Two Citadel Spinoffs Cancelled Following Reports Of Franchise Pause For Russo Bros. Spy Universe

Two Citadel spinoffs have been canceled following reports of a franchise pause for the Russo brothers' spy universe. Produced by the Russo brothers and premiered in 2023, Prime Video's spy series stars Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra as Citadel agents whose memories have been wiped clean, and years later, they must contend with a new crime syndicate called Manticore. Several international spin-offs have been announced, including the Italian Citadel: Diana and Indian Citadel: Honey Bunny, which both released one season in 2024. However, all Citadel spinoffs were recently put on pause.

Now, according to Variety, the Citadel international spinoffsHoney Bunny and Diana have officially been canceled at Prime Video. However, their storylines will be integrated into the second season of the main Citadel series, which is scheduled to premiere next year. Amazon MGM Studios head of television Vernon Sanders shared the following statement:

While these successful and widely enjoyed international chapters will not continue as individual series, Season 2 of Citadel will be our most exhilarating yet. With high-stakes storytelling, new additions to our amazing cast and bold, cinematic ambition, the new season will deepen the emotional journeys of Nadia, Mason and Orlick against the relentless force that is Manticore. We’re excited to share what’s next when Citadel Season 2 premieres globally in Q2 of 2026.

Additionally, the synopsis for Citadel season 2 reads as follows:

One month after the events of the first season, we find our Citadel spies underground, as they’re being hunted by Manticore agents around the world. They’re pulled out of hiding to join forces with a new team of unconventional spies when Manticore’s Brazilian billionaire Paulo Braga threatens to unleash a cataclysmic piece of technology, built by Citadel’s own Bernard Orlick, into the world.

What Honey Bunny & Diana's Cancellation Means For Citadel Spinoffs

Why Were They Canceled?

The cancellations have occurred even though both Citadel spinoffs were reportedly popular. Honey Bunny became Prime Video's most-watched series globally during its debut weekend in November, while Diana had the best launch for an Italian original on the platform in October. The cancellations also come in the wake of Amazon MGM Studios head Jennifer Salke's departure, who had championed the series and its international rollout. The fact that Citadel failed to achieve the cultural impact that Amazon had hoped for reportedly may have played a role in her exit.

Citadel: Diana Ending Explained

The ending of Citadel: Diana sets up a compelling battle for the titular spy's loyalty, while also setting up a dangerous element within the universe.

Posts

Since the spinoffs were popular, they were seemingly canceled due to concerns about their quality and cost. The main series, Citadel season 1, carried a massive production budget of $300 million for its six episodes, making it one of the most expensive television series ever made. While much money was poured into the production, Citadel season 1 delivered an unimaginative spy adventure that struggled under the weight of its own extravagance. The spinoffs were also expensive to produce, and with Diana and HoneyBunny being canceled, other planned spinoffs set in Spain and Mexico seemingly won't be moving forward either.

Our Take On Honey Bunny & Diana's Cancellation

It's Another Failed Franchise For The Russo Brothers

With Diana and Honey Bunny both being canceled, Citadel is just the latest failed franchise that the Russo brothers have tried to build. They previously attempted to expand their 2022 Netflix film, The Gray Man, into a larger universe with a sequel and a spinoff film, which have yet to make any significant progress and seemingly never will.

Having failed at creating their own franchises, the Russo brothers have run back to the Marvel Cinematic Universe to direct the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars. It's perhaps a better use of their talents since their best work, as seen in the MCU and directing episodes of Arrested Development and Community, has always come when serving others' artistic vision, rather than having their own.

Source: Variety