As part of its ongoing efforts for global entertainment domination, Netflix has rolled out a wide variety of original programming after first making waves with House of Cards in 2013. Since then, the streaming giant has launched more series than anyone can hope to keep up with, let alone view all of. While some of these programs are more mainstream – like the Marvel series Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist – the service has more than its fair share of television content that is best described as having a niche audience. One non-Marvel series that definitely fits into the former category, however, is Voltron: Legendary Defender, a modern-day continuation of the popular Voltron series, brought to life with contemporary animation techniques and some outstanding writing that's made the show into a hit.
The series recently wrapped up a successful second season earlier this year, and while the prospect of it being renewed for season 3 were looking good, fans were still waiting confirmation that it was, in fact, all systems go. As it turns out, Voltron faithful attending WonderCon 2017 were the first to receive the good news, as the show's executive producers as well as several members of the voice cast were on-hand to confirm season 3 and announce that it will hit Netflix later in 2017.
The panel included executive producer Joaquim Dos Santos, co-executive producer Lauren Montgomery, story editor Tim Hedrick, as well as Jeremy Shada (Lance), Josh Keaton (Shiro), Tyler Labine (Hunk), Bex Taylor-Klaus (Pidge), and Kimberly Brooks (Allura). Dos Santos confirmed the season 3 renewal and 2017 premiere date, but he and Montgomery also took time out to thank fans for their support of the series, with Montgomery saying she is "grateful that fans of the original have been open and accepting of Voltron: Legendary Defender."
Click here to see the Voltron April Fools' Day Video
While news of the renewal and the "thank yous" were all well and good, most fans wanted details on what's to come in season 3. It is expected that the season will answer the questions left over by the season 2 finale – especially those concerning Shiro – but the producers were also there to have a little April Fools' Day fun with crowd by teasing a major Prince Lothar reveal (above). Obviously, the series plans to make that reveal during the season rather than during a convention panel but the moment apparently got some pulses racing.
Although Voltron: Legendary Defender season 3 was a good bet long before WonderCon, making the announcement in from of dedicated fans likely had a greater impact than if it had been circulated via press release. Considering the response to the series so far, it seems as though Netflix might have an animated hit ready to run for several more seasons yet.
Next: Voltron: Legendary Defender Season 2 Keeps Getting Better
Voltron Legendary Defender season 3 is expected on Netflix sometime in late 2017.
Source: Netflix, Nerdist