Jennifer Salke is officially out at Amazon Studios, but not before quietly handing out one last golden parachute — this time to none other than Phoebe Waller-Bridge, a creator who’s raked in over $100 million from Amazon without delivering a single show or film.
Yes, you read that right. Zero. Zilch. Nada.
While the trades covered Salke’s ouster last week — another executive exit that industry insiders have seen coming for months — one detail was conveniently missing: her final, baffling move as studio head.
According to Puck’s Matt Belloni, Salke re-upped Waller-Bridge’s sweetheart deal yet again, even after six years of no output and a failed attempt at reviving Tomb Raider.
This is the same Salke who oversaw the $500 million disaster that was The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, a series that hemorrhaged viewers and fan goodwill faster than Amazon could refresh its Prime Video UI. She also greenlit Citadel, a $300 million Russo Brothers experiment that fizzled out and became the punchline of Hollywood’s streaming era.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 15: Jennifer Salke, Head of Amazon Studios attends “The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power” Los Angeles Red Carpet Premiere & Screening on August 15, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)
But somehow, the most baffling of Salke’s blunders might just be her unwavering commitment to Waller-Bridge. The original 2019 deal gave the Fleabag creator and Indiana Jones ruiner $20 million per year for exclusive rights to her ideas — and again, nothing came of it. When that deal expired, Salke renewed it in 2022. Still, nothing.
And now, just before heading for the exit, Salke converted the deal into a non-exclusive “first look” agreement — supposedly for “significantly less” money. Translation: Waller-Bridge can now shop projects elsewhere while Amazon still holds out hope that one of these years, maybe, she’ll actually create something.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 01: Mike Hopkins, Jennifer Salke, and Vernon Sanders attend the premiere of Amazon’s “Harlem” series at AMC Magic Johnson Harlem on December 01, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Hatnim Lee/WireImage)
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Even more eye-roll-worthy? Salke told Variety that she has “no regrets” about the Waller-Bridge deal, calling it a “long-term commitment” and bizarrely likening it to a glorified “holding deal.” It’s unclear whether Amazon’s shareholders agree with that sentiment.
“When we look at a long-term commitment to a creator like Phoebe — we’re so happy now that we retained her…,” Salke said.
Happy? Really?
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 07: Phoebe Waller-Bridge onstage during the Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny presentation during the studio panel at Star Wars Celebration 2023 in London at ExCel on April 07, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Kate Green/Getty Images for Disney)
Amazon has spent more money holding Waller-Bridge than most studios spend making entire seasons of television. Meanwhile, the projects she was attached to — like the Tomb Raider reboot — have either imploded or been completely retooled.
It’s a case study in what happens when Hollywood executives care more about perceived prestige than actual results. Waller-Bridge may have a few Emmys under her belt, but so far, she’s burned through Amazon’s cash without delivering even a teaser trailer.
CANNES, FRANCE – MAY 18: Phoebe Waller-Bridge attends “Indiana Jones and The Dial Of Destiny” photocall at Carlton Pier on May 18, 2023 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Disney)
And now Salke is gone — but the mess she left behind is still very much Amazon’s problem.
How do you feel about Phoebe Waller-Bridge being paid $100 million by Amazon to do absolutely nothing? Sound off in the comment section below and let us know!
Wait…so she’s produced zilch since her deal, but its The Russo’s getting heat in all of the press because of what they did produce wasn’t exactly up the snuff? Women really do run Hollywood and the entertainment press.
This is what you can expect from a feminist like her – steal your money and give you nothing in return.
Phoebe Wonky-Fridge was responsible for writing the “humour” in the woke, tedious bond movie, Spectre. Oh dear.
She’s probably earmarked to help ruin the new Amazon Bonds, too.
Heaven save us from DEI.
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I’d like to fill out a job application please.
Did someone wipe fecal matter on this dummy’s five head?