Two previously announced Netflix movies have been shut down after animation department shakeup

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Movies are axed and jobs are at risk as Netflix plans to restructure its animation department

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(Image credit: Netflix/DNEG Animation)

In an exclusive with Variety, a Netflix spokesperson confirmed that the company’s animation unit will undergo a restructure, resulting in job cuts across the department and the cancellation of two films that are already in pre-production. 

The two scrapped projects include the previously unannounced Escape from Beverly Hills, which will return to the open market, and Tunga, a film based on Zimbabwean spiritual culture and mythology, which will return to development.

The news comes after Netflix executive and animation vice president Karen Toliver made tweaks to the long-term strategy for the group, choosing to focus on recruiting outside producers to air their animated works on the service instead of creating new content in-house. 

Netflix isn't the only company making such drastic changes. Recently, DreamWorks announced plans to cut up to 70 jobs in their animation field and will also be outsourcing production more often from now on. 

Despite this, Netflix Animation has had its biggest year yet in 2023 with smash hits such as Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, which took the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Further seemingly successful releases lay on the streaming horizon, with Adam Sandler’s Floridian Lizard tale Leo coming to the service on November 17, and the highly anticipated Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget due to release in theatres on October 14, with a December 15 release to follow on Netflix. 

Can’t wait for the Chicken Run sequel? Check out our list of the 30 best kids' movies on Netflix available to stream right now. For more on Netflix see our list of the 7 movies and shows you have to watch this October on the streaming site. 

Megan Garside
Megan Garside
Junior Social Media Editor, GamesRadar+

I'm the Junior Social Media Editor here at GamesRadar+, handling all of Total Film's social platforms. However, I also write, covering all things film and TV for the site's entertainment section. I joined GamesRadar+ in 2023 and have been here ever since. I previously worked in communications after graduating with an MA in journalism. In my spare time, you can find me binging horror movies or getting lost in a cosy little game on my Switch.