in January, with "Mission: Impossible" actress Michelle Monaghan, portraying CIA agent Eva Geller, who is determined to get to the bottom of who Al-Masih (Mehdi Dehbi) is.
The show goes on to depict the reactions of people all around the world to the Christ-like man, who claims to be sent by God.
The central character goes on to build a worldwide following of people from different religious backgrounds, including Christians, Jews and Muslims, as modern day secular societies respond in various ways to the man's messiah-like miracles such as walking on water and astonishing healings.
