FX has cancelled a long-in-development sci-fi series after almost 15 years, citing unsettling parallels to real-world events. Originally created by David Hayter (known for his work on X-Men and Metal Gear Solid) and Leslie Greif, the producer of Hatfields & McCoys, the show is now officially shelved, and Greif has explained the reasons behind the decision.
While discussing his new show, The Gray House, with ScreenRant, creator David Grief explained why World War 3 was cancelled after years in development. He said the project became too scary to continue because the storyline started mirroring real-world events too closely. FX, the network producing the show, also felt the subject matter was too sensitive and potentially upsetting for viewers, believing the script’s ideas were frighteningly realistic and believable.
World War 3 Would Have Been Timely—and wildly Successful
When discussing the core message of World War 3, Grief explained that “hope” was central, and he and Hayter aimed to encourage national unity in the US. He shared that a character in the story, Ben, says, “We’re counting on you, Mr. Lincoln. We have got a lot of hope, and we can’t lose the hope.” The miniseries concludes with Willie Nelson performing “The Heart of America,” a song Grief hopes will become a defining anthem for the country and a call for togetherness, especially given how closely the story’s events mirrored real-world anxieties. He urged viewers to find common ground and embrace unity.
It’s surprising that FX decided not to move forward with World War 3, given their history of shows dealing with current events. Alex Garland’s Devs explored the complex issues surrounding tech and AI in Silicon Valley, and Y: The Last Man clearly mirrored the COVID-19 pandemic. Even The Beauty, based on the graphic novel, is Ryan Murphy’s attempt to address the popular trend of Ozempic—a very current topic.
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2026-02-22 22:42