Mass Effect can seemingly never escape meddling from higher-ups, be it in video game form or with the upcoming TV series from Amazon. Announced in 2024, it’s been in the works for a while, but the new head of global TV at Amazon MGM Studios, Peter Friedlander, has reportedly asked for a rewrite.
This is according to The Ankler, which noted Mass Effect’s TV series is allegedly “on the verge” of being ordered. But what kind of rewrites is Friedlander looking at? Apparently, something to be “more appealing to non-gamers.”
What that exactly means is unknown, but you could interpret it in several ways. Perhaps he’s looking at something that emphasizes more characterization and plotlines that are easily adaptable for TV, as opposed to numerous references to the games. It could also mean a few tweaks to the story that could make it more accessible for “regular” sci-fi fans.
Of course, there’s always the danger that the show could omit the things that make Mass Effect so unique, alienating fans in the process while failing to hook new viewers. Time will tell, but maybe the goal is to replicate Amazon’s success with the Fallout TV series, which saw the New Vegas-centered second season reaching 83 million views about 91 days after its debut.