Even though Carnival Row may have received a lukewarm response from the critics, it has still managed to create a dedicated fanbase who are dying for Carnival Row Season 2. Amazon Prime Video’s neo-noir Victorian fantasy premiered on August 30, 2019. Amazon renewed the show for another season in July 2019, even before the show came out.
Carnival Row is set in a world full of mythical creatures, who have come from various war-torn places. We follow Rycroft Philostrate (Orlando Bloom) who is investigating a string of murders that uncovers a deep dark mystery at the end. He also rekindles his relationship with his former lover Vignette Stonemoss, (Cara Delavingne) a fairy among dangerous circumstances.
So what is the news on Carnival Row Season 2? Let’s find out.
Also, a friendly reminder. Spoilers ahead!
Carnival Row Season 2: Release Date
Filming for Carnival Row Season 2 began on November 11, 2019, in the Czech Republic. Co-produced by Legendary Television, this is the biggest spending production ever to shoot in the Czech Republic.
Production shut down on March 12 during the Coronavirus pandemic. The pandemic has halted production for a lot of films and TV shows. Several of them have finally started their work again. The production had only two weeks of shooting left. On May 7, the government officials allowed the international shoots to continue. However, the US productions decided to hold back until agreements between Hollywood studios and unions were in place.
According to Variety, Carnival Row Season 2 has wrapped up their post-CoVID filming in August. The show only had two weeks of shooting remaining and it seems like the producers have managed to complete them.
Sources indicate that Amazon is planning to release the second season in two parts with five episodes in each part. This is owing to the Covid pandemic affecting production.
Production in Czech Republic halted due to Covid
The report says that the Czech Film Fund cooperated with the Czech Ministry of Culture in issuing proper documentation that allowed the international cast and crew to enter the country with minimal delay. It also says that the cast and crew members were tested for Covid-19 immediately before and after arriving in the Czech Republic. After the tests, they are put into quarantine until the test results come. This takes usually two to six hours. Reportedly, Amazon Studios and Legendary Television have also taken several additional precautions on set. This included testing the cast and crew innumerable times in a week.
According to the report, producer David Minkowski said that the global coronavirus shutdown hit the Czech film industry very hard. He expressed his gratitude towards the Czech government who acted fast and provided great support to start film productions.
He said, “It’s a testament to the amazing cast and crew of ‘Carnival Row’ that it was one of the first global shows to get back on its feet and complete filming. To be sure, we adopted strict health and safety protocols even though the presence of the virus in the Czech Republic is low.”
Erik Oleson would serve as the showrunner for Carnival Row Season 2. He praised the craftsmanship of the Czech crew and called it “second to none”. Oleson also said that it is one of the best work he has ever seen in more than 30 years in his business.
He added, “The massive sets of ‘Carnival Row’ are built out in such meticulous detail that you wouldn’t know you’re on a backlot. You can walk its streets and alleys and directly into buildings that are functional working sets of their own. What would be prohibitively expensive to construct and film elsewhere is not only possible in the Czech Republic, the locals make it happen for a reasonable price and with a smile.”
Who will come back?
Would there be any Carnival Row without Vignette and Rycroft? Cara Delevingne and Orlando Bloom will return as the fairy Vignette Stonemoss and Cockney Detective Rycroft Philostrate, respectively.
Bloom has also teased the world-building would grow and get much better in the next season.
Other cast members such as David Gyasi, Karla Crome, Indira Varma, Jared Harris, and Tamzin Merchant are also likely to return for Carnival Row Season 2.
Carnival Row Season 2: Potential Plot
In the first season, Philo was investigating the Darkasher murders. He also discovers the connections between the victims of the murders. We also come to find out about fae ancestry. Moreover, he also deduces that his father is the chancellor.
The creators were certainly gearing towards another season. Carnival Row Season 2 is likely to focus on Philo’s discovery and him making up his mind about being half-human and half-fae.
Another focus will be on the reason Philo gave up his badge. We expect him to join Vignette and continue his exploration in the dark world.
There is a higher chance to explore the Faes in the next season. Sources indicate that there will be fights by faes regarding their liberation.
