Prime Video’s upcoming spy-thriller series ‘Citadel’ starring Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Richard Madden is certainly one of the most awaited projects lined up for this year. However, considering its difficult production and high costs, the production of Citadel and the budget has zoomed past the $300 million mark (nearly Rs 2500 crores), as per sources cited by The Hollywood Reporter. If that is the case, it will be the second most expensive show of all time to Prime Video’s own ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’.
Nonetheless, the show did hit a roadblock when, in December 2021, Joe Russo replaced the showrunner Josh Appelbaum with Daniel Weil. The Hollywood Reporter further maintained that the budget was increased as he “tossed out a huge bunch of material,” and the show’s massive reshoots. At the time, Mike Larocca, president and co-founder of AGBO, the Russos’ production company, had added, “We felt like it needed some more character work early to draw people into the show. It was that straightforward.”
THR also mentioned that ‘Citadel’ was originally supposed to have eight, hour-long episodes, but finally it was cut down to six, 40 minute episodes. A veteran at Amazon told THR, “There are a couple of relationships where I don’t really understand the bet that is being made. But Jen (Jennifer Salke, Head of Amazon Studios) believes in the Russos.” The reshoots also meant that the cast members were being paid “more than planned”.
Produced by Joe and Anthony Russo, ‘Citadel’ has been planned as the ‘mothership’ show along with local versions in several other countries. ‘Citadel’ will start streaming on April 28.
