Netflix’s Arcane has really amped up what animated series can achieve, blending jaw-dropping visuals, heartfelt storytelling, and a rich universe drawn from Riot Games’ League of Legends. Since its debut in 2021, the show has captivated audiences worldwide, earning critical acclaim and a passionate fanbase. In a recent exclusive interview with DiscussingFilm, Arcane’s creators, Christian Linke and Alex Yee, sat down to reflect on the show’s monumental impact and tease what’s next for Riot Games’ expanding entertainment empire. While Arcane’s second and final season wrapped up in 2024, the duo revealed that the League of Legends universe is far from done with new projects are on the horizon, and they’re ready to push boundaries even further. Here’s everything you need to know about their vision for the future.
A Universe Ripe for Expansion
Linke and Yee didn’t hold back in teasing the potential for new stories within the League of Legends universe. While Arcane focused on Vi and Jinx, the creators hinted at a wealth of untapped narratives waiting to be explored. Here’s what they shared about the future:
- Spin-Offs in Development: The creators confirmed they’re actively exploring spin-offs centered on individual characters from Arcane. Linke specifically noted an interest in diving deeper into stories of certain characters that are in Arcane, in both seasons, sparking excitement about potential projects featuring fan-favorites like Jinx or Ekko.
- New Regions, New Stories: The League of Legends universe spans diverse regions like Noxus, Demacia, and Ionia, each with its own lore and champions. Linke and Yee suggested that future projects could explore these uncharted territories, introducing fresh faces and conflicts.
- Continued Collaboration with Fortiche: The partnership with Fortiche, the animation studio behind Arcane’s breathtaking visuals, will remain a cornerstone of Riot’s storytelling. Linke praised Fortiche’s ability to bring viewers to new moods and environments, hinting at innovative animation styles for upcoming projects.
- Beyond Animation?: While Arcane thrived as an animated series, the creators didn’t rule out experimenting with other formats, such as live-action or hybrid media, to expand the League of Legends universe.
The Bigger Picture
Riot Games’ ambitions extend beyond Arcane. The company’s entertainment division, launched with the goal of transforming Riot into a storytelling powerhouse akin to Walt Disney Co., is just getting started. While Arcane was a love letter to League of Legends fans, future projects could broaden the franchise’s reach, potentially rivaling Marvel or DC in scope. Netflix’s strategy of weekly episode drops for Arcane—a tactic that boosted engagement—may also influence how these new projects are released, keeping audiences hooked over weeks.
The creators’ passion for storytelling shines through in their commitment to “many different chapters that are not on screen,” as Linke put it. Whether it’s a gritty Noxus-based thriller, a magical Ionian epic, or a character-driven drama, the League of Legends universe is poised to deliver stories that captivate and surprise.
Final Thoughts
Arcane may have concluded, but its legacy is just the beginning. Christian Linke and Alex Yee have laid the groundwork for a vibrant, expansive universe that promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats. League of Legends is one of the most impactful lore backed games in the industry throughout the entire world. Fans hope they continue to bring their game to life. Not to mention, their MMO, hopefuly it comes out one day and not 10 years down the road. In the meantime we know Riot has more cinematic projects up their sleeves.
