Apple loses 'Amazing Stories' showrunner over creative differences

TV veteran Bryan Fuller has left his role as showrunner and executive producer for Apple's "Amazing Stories" reboot, reportedly over a split in the creative approaches the two sides wanted.

Fuller wanted the anthology to hew closer to Netflix's sinister "Black Mirror," but Apple had something else in mind, sources told The Hollywood Reporter. The departure was allegedly amicable.

Other executive producers on the show include Hart Hanson, Justin Falvey, Darryl Frank, and original "Amazing Stories" creator Steven Spielberg. With Fuller gone, Hanson is expected to take on a larger role.

It's unclear what Apple's "something else" was, but previous reports have indicated Apple wants its TV slate to stay relatively sanitized, absent of the sort of violence and sexuality seen on shows like "Game of Thrones" or "Mindhunter." The company even turned down a pitch by Oscar-winning director Alfonso Cuaron, known for movies like "Y Tu Mama Tambien," "Gravity," and "Children of Men."

Fuller has had other recent high-profile clashes in the TV industry, finding himself fired from both "American Gods" and "Star Trek: Discovery" — the first because of a budget dispute, the second for similar reasons as well as questions like casting.

Apple has a batch of high-budget shows en route for 2019, some others being a sci-fi show by "Battlestar Galactica" veteran Ronald Moore, and a sketch comedy show with Kristin Wiig. The company hasn't said how people will be able to watch them, but they are expected to air beyond the borders of Apple Music.