Today it was reported that Henry Cavill will headline the upcoming Amazon Studios feature adaptation of the classic anime Voltron. Rawson Marshall Thurber is slated to direct.
Whether you grew up with the classic series or are just discovering the universe of the “Defender of the Universe,” here’s some background on Voltron.
Voltron first burst onto the scene in the 1980s. The original series, Voltron: Defender of the Universe, was actually a mash-up of two Japanese anime showS — Beast King GoLion and Armored Fleet Dairugger XV. This creative blending gave us the iconic five lions that could combine into one colossal robot.
The ’80s were a golden era for cartoons, and Voltron quickly became a fan favorite. With its catchy theme song and thrilling battles against the evil King Zarkon, it captured the imaginations of kids everywhere. Not to mention, the merchandise —those toy lions were a must-have!
Fast forward to the 1990s and 2000s, and we saw several attempts to revive the franchise. Voltron: The Third Dimension and Voltron Force brought back some nostalgia but didn’t quite hit the mark for everyone. However, in 2016, Netflix released Voltron: Legendary Defender, which reignited interest with fresh animation and character development. It appealed to both old fans and a new generation, proving that Voltron is truly timeless.
Now, let’s talk about the latest buzz! Cavill joins previously announced star Daniel Quinn-Toye. Thurber is directing the film from a script he wrote with Ellen Shanman. The storyline is being kept secret. Fans are curious to see how they’ll bring this beloved franchise to life, especially with Cavill’s track record for epic roles.
From its ’80s roots to modern adaptations, Voltron has shown that it can evolve while staying true to its core. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious, there’s no denying that Voltron has left a lasting mark on pop culture.
