Netflix has left fans stunned after cancelling a serial killer thriller with a star-studded cast led by dad-to-be Robert Pattinson and Robert Downey Jr.
The high-profile film, which was confirmed earlier this year, was titled Average Height, Average Build and set to be helmed by writer and director Adam McKay, from his own script.
However, McKay, who is also known for The Big Short, Vice and Anchorman, has now left the project for undisclosed reasons.
According to Deadline, there is no plan for Netflix to find a replacement for him and so the movie will ‘no longer be moving forward’ – i.e., it’s being abandoned altogether.
Instead, the Oscar-winning filmmaker intends to focus on his next directorial project, which is reported to be a ‘climate related’ one, although no further details are known at this time.
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Average Height, Average Build was picked up by Netflix after McKay brought it to the streamer.
When it was announced in April, other popular actors including among the impressive ensemble were Amy Adams, Forest Whitaker and Danielle Deadwyler.
The thriller was set to follow a serial killer (Pattinson) who hires a lobbyist (Amy Adams) to change the law so that he can commit murder more readily.
As ever, most McKay films come with an edge of sharp satire and dark humour.
The murderer then attempts to stop a dogged retired police officer (Downey Jr.) from following his trail, despite having handed in his gun, with the killer even going so far as to turn himself into a cause célèbre among people while shielding his real motives.
As news spread of the latest cancellation on Netflix, fans were disappointed to be missing out.
‘WE HAVE BEEN ROBBED,’ posted gutted fan @CalIMeDon on X (formerly known as Twitter) as the news spread, while @TheMisterMarcus tweeted: ‘I would like a recount.’
‘That sucks! This is an amazing cast,’ pointed out @FrequencyAyo while @Alt_Z007 added: ‘Damn … that script sounded great!!!’
‘Of course they cancel something that sounds good as hell,’ moaned @jkbmyi on X too, making reference to the reputation that Netflix has earned for cancelling fan-favourite TV shows.
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Although, in this instance, it appears they are reacting to McKay’s departure.
He previously released Don’t Look Up on Netflix, which also revolved around climate issues, as two low-level astronomers are forced on a media tour to warn humankind of an approaching comet that will destroy Earth.
It starred Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Meryl Streep, Cate Blanchett and Timothée Chalamet, and was a big commercial success, as well as earning the streamer four Oscar nominations, including best picture.
Metro.co.uk has contacted Netflix for comment.
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