Disney Plus has announced the greenlighting of two Canadian series, marking a significant milestone for the platform’s original content in Canada. This announcement comes amidst ongoing discussions regarding investment requirements for foreign streaming services in the Canadian market.
New Canadian Series from Disney Plus
The first series is a scripted comedy titled “Knighted,” with Bruce McCulloch, known for his work on “Kids in the Hall,” serving as executive producer. The show, co-created by Mike Mildon and Jackson Rowe, will consist of eight episodes. It is described as a quirky, docu-style exploration of a medieval-themed dinner theater company, revealing its secrets. This production is executed by Heavy Lifting Productions, which is also working on the P.K. Subban drama “Junior” for CBC.
The second project is a three-part true crime documentary called “I’m Not Coming Back.” This series will delve into a 2019 manhunt for teenage suspects involved in a killing spree in Northern British Columbia. Following a comprehensive search, authorities found the bodies of the fugitives, who reportedly confessed via video before their deaths by suicide.
Directorial Team
Brent Hodge, an accomplished filmmaker hailing from St. Albert, Alberta, directs “I’m Not Coming Back.” Hodge is known for his previous works, including the documentaries “I Am Chris Farley” and “Freaks and Geeks: The Documentary.”
Significant Step for Canadian Storytelling
- Disney Plus launched in Canada in 2019.
- “Knighted” and “I’m Not Coming Back” are Disney’s first original Canadian productions.
- Disney emphasizes this move as crucial for enhancing Canadian storytelling on its platform.
Currently, there is no set release date for either series. The announcement follows the Canadian government requesting a review of the CRTC’s directive that mandates foreign streamers to invest 15% of their revenue from Canada into Canadian content—a significant increase from the previous 5% requirement.
Industry Reactions
The Canadian film and television community has voiced concerns regarding this government action. Organizations such as the Directors Guild of Canada and ACTRA argue that the government is yielding to pressures from major tech companies, creating instability within the industry. Meanwhile, the Motion Picture Association expressed cautious optimism about the government’s new policy direction but highlighted unresolved concerns regarding the Online Streaming Act.
