According to Deadline, Amazon MGM Studios’ Citadel franchise is facing an uncertain future after the sudden departure of studio head Jennifer Salke. The global spy thriller, one of Salke’s most ambitious projects, was a major investment for the service as it features a multi-series, multi-country expansion spearheaded by the Russo brothers’ (The Electric State, Avengers: Endgame) studio AGBO.
Salke’s exit comes at a pivotal moment for the franchise. Season two of the main Citadel series, starring Richard Madden (Eternals, Game of Thrones) and Priyanka Chopra-Jonas (Love Again, The Sky Is Pink), is currently in post-production while its two international spin-offs—Citadel: Diana (Italy) and Citadel: Honey Bunny (India)—are awaiting decisions on their futures after debuting in late 2023.
Deadline reports that the series has been under scrutiny since its initial troubled development. Season one saw multiple showrunner changes, extensive reshoots, and a reported budget exceeding $200 million for only six episodes. Despite its solid but not spectacular ratings—becoming Prime Video’s second-most-watched new original outside the U.S. and fourth-most-watched globally in its first month—Amazon’s renewal for a second season raised eyebrows.
Originally targeting a fall 2025 release, season two is now expected to drop early next year, with sources indicating a Q1 launch. Meanwhile, the international spin-offs have performed well locally but failed to achieve global breakout success. Honey Bunny is believed to have a stronger chance at renewal, but both could face cancellation. Future expansions, including a planned spin-off in Mexico, are now on hold as Amazon shifts its focus to finishing season two.
With Salke gone, the future of the Citadel universe is more uncertain than ever. The franchise will likely need to surpass season one’s performance to justify further investment. For now, Amazon is staying quiet, with no official word on renewal decisions for either the main series or its international counterparts.
From Amazon MGM Studios and AGBO, Citadel follows an elite spy agency battling a powerful global syndicate. In addition to Madden and Chopra-Jonas, the series stars Stanley Tucci (Conclave, Central Park) and Lesley Manville (Grotesquerie, Moonflower Murders). David Weil (Invasion, Hunters) is currently serving as showrunner.
