Sources say the series failed to meet the threshold for a Disney+ renewal based on various metrics, which was recently shared with the cast, creators and production staff at Lookout Point, the show’s production company.
Renegade Nell was introduced three years ago and was one of the most talked-about series commissioned for Disney+ in the UK.
Starring Louisa Harland, the series followed the eponymous Nell, who is framed for murder and unexpectedly becomes the most notorious outlaw in England. But when a magical spirit named Billy Blind appears, Nell realizes her destiny is greater than she could ever imagine. The cast also included Adrian Lester, Nick Mohammed and Joely Richardson.
Written by Wainwright and directed by Ben Taylor, Renegade Nell was well-received, with particular praise for Harland's performance.
A Disney spokesperson said: "Disney+ Original Renegade Nell will not be returning for a second season on the service. We are incredibly proud of the world created by Sally Wainwright and lead director Ben Taylor. We want to thank them, our production partners at Lookout Point, the entire cast - led by Louisa Harland - and the crew for their incredible work on this series, which we hope to work with again in the future."
The Renegade Nell news comes just days after Disney+ and the BBC confirmed Doctor Who (2024) spin-off The War Between the Land and the Sea, starring Russell Tovey and Gugu Mbatha-Raw. The future of that broader Doctor Who (2024) deal has been in the spotlight recently after the revamped sci-fi series received mixed reviews.
Other Disney+ UK Originals include Emma Moran's Extraordinary, Shardlake starring Sean Bean, and the upcoming adaptation of Jilly Cooper's Rivals.
Wainwright, who wrapped up Happy Valley last year, is currently working on BBC drama Riot Women, which follows a punk band formed by five menopausal women.
