Animated series with the ability to speak to a more mature audience have proved themselves to be prosperous. As evident in the existence of long-running animated TV shows, like The Simpsons, two-dimensional animation does not have to limit itself to childlike characteristics and, indeed, has the potential and longevity to appeal to a broader audience. Furthermore, streaming services have observed the rising popularity of adult animated shows and alternative means of entertainment that draw in a niche-yet-dedicated fanbase. Creative teams combat the stereotypes and assumptions made about the animation industry and its followers by continuously raising standards for the genre.
Netflix in particular has dedicated spaces on its platform for animated series to reside. They directly competed with anime-exclusive streaming services such as Crunchyroll when boasting an extensive catalog of in-demand anime titles. In recent years, the platform has toyed with the concept of producing its own anime series and ventured into more ambitious territories. The reputation of the Netflix-branded animated shows skyrocketed after the League of Legends-inspired Arcane series resulted in critical and fan acclamation. Of course, before Arcane coaxed animation enthusiasts into subscribing to Netflix, The Dragon Prince was a lesser-known animated series that was positively received by its viewership. The Dragon Prince shares the adventures of two human princes who form an unlikely friendship with an assassin who was initially tasked to slay them. The trio set off on a quest of their own, determined to bring peace to a land torn apart by war. The fantasy series recycled the tropes of humans and mystical beings clashing while defending the essence of humanity, breathing new life into age-worn stories with new means of imaginativeness. The Dragon Prince promised that it would return after season three, though season four was troubled by delays. Now that Netflix Life has confirmed the new season’s release for 2022, here’s a look at why season four took so long to happen.
What Can Be Expected in The Dragon Prince: Season 4?
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In a similar vein to other elemental animated series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender, the fourth season of The Dragon Prince will be released as “Book 4: Earth.” The third season featured the rehabilitated co-existence of fantastical beings and humans, and character relationships were given greater exposition. The objective that lay at the heart of the series plot, returning Zym to his mother, brought harmony to Xadia. “Book 4: Earth” is expected to revisit Zym and Zubeia as their mother-son connection is rebuilt, and address new challenges that they may face during the series’ ongoing hiatus. The question around Aaravos’ cocoon and what his upcoming metamorphosis is destined to bring also looms over the fourth season. Unsolved mysteries surrounding Callum and his identity are anticipated to fold themselves into further installations in The Dragon Prince saga as it is given time to inspect open-ended questions left behind by the first three seasons. Season four is expected to share a greater explanation as to why Callum is gifted with magical powers if he really is a human being without contradicting the series’ previous rulings over abilities. Alongside Callum’s ability to control magic, season four is expected continue to investigate the budding relationship between him and Rayla. This would augment the sociopolitical interrelations between humans and Elves. Ezran has now become comfortable with his role as a king, and “Book 4: Earth” could give a look at how he has fully approached his position in power.
Why was Season 4 of The Dragon Prince Delayed?
Comic-Con@Home 2020 shared the official announcement that the series would not conclude with season three and that Netflix had, in fact, renewed the show. A specific release date has not, however, been assigned for The Dragon Prince season four, as the series has been plagued with production difficulties — though an update from Netflix hints at “late 2022.” Series creators Justin Richmond and Aaron Ehasz confirmed that “Book 4: Earth” would make its way to Netflix eventually during Comic-Con@Home 2021. Brief updates from Ehasz ensured anxious fans that the most recent edition of the series is underway. Per CBR’s reporting in late 2021, he said that “We’ve been recording the actors” and that “many scripts are written. Beautiful designs are coming back, and storyboards, and it’s a very exciting time. So we are building it, and we’re excited. We’re building something we’re really proud of and I think you’re gonna love.”
Ultimately, issues over workplace allegations directed towards The Dragon Prince animation studio Wonderstorm have shaken the series into a state of delay. Moreover, controversies around Ehasz’s behavior resulted in women working for the studio to speak about their experiences. Former Head of Community Development at Wonderstorm Danika Harrod took to Twitter where she created a thread that detailed the treatment that she and others were faced with. In her posting, she mentioned that “the general feeling was always… this is Aaron’s company, Aaron’s show, Aaron’s stories to tell (yes, even the ones about women, POC, and LGBTQ+ characters), and if you didn’t agree you were constantly at risk.” Amid the whirlwind of controversy over employee mistreatment, Harrod insisted that fans should not boycott The Dragon Prince.
What’s Next for The Dragon Prince
Shortly after “Book 4: Earth” was confirmed, a secondary update shared that the series would expand into a saga. The creative team offered a projected breakdown as to how their envisioned plan would manifest as it matured by breaking The Dragon Prince into three phases. The first phase would consist of the initial three seasons, and the second would consist of seasons four to six. Phase Three will be designated for the seventh season as an individual. Only the first phase falls under the name of The Dragon Prince and the story of Azymondias, while Phases Two and Three are planned to diverge into other narrative arcs.
The Dragon Prince will also be adapted into a multiplayer video game that will base its plot and design around the show. According to Vice, the video game will operate with combat-based gameplay that will avoid identifying as a massively multiplayer online game. Players can elect to interact with the in-game world as their favorite characters who will be given abilities that are accurate to the series. No studio or developer has been assigned with creating the game, though The Dragon Prince has already made its way into the gaming world. Fandom produced Tales of Xadia: The Dragon Prince Roleplaying Game as the series’ signature tabletop game. When it comes to the future of The Dragon Prince, the future extends well beyond the Netflix series.
