At the end of this month, Netflix's Lucifer is scheduled to restart production on the season 5 finale and announced the production team would immediately transition into filming for season 6. In March, Lucifer was one of many shows put on pause midway through production, even after Netflix decided to extend the fifth season by six episodes.
Over the past few months, as pandemic restrictions begin to loosen, Lucifer joins the many productions that will be making elaborate efforts to ensure cast and crew safety as they resume filming. Steps to create a safe environment on-set have already lead to changes in creative decisions. After the UK issued reopening guides, the new Batman film, starring Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne, has decided to scrap all shooting locations and limit their production to studio sets in efforts to protect the production.
TVLine reports the supernatural crime drama would resume production on September 24, finishing the 16th and final episode of season 5. After they wrap on the finale, the team will move directly into production for the show's sixth and final season. Even though Netflix previously stated the series would end after season 5, they again reassured audiences that the sixth season will indeed be Lucifer's last.
While Lucifer returns to filming, the show will undoubtedly face difficulties in maintaining a safe environment on-set. Other sets that returned to filming have already been forced to shut down again after positive coronavirus tests. Robert Pattinson tested positive for COVID-19 while shooting Batman. Before this, in Malta, the set of Jurassic World: Dominion had four crew members test positive for the virus forcing the team to dramatically adapt the shooting schedule to prevent any further spread.
Although these sets have been investing heavily in safety protocols, they still could not guarantee the safety of the teams. Additionally, due to the long incubation period of the virus, it is often uncertain when they can resume shooting. Lucifer will need to ensure they invest in strict health guidelines to protect everyone on-set and defend against any further delays.
Any infection on-set will inevitably delay the show further; however, there is an opportunity for Lucifer to avoid the same tragedies that have already impacted many sets. Unlike the big-budget film sets that have been postponed due to production outbreaks, as a TV show, Lucifer likely has a smaller crew, which may allow them to ensure everyone's safety and avoid any setbacks entirely. Given the smaller team size and the potential for stricter safety precautions, Lucifer could continue shooting without any significant setbacks, which would allow for the conclusion of season 5 to release sooner rather than later.
Source: TVLine