Here’s why Penny Dreadful season 4 didn’t happen, despite the show being acclaimed. While Universal attempted to unite their famous monsters together by kicking off a Dark Universe of shared movies with 2017’s The Mummy, things didn’t work out that way. The movie received roundly negative reviews and underperformed financially, essentially dooming the would-be franchise before it had even begun. TV series Penny Dreadful, on the other hand, did a much classier - and creepier job - bringing together Dracula, Frankenstein’s Monster, Dorian Gray and any number of famous creatures.
Penny Dreadful is a Showtime horror series that stars Eva Green (Casino Royale) and Josh Harnett and is set in 19th Century London. The show received great reviews for its cast - which also included Billie Piper and former James Bond star Timothy Dalton - its gothic atmosphere and respectful handling of its horror icons. With the amount of characters and actors on the show, it appeared to have the potential to run for a long time - which wasn’t ultimately the case.
It came as a shock to fans tuning in to the season 3 finale to learn the show was suddenly ending, so here’s why Penny Dreadful season 4 didn’t happen.
It Was John Logan’s Call To End Penny Dreadful
Penny Dreadful creator John Logan (Skyfall) realized during season 2 of the show that the third season would end the story. The season 3 finale sees Vanessa (Eva Green) dying at the hands of Chandler (Hartnett) in a noble sacrifice, and Logan felt that was the natural end of her story, and by extension, the show itself.
Penny Dreadful Season 4 Wouldn’t Happen
There were plenty of unresolved storylines in Penny Dreadful, such as Ethan’s werewolf backstory and the fate of Dracula. Despite this, fans shouldn’t expect Penny Dreadful season 4, as Logan felt the story couldn’t continue without Vanessa. Of course, given the supernatural shenanigans seen on the series, she could always be resurrected, but Logan seems determined to let Vanessa have her peace.
Penny Dreadful: City Of Angels Is A Forthcoming Spinoff
All is not lost, however, as the franchise will continue in the form of Penny Dreadful: City Of Angels. It appears the series will be more of a spiritual sequel and won’t directly continue storylines from the original show. Penny Dreadful: City Of Angels is set in Los Angeles in 1938, while Rory Kinnear - who played Frankenstein’s Monster - will play a brand new character. The new series is shaping up to be something special, so hopefully, it can live up the quality of Penny Dreadful.
Next: Penny Dreadful: What Dorian Gray’s Portrait Looks Like
