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Netflix Cancels Second Season of 'Queen Sono' Due to COVID-19 Pandemic
Netflix has reportedly cited filming challenges that have been brought on by the pandemic as the reason for their decision to cancel the second season of the spy-thriller series, 'Queen Sono'.
According to The Citizen, Netflix has decided that Africa's first Original Series, Queen Sono, will not go ahead for a second season. This comes after initial reports in April of this year that Queen Sono had been given the thumbs-up for a second season. Speculations on the possible reasons for halting the show vary, according to IOL. However, Netflix cited difficulties in filming due to challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
<p><strong><em><a href="https://www.okayafrica.com/queen-sono-launches-on-netflix-interview-with-cast-pearl-thusi/" target="_blank">Read: 'Queen Sono' is the Bad-Ass Women-Led African Spy Thriller Like No Other: Here's What its Stars Have to Say About It.</a></em><a href="https://www.okayafrica.com/queen-sono-launches-on-netflix-interview-with-cast-pearl-thusi/" target="_blank"></a></strong><a href="https://www.okayafrica.com/queen-sono-launches-on-netflix-interview-with-cast-pearl-thusi/" target="_blank"></a></p><p><em>Queen Sono </em>lead, <a href="http://www.okayafrica.com/tag/pearl-thusi" target="_self"><strong>Pearl Thusi</strong></a>, released a <a href="https://citizen.co.za/lifestyle/your-life-entertainment-your-life/movies-and-tv/2401552/everything-happens-for-a-reason-pearl-thusi-on-queen-sono-cancellation/" target="_blank">bittersweet statement</a> to <em>The Citizen</em> in response to the news.</p><p><div class="preroll-video"></div><ora-player></ora-player></p><blockquote>"It's so incredible that we as a team got a lifetime opportunity to make history together as there will never be another 'first' African Netflix original series. I'm proud of the work we did, but everything happens for a reason. I am excited about what the future holds."</blockquote><p style="text-align: left;">The Netflix team reportedly stated that <a href="https://citizen.co.za/lifestyle/your-life-entertainment-your-life/movies-and-tv/2401552/everything-happens-for-a-reason-pearl-thusi-on-queen-sono-cancellation/" target="_blank">axing the show was a difficult decision</a> because of the "dream vision" achieved through the show. According to <strong><em>The Citizen</em></strong>, Netflix' spokesperson <a href="https://citizen.co.za/lifestyle/your-life-entertainment-your-life/movies-and-tv/2401552/everything-happens-for-a-reason-pearl-thusi-on-queen-sono-cancellation/" target="_blank">thanked <em>Queen Sono</em> fans</a> from around the world for their continued and fervent support of the production. Furthermore, <em>Queen Sono</em> creator, <a href="https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/tv/streaming/netflix-cancels-queen-sono-starring-pearl-thusi-be66e7f1-aa56-4b2a-8040-e7c01a6d7fca"><strong>Kagiso Lediga</strong></a>, commented on the recent news saying, "We wrote a beautiful story that spanned the continent but unfortunately could not be executed in these current trying times."</p><p><em>Queen Sono</em> is the first Netflix African Original Series to come out this year. The series follows an action-packed story about a South African spy played by Thusi. The show was initially commended for its high production quality although there were some lukewarm responses internationally. <strong><em>The Hollywood Reporter</em></strong> especially critiqued Thusi's <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/queen-sono-review-1281706" target="_blank">inconsistent performance and lack of character development</a> in relation to the rest of the cast.</p><p><div class="dfp_atf-slot" data-not-loaded="true"></div><script type="text/javascript">
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</script></p><p><em>Queen Sono</em> is one of many productions to be halted due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. <strong> </strong><a href="http://www.okayafrica.com/tag/lupita-nyongo" target="_blank"><strong>Lupita Nyong'o</strong></a> and <strong><a href="http://www.okayafrica.com/tag/danai-gurira" target="_blank">Danai Gurira's</a> </strong><a href="https://www.okayafrica.com/americanah-series-axed-due-to-coronavirus-/" target="_blank"><em>Americanah </em>series was recently cancelled</a> by HBO Max before it went into production. South Africans, however, can still look forward to the second season of popular Netflix Original Series, <a href="https://www.okayafrica.com/netflix-blood-and-water-returns-for-second-season/" target="_blank"><em>Blood and Water</em></a></p>
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