Voltron header

Last month, we learned that Netflix had a new reboot of ‘Voltron’ in the works with Dreamworks as part of their multiyear deal.  Entitled ‘Voltron: Legendary Defender’, not much is known about the new version other than it follows the classic formula of five teens entrusted with control over five mechanical lions that combine into a towering titan of justice.

The new show debuts sometime this year, but its exact release date hasn’t been announced.  But Netflix has released this poster which reveals the show’s logo:

Voltron-Legendary-Defender

The original ‘Voltron: Defender of the Universe’ was an anime called ‘Beast King GoLion’ imported to the U.S. in 1984 and featured Earth pilots Keith, Lance, Pidge, Hunk and Sven.  After Sven was injured in an early mission (killed in the Japanese version), he was replaced with Princess Alura of the planet Arus.  The Voltron Force battled the invading forces from Planet Doom, ruled by King Zarkon, his son Prince Lotor and Witch Hagar, who creates the Robeasts, the rampaging monsters that Voltron grapples with.

A second anime, ‘Armored Fleet Dairugger XV’ was added as a second version of ‘Voltron’ typically referred to as “Vehicle Voltron” but these episodes proved unpopular.  A third version was also planned based on yet another Japanese series, ‘Lightspeed Electroid Albegas’ (“Gladiator Voltron”) but after the failure of Vehicle Voltron, those plans were scrapped although both Vehicle and Gladiator toys were sold under the “Voltron” name in the U.S.

A live-action movie has been in the works since 2005, but has grappled with behind-the-scenes setbacks, financial problems and a legal dispute with Toei Company LTD, the animation studio behind the original cartoons.  Pressure to make the film increased after the success of ‘Transformers’, but so far hings haven’t lined up.

In 2011, Nicktoons released a new cartoon called ‘Voltron Force’ which introduced three young new cadets, but the show only lasted one season.

Hopefully ‘Voltron: Legendary Defender’ can do better than that!

Are you excited to see a new ‘Voltron’ cartoon on Netflix?

Source: Nerdist