Netflix’s $55 Million Sci-Fi Show ‘Conquest’ Implodes Amid Filmmaker’s Bizarre Behavior and Legal Battles

In a recent revelation, streaming giant Netflix invested a staggering $55 million in a sci-fi series titled “Conquest” helmed by filmmaker Carl Rinsch. Unfortunately, the promising venture took a nosedive into chaos, plagued by behind-the-scenes turmoil and eccentric conduct from Rinsch, leading to its eventual demise.

Following the critical failure of Rinsch’s 2013 Hollywood debut, “47 Ronin,” the director shifted gears towards “Conquest,” an original sci-fi concept that captured industry attention in 2018. Netflix secured the project with an eight-figure deal, offering Rinsch final cut privileges. However, what ensued after the agreement was a series of setbacks, with not a single episode of the show reaching completion.

Amid a competitive streaming landscape, Netflix outbid Amazon for the series, shelling out a total of $61.2 million in installments. The show’s premise revolved around artificial humans known as the Organic Intelligent (O.I.), initially deployed as peacekeepers globally until a revelation about their true mission triggered conflicts.

Netflix granted Rinsch extensive creative and budgetary control over the production, a decision that would backfire as the director’s erratic behavior escalated. Reports detail Rinsch’s involvement in legal disputes with a different production company, stemming from issues during the creation of “Conquest’s” proof-of-concept episodes. As production commenced, Rinsch’s behavior reportedly took a bizarre turn, including unconventional theories about COVID-19 and claims of discovering a “coronavirus signal” emanating from the earth.

Additional instances of Rinsch’s erratic conduct during filming involved conflicts with his now-seeking-a-divorce wife, allegations of attempted assassination, crew complaints, and missed production milestones. In 2021, Netflix ultimately pulled the plug on “Conquest.” Following the collapse of the project, Rinsch reportedly invested the remaining $11 million in cryptocurrencies, using the profits to indulge in a fleet of Rolls Royces and other extravagances.

Currently, Rinsch is entangled in a legal battle with Netflix, asserting that the streaming giant contractually owes him $14 million. The downfall of “Conquest” stands as a cautionary tale amid the ever-growing competition among streaming platforms.