Movies - TV
An Unmade Sci-Fi Series Landed Netflix In A Load Of Bizarre Trouble
By WITNEY SEIBOLD
In 2013, Carl Erik Rinsch, famed for the film “47 Ronin,” pitched a sci-fi series to Netflix titled “Conquest,” intending to tell a future where AI robots address Earth's crises.
Rinsch secured $61.2 million, gained creative control, and began shooting a “Conquest” demo reel for Netflix. However, chaos ensued due to Rinsch’s erratic behaviors on set.
According to the New York Times, Rinsch raved about conspiracy theories, and he wrote in an email about “the coronavirus signal emanating from within the earth.”
Rinsch extensively misused Netflix's funds on personal expenses, including stock investments and the cryptocurrency market, allegedly earning 23 million dollars in Dogecoin.
Rinsch requested an additional $11 million from Netflix, only to channel the entire sum into his personal brokerage account. He lost nearly $6 million within weeks.
Rinsch reportedly indulged in extravagance, acquiring five Rolls Royces, a Ferrari, and expensive suits and furniture. Despite Netflix's lavish budgets, this was deemed excessive.
The Times also reported that Rinsch berated the crew and took methamphetamines. Eventually, Rinsch's wife, brother, and other close associates staged an intervention.
Rincsh took to Instagram and claimed the Times article wanted to “discuss the fact that I somehow lost my mind ... (Spoiler alert) ... I did not.”
Netflix ceased funding for “Conquest” in 2021, leading to Rinsch filing a breach of contract lawsuit. Notably, he never managed to finish a full episode.