The Mass Effect TV show, which is adapting the popular video game series of the same name from BioWare but has yet to see the light of day, has reportedly received a major update. A new report reveals that the chief of Amazon MGM Studios’ global television division has ordered a big change to it to make it approachable to those who haven’t played the games.
Amazon boss reportedly orders Mass Effect TV show rewrites
The Mass Effect TV series is reportedly undergoing a creative overhaul under the direction of Amazon MGM Studios’ Head of Global TV, Peter Friedlander.
The Ankler recently reported that the television adaptation of the sci-fi video game franchise is “on the verge of” being ordered. However, Friedlander has reportedly requested rewrites to ensure the show is “more appealing to non-gamers” (via IGN).
Deadline first reported in 2021 that Amazon Studios was close to reaching a deal to develop the series. Variety reported that development was underway three years later, also revealing that Daniel Casey was attached to write and executive produce alongside Karim Zriek (Cedar Tree Productions), Ari Arad, and Michael Gamble (EA).
Months later, Doug Jung, who co-wrote Star Trek Beyond’s screenplay and also served as the showrunner of Chief of War, starring and co-created by Jason Momoa, was reported to have boarded the series as showrunner.
Plot details have not been revealed as of writing, and the cast has yet to materialize. However, BioWare’s official blog revealed that the show would tell “a brand-new story” that takes place after the original trilogy of games.
The first game launched in 2007 and spawned two direct sequels — Mass Effect 2 (2010) and Mass Effect 3 (2012) — as well as a fourth game, Mass Effect: Andromeda. A fifth installment is reportedly in active development.
The initial three titles follow Commander Shepard, whose gender can be changed by players, as they and their allies combat hibernating machines known as Reapers, who threaten the safety of the Milky Way galaxy.
Meanwhile, the fourth game follows a new protagonist, Scott/Sara Ryder, as they assume the role of Pathfinder and try to find a new homeworld for humanity while battling the alien species known as Kett.