Netflix declines second coming for controversial ‘Messiah’ drama

Messiah

Netflix has cancelled MGM Television-produced thriller Messiah after just one season.

The series followed Michelle Monaghan as a CIA agent investigating a mysterious and charismatic man (Mehdi Dehbi), whose followers believed him to be the return of Jesus Christ.

The news was confirmed by series star Wil Traval, who wrote on social media: “It’s a very sad day today. I have just received news from Netflix that there will be no season two of #Messiah. I wanted to say to all the fans thank you for your support and love. I wish things were different.”

The nature of the series sparked controversy worldwide, with The Royal Film Commission of Jordan requesting that the drama not be shown in the predominantly Muslim country, just two days before its Netflix debut.

Further concerns were raised over scenes that were filmed on Jerusalem’s sacred Temple Mount.

US reports have suggested that the nature of the show’s large cast and an array of international locations was deemed risky in the current Covid-19 environment.