After the end of a lengthy strike, the entertainment industry anticipated a surge in high-profile packages featuring A-list stars. However, the expected bidding wars and massive sales have not materialized. In fact, more than 20 packages with Oscar and Emmy winners or nominees have failed to attract interest, leading industry insiders to label it the “whiff list.”
The lack of demand is largely attributed to the evolving streaming landscape. The streaming arms race that once fueled star-driven projects has subsided as companies prioritize profitability over subscriber growth. Furthermore, with budgets being cut across the board, executives are hesitant to make risky investments in expensive packages.
Additionally, the success of lower-cost acquisitions like “Suits” has made streamers more cautious about spending big. Buyers are more selective, and packages that would have once been straight-to-series are now being relegated to development deals.
The glut of limited series is also contributing to the diminished demand for A-list star packages. With premium networks and streamers relying heavily on limited series to fill the void created by the strike, the genre has become overcrowded and competitive. This has led to a situation where even A-list stars are struggling to secure roles in limited series due to the sheer number of projects vying for attention.
The industry is now facing a shift as executives prioritize developing and owning their own projects, rather than relying on external packages. Additionally, the availability of A-list stars during the casting process has reduced the need for pre-packaged deals with attached talent.