During the last development season, Fox gave “Hieroglyph” a straight-to-series order and placed it on the midseason schedule for a 2015 debut.
However, Entertainment Weekly is reporting that Fox has shut down production of “Hieroglyph” and canceled the series before the second episode had even been filmed. According to the report, Fox executives were unhappy with the creative direction of the series and they informed the show’s writers of their decision earlier today.
“Hieroglyph” was created by Travis Beacham (Pacific Rim) and it was going to follow the adventures of a “notorious thief who is plucked from prison to serve the Pharoah, forcing him to navigate palace intrigue, seductive concubines, criminal underbellies and divine sorcerers, as he races to stop the downfall of one of history’s greatest civilizations.”
Related: Fox Puts ‘Gotham’ on Mondays, Shifts Fall Schedule
This was widely seen as Fox’s attempt to enter the fantasy realm of “Game of Thrones,” but the preemptive cancelation seems to be a rebuke of outgoing programming chief, Kevin Reilly; who had previously ordered the show.
Potentially, the absence of “Hieroglyph” could open the door for another drama series on Fox or two half hour comedies. Alternatively, “Hieroglyph’s” spot on the midseason schedule could also go to a reality show, an event miniseries or a previously existing Fox show.
In case you were curious, the trailer below shows what “Hieroglyph” would have been like.
