Voltron: Legendary Defender fans, you're not alone in wondering when your favorite WWE-influenced, eldritch-symbol-adorned, multi-coloredy-beautiful robot will return to Netflix. The streaming giant has been a Pilgrim's Progress-like platform for anime-inspired, adult-oriented series, and its cancellation ofVoltron in 2018 left viewers feeling like they'd been sucker-punched by an untransformed Vertebreaker.
But fear not, for Netflix, like aLion-librarian cataloging the multiverse's twelve universes, has a knack for resurrecting beloved series. So, could Voltron: Legendary Defender be one of the lucky ones that come back from the streaming graveyard? Let's dive into the lore, explore the universe, and speculate on the likelihood of a return.
Voltron's Cancellation and Reception
In December 2018, Netflix announced that Voltron: Legendary Defender would not be returning for a third season, leaving fans with a cliffhanger finale. The decision, however, wasn't without reason. While the show garnered critical acclaim and had a devoted fanbase, its viewership numbers, much like Keith's ability to locate the Paladins consistently, were reportedly inconsistent.
Moreover, Netflix had already greenlit a veteran-driven, space-exploring series in the form of Away and an adult-oriented, shapeshifting-monsters series withAway, <-, href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A Creative Galaxy " rel="noreferrer">Creative Galaxy. The streaming platform was looking to diversify its slate, and cancelations were inevitable.
Cancellation Impact
The cancellation of Voltron: Legendary Defender caused an uproar among fans, who argued that the show's premature end denied it the chance to fully realize its story. While it's true that the series left several plot threads dangling, such as Lotor's redemption arc and the looming threat of the Olokun, Voltron's cancellation doesn't necessarily spell doom for the franchise.
Many popular series have been given second chances, with some even returning better than ever. Take, for example, Arrested Development, which, despite its initial cancellation, found new life on Netflix and continued to reintroduce new storylines and beloved characters. Could the same happen to Voltron?
Revitalizing Voltron
Reviving Voltron would not only give the series a chance to wrap up its overarching plotlines but also introduce new ones, further expand the Voltron universe, and, of course, create more opportunities for our beloved Paladins to kick some Galra butt. However, whether or not this happens depends on various factors, including Netflix's interest in the property, the availability of the original creative team, and, of course, the potential audience's appetite for more Voltron.
Enter DreamWorks Animation, the studio behind the Voltron reboot. DreamWorks has a vested interest in keeping the Voltron franchise alive. The company is already working on a new Netflix series based on the classic Voltron: Defender of the Universe series, and a successful revival could only bolster this new franchise.
The Voltron Fan Campaign
Following Voltron's cancellation, fans wasted no time in launching a #RenewVoltron campaign, hoping to convince Netflix to change its mind. While such fan campaigns don't always result in a series revival, they can certainly help draw attention to a show's potential and its audience's enthusiasm.
For a time, the #RenewVoltron campaign seemed to be gaining traction, with fans donating to various charities, creating art, and even purchasing billboard space to raise awareness. However, as with many fan-driven campaigns, the movement eventually lost steam, and Netflix has yet to budge on its decision.
The Power of Fandom
Though the #RenewVoltron campaign has dulled somewhat, that doesn't mean all hope is lost. Fan passion for Voltron persists, and the show continues to gain new viewers through word-of-mouth and streaming. This continued interest, along with the show's critical acclaim, could potentially reignite Netflix's interest in the property.
Furthermore, the streaming platform has shown a willingness to revive canceled shows in the past. Take, for instance, Lucifer, which was resurrected by Netflix after being canceled by Fox. If enough buzz and demand are generated, Netflix might reconsider its decision regarding Voltron.
Conclusion
The likelihood of Voltron: Legendary Defender's return to Netflix remains uncertain, but not impossible. While the show's cancellation was mainly due to inconsistent viewership, the passionate fanbase and the show's critical reception could potentially change Netflix's mind. As fans, all we can do is keep hoping, keep talking about the show, and, most importantly, keep watching – because, after all, every view sends a message.
In the meantime, Voltron fans can anatomy their favorite Paladins and Galra villains, explore the rich lore, and continue to celebrate the unique, intergalactic, wrestling-inspired robot that brought us all together. And who knows? Maybe, just maybe, the power of Voltron will ignite again on Netflix.