Gregg Araki: Now Apocalypse Season 2 Was Written For Starz

Director Gregg Araki has revealed that a second season of his 2019 Starz series, "Now Apocalypse," was fully written, a development that now mirrors the show's own cancellation. Araki discussed this during an interview with Deadline regarding his new film, "I Want Your Sex," which premiered in theaters on Friday, July 31. He explained that the script for "Now Apocalypse" Season 2 was completed, and the cast was even prepared to return for filming. However, the series was ultimately canceled by Starz, a decision Araki described as "so prophetic" in light of the show's themes of existential dread and societal collapse. The revelation sheds new light on the unfulfilled potential of the series, which explored themes of sex, identity, and paranoia in a surreal, apocalyptic Los Angeles.

"Now Apocalypse," created by Araki and Karley Sciortino, premiered on Starz in February 2019. The series followed Ulysses, a young man navigating his relationships, career, and a series of bizarre, unsettling events that suggested the end of the world was imminent. The show was noted for its distinctive visual style, dark humor, and frank exploration of sexuality, aligning with Araki's established career as a filmmaker known for his provocative and unconventional approach to storytelling. Despite a dedicated fanbase and critical attention for its unique voice, the series did not secure a renewal from Starz, leaving its narrative arc incomplete. The fact that a full second season was written suggests that the creative team had a clear vision for continuing the story and exploring the characters' journeys further.

Araki's comments about the written Season 2 of "Now Apocalypse" come seven years after the show's initial run. His new film, "I Want Your Sex," is also generating buzz, indicating a continued engagement with themes of desire and societal pressures. The parallel between the cancellation of "Now Apocalypse" and its thematic exploration of impending doom or societal breakdown appears to be a significant point of reflection for the director. This situation highlights a common challenge in the television industry, where promising series with unique creative visions can be cut short due to network decisions, leaving audiences and creators alike with a sense of unfinished business. The unproduced Season 2 of "Now Apocalypse" now exists as a testament to the creative ambitions that were curtailed, a narrative echo of the show's own untimely end.