Netflix Faces Potential Cancellation of Zach cregger Film Amid Creative Dispute
LOS ANGELES, CA - A new film project from director Zach Cregger is caught in a standoff with Netflix, possibly facing cancellation as disagreements over creative control continue. The project, currently titled the Flood, is experiencing significant turbulence, mirroring previous conflicts Cregger experienced with the streaming giant over his Resident Evil adaptation.
Sources indicate the dispute centers on Cregger’s ongoing objections to aspects of the film’s development. While Netflix maintains the project is in “active development,” internal discussions remain unresolved, with one representative stating that “discussions are still ongoing.” The situation raises questions about the extent of creative freedom granted to filmmakers working with the platform and echoes a pattern of Netflix potentially shelving projects when disagreements escalate – a practice often attributed to CEO Ted Sarandos.
The conflict arrives as Netflix navigates a shifting strategy regarding film releases. The company recently saw success with both a wide theatrical release for KPop Demon hunters following its streaming popularity, and a traditional theatrical run for Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, with over 400 theaters participating. These moves suggest a potential openness to broader release strategies, but the fate of The Flood remains uncertain.
Currently, Resident Evil, directed by Cregger, is slated for theatrical release on September 16, 2026. the Flood is currently projected for a 2028 release, though that timeline is now in jeopardy. The outcome of the current dispute could set a precedent for future filmmaker-Netflix collaborations and determine whether The Flood will ever reach audiences.
