Has Netflix renewed "Marco Polo" for Season 3? Rumors are rife that the streaming site might not greenlight the show for a third season due to budget constraints, and this has some avid viewers concerned. However, "Marco Polo" creator John Fusco hints it's not actually all over yet.
The lack of updates from Netflix over the fate of the historical epic series has given rise to speculations that the company might not be going ahead with "Marco Polo" Season 3. But on Twitter, John Fusco posted a few messages that seemingly addressed the talks that have been going around on the internet regarding the show.
Alluding to the rumors, the writer-producer wrote, "I guess you know a show has entered the global buzz when the rumor mill gets whacko," on July 28 on Twitter. He also posted another tweet, which suggested that the renewal or cancellation rumors on "Marco Polo" are unfounded. Using a photo with Kublai Khan and Hundred Eyes, Fusco captioned, "We're not done, Monk. Me and you, we're not done."
"We're not done, Monk. Me and you, we're not done." #KublaiKhan #HundredEyes @MarcoPoloMP @greatwhitematt @netflix pic.twitter.com/JSTQUwvknb
— John Fusco (@JohnFusco12) July 31, 2016
John Fusco also wrote an op-ed piece on Deadline on July 26, which underscores what "Marco Polo" has done for the entertainment landscape in Hollywood. His piece highlighted how the show has gained "a loyal and dedicated global following" and has given rise to Asians at the front and center of television, in an industry where Caucasians supposedly dominate.
Fusco further wrote that this shift in Hollywood would not have happened had there been no platform like Netflix. Deadline editors also noted that "Marco Polo" is the "second-most-watched original digital series" on the streaming service at the time of Season 2's launch.
Based on these, it would appear that "Marco Polo" was able to achieve what it originally aimed for -- to have Netflix reach a wide international subscriber market, where viewers are more concerned about "quality programming and storytelling regardless of ethnicity and gender." While this doesn't confirm "Marco Polo's" Season 3 renewal just yet, it does put the show on good standing with Netflix.
Meanwhile, Olivia Cheng, who plays the concubine Mei Lin in "Marco Polo" is also hoping for a third season renewal. Addressing a fan on Twitter, the actress said she's aware there are storylines being thrown in for "Marco Polo" Season 3 and she hopes it will come to fold.
I hope so! Heard some things about the storyline coming up and I want to bring it to life. And thank you https://t.co/ALMbWKWz7w — Olivia Cheng (@ThatOliviaCheng) July 29, 2016
At the end of "Marco Polo" Season 2, her character decided to head back to the capital to get her revenge against the traitor, Kublai Khan's adopted son, Ahmad. Prince Jinhjim, his other brother Byamba, and the monk, witnessed what how she killed Ahmad, and agreed she would have to leave the capital for good. But, just like "Marco Polo," it looks like Mei Lin's story is also not yet done.
"Marco Polo" debuted its full 10-episode Season 1 on Netflix in December 2014, while its full 10-episode second season started streaming on the site since July 1. The show is co-produced by The Weinstein Company, the studio behind hundreds of Oscar-winning movies.
