Amazon Prime Video CEO upset with Citadel failure, demands budget analysis for Priyanka Chopra Jonas’ show?

Citadel starred Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Richard Madden in the lead roles

Priyanka Chopra Jonas in a still from Citadel

Priyanka Chopra Jonas recently appeared in the spy thriller series Citadel alongside Richard Madden and it was one of the most awaited of the year. However, unfortunately, it has met with criticism from every viewer. Currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video, the show has received mostly negative reviews from both viewers and critics.

As per Fress Press Journal, Amazon supposedly invested USD 250 million (Rs. 2,000 crore) in Citadel but the show did not manage to captivate the audience. Furthermore, it failed to secure a spot in Nielsen's top 10 list of most streamed shows in the US this year.

A recent media report indicates that individuals familiar with the matter have disclosed that Amazon CEO Andy Jassy has requested a comprehensive budget analysis for the streaming platform’s major shows, including Citadel.

During a time when Amazon is allegedly gearing up for significant employee layoffs, the company is also facing challenges regarding its deal with Priyanka Chopra Jonas, the reports claim. The deal is yet to yield substantial results.

The initial plan for the first season of Citadel was to have a budget of USD 20 million per episode, spanning eight episodes. However, only six episodes were ultimately aired. To circumvent some of the production difficulties encountered in the first season, Joe Russo has been appointed as the director for each episode of the show’s second season. It is reported that he will receive a payment of USD 25 million for this role.

In the meantime, production for the Italian spinoff of Citadel has concluded. The Indian spinoff, starring Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Varun Dhawan, is currently underway.

Premiering on Prime Video in April, Citadel delves into the downfall of a global spy agency. Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Richard Madden portray former spies striving to reconstruct their pasts and regain their strength to confront the Manticore crime organization.

The series, created by the Russo Brothers, boasts an ensemble cast that includes Lesley Manville as Dahlia Archer, Osy Ikhile as Carter Spence, Ashleigh Cummings as Abby Conroy, Roland Møller as Anders Silje and Davik Silje, Caoilinn Springall as Hendrix Conroy.

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