We’re now only a week away from the release of Voltron: Legendary Defender, a reboot of the classic series, Voltron: Defender of the Universe, which ran in the 1980s. Hoping to heat up anticipation for their new series, Netflix has released additional footage from the TV series that features even more action-packed scenes of the Voltron lions, their heroic pilots, fearsome villains, and of course, the blazing sword.
As with previous trailers for Legendary Defender, the images in the above clip demonstrate an impressive blend of anime-influenced animation and CGI. This gives the show a look that should please both nostalgic thirty-something Voltron fans and young audiences alike. We also have a sizzle reel that teases the scope of this retelling of the Voltron legend. Check that out below.
The bits and pieces of Legendary Defender that we’ve seen so far promise a healthy blend of action and comedy, and seem to be setting up a richer, more detailed story than the original series offered. Many folks who have taken the time to revisit their childhood-favorite show about giant robot lions in recent years may have discovered that it isn’t quite as good as they remember.
Here is the official logline for Legendary Defender:
When the Galra Empire sends a mighty Robeast to challenge the Paladins, they must form Voltron if they want any chance of defeating it. But will the legendary defender of the universe be enough?
Speaking with EW, co-executive producer Lauren Montgomery (Batman: Year One) admitted that the original Voltron hasn’t aged particularly well having said “We wanted to make [Legendary Defender] closer to what we remember the show being versus what it actually ends up being when you go back and watch it.” And while it’s difficult to argue with Montgomery in this case, you really have to wonder how many fans are going to miss hearing “Mega thrusters are go!” before the team forms Voltron.
Nevertheless, Netflix has been on a roll with its original programming, particularly for sci-fi and comic book fans, and Voltron has always been a great concept without a worthy execution. Produced by DreamWorks Animation and World Events Productions, and animated by Studio Mir (The Legend of Korra), Voltron seems to have finally found the right team to bring him back to life.
Voltron: Legendary Defender will be available to watch on Netflix starting June 10th, 2016.