Lucifer Co-Showrunners Talk Series Finale, Loyal Fans, And What Wouldve Happened In Season 4
Erik Voake/FOX SPOILER ALERT: This interview contains details about tonights series fin..
Erik Voake/FOX
SPOILER ALERT: This interview contains details about tonights series finale of Lucifer.
Its a bittersweet Monday night for Lucifer Executive Producers and Co-Showrunners Joe Henderson and Ildy Modrovich as they say goodbye to the titular dapper devil and his cronies in a series finale that made a big reveal (read our recap here).
Based on the Vertigo comic series created by Neil Gaiman, Sam Kieth, and Mike Dringenberg, the series quickly gained a cult following. But last week, fans and creators of the show were dealt a heavy blow as Fox announced that they were canceling the supernatural series starring Tom Ellis after three seasons.
Even so, Henderson and Modrovich leave with their heads held high as they are proud of the show that they created — as they should be. They created a unique supernatural procedural show about a devil working with a get along gang of officers that raked in a huge a diehard fanbase — a fanbase that is so hellbent on getting the show back that they started a #SaveLucifer campaign.
We talked to Henderson and Modrovich about being canceled, Mondays series finale, how the fans have influenced the show, what we could have seen in season four and whether or not Lucifer will get a new home to continue their adventures.
DEADLINE: When you first heard about the cancellation what was your initial reaction?
ILDY MODROVICH: I think I said something like: “Im sorry. I believe you have the wrong number.” But seriously, I was floored. We knew they were a bubble show, but I didnt realize how much I didnt truly believe that until we got the call. I had a lump in my throat all day as we called our cast and writers to tell them. But it wasnt until I finally connected with Tom that I actually bawled. Sobbed my fool face off, truth be told.
JOE HENDERSON: Weve become a family over these years. Its hard to suddenly face saying goodbye to that.
And then, once social media found out – it was humbling. Wow did the fans rise up and make their voices heard. Whatever comes of #SaveLucifer, knowing how many people care so much about our show has been incredible.
DEADLINE: When working on the season finale did you have it in the back of your mind that it might be the last episode and how did that inform the finale?
HENDERSON: We knew we were fighting for our lives, so we created a season finale that demanded our return! Set up exciting new character dynamics that you couldnt wait to see come to life next season! We were still pretty confident on renewal, so we wanted to push things over the edge and make it impossible to cancel us!! Oops.
MODROVICH: We had no idea that we wouldnt get a chance to wrap up our story in some way. In other words, we figured at the very least, wed get a short order. Which is why we created such a cliffhanger. Even though we knew it was time for Chloe to know the truth, we really are sorry to our fans if we wont be able to explore the fall out of that discovery. So… cross fingers!!!
DEADLINE: Speaking to that — how do you feel about the ending and do you think the fans will feel?
HENDERSON: I think theyll be frustrated as all hell, and I feel terrible about that. But Im really hoping we get a chance to show them why we chose this ending, and all the stories itll lead to. When we pitched season 4 to Fox, everyone was so excited. And by the way, we definitely dont blame Fox for their decision – they have all kinds of business considerations and a crowded schedule, and we get it. Were grateful to them for three seasons of the show we love.
MODROVICH: Well, to be honest, I think the ending rules. I think Tom [Ellis] and Lauren [German] were phenomenal, Joes writing and Eagle [Egilsson]s direction nailed the emotion of it. Even though weve all been waiting for this moment… KNOWING that it was inevitable… I love that it still felt like such a gut punch. Theres so much new story potential now. I just hope we get a chance to share it with our audience.
Related#SaveLucifer: Can Warner Bros. TV Find New Home For Canceled Cult Favorite?
DEADLINE: How much do you think the fans fueled the direction and livelihood of the show?
MODROVICH: Oh, no doubt, the fact that were even on the air is due to the fans. Its tough in todays market to be on a Network that doesnt own you. And its appropriate actually, that weve been the underdog since the beginning – it is a redemption story after all. From the initial testing of the pilot to now, with the #SaveLucifer movement – the fans have been the ones who have always had the most faith in us.
HENDERSON: When it comes to direction, we always tried to do what was best for the characters. Its always tricky because you want to listen to the fans, but sometimes theyll be unhappy with something you do and thats OK. Sometimes you want them to be unhappy, because your torturing a character they love, but in the end the character will be better for the journey. But you also want to be open-minded about what works and doesnt.
And yes, when it comes to livelihood – we exist because of the fans. A show about the devil solving crimes in Los Angeles never should have existed to begin with. It lived for three wonderful seasons because the fans embraced it.
DEADLINE: What did you have planned for season 4?
HENDERSON: As you saw in the finale, Chloe saw Lucifers devil face. Finally, proof that Lucifer really is who he said he was. No turning back. Chloe knows the truth.
So that was the big thrust of season 4 – exploring Chloe dealing with those ramifications, and how it affected her relationship with Lucifer. Both professionally and personally. Can you work with the Devil? Can you LOVE the devil?
MODROVICH: And we also had an exciting character from Lucifers past who was going to come in and mix everything up. A very personal, intimate figure who we wont reveal the identity of yet… until we find out if we get the chance to tell the tale on a new network.
DEADLINE: Are there any updates to find Lucifer a new home to continue this story? Perhaps in a different medium other than TV?
HENDERSON: I think Ildy, myself and the entire cast would perform it in my backyard if thats what it took. We love this show, the characters, and know there are so many more stories to tell.
MODROVICH: Yeah, Joe and I will go do a mimed rendition in the subway if we must. But we really are hopeful about finding a new home. So…. Keep fighting so we can #SaveLucifer!
