Voltron Force
Voltron Force is an American animated science fiction television series produced by World Events Productions, Kickstart Productions, Classic Media, and others, serving as a direct sequel to the 1980s animated series Voltron: Defender of the Universe. The show premiered on Nicktoons on June 16, 2011, and consists of a single season with 26 episodes, airing until April 25, 2012.[1][2] Set several years after the original series' events, it follows the veteran pilots of the original Voltron Force—Keith, Lance, Hunk, Pidge, and Allura—as they train three young cadets at the Galaxy Garrison Academy while the Lions are decommissioned after going berserk during a celebration due to fears of their power.[3] When a new threat emerges involving the resurrected Prince Lotor—revived using the element Haggarium—and his quest to reclaim power, the original team and cadets must reclaim the scattered Lions and reform the giant super robot Voltron to defend the universe.[1][4] The series blends 2D and 3D animation styles, introducing new characters such as cadets Daniel (son of Lance), Vince (son of Hunk), and Larmina (adopted daughter of Pidge), alongside antagonists like the corrupt Sky Marshal Wade, who seeks to exploit Voltron's technology for personal gain.[1] Key themes include legacy, mentorship, and the balance between fear and heroism in the face of interstellar conflict, expanding on the original's mecha action with deeper lore about the Lions' origins and the Drule Empire's remnants.[3] Notable voice actors include Mark Hildreth as King Lotor, Sam Vincent as Pidge, Vincent Tong as Daniel, and Shannon Chan-Kent as Larmina.[5][6] Voltron Force received mixed reviews for its animation and storytelling, praised for revitalizing the franchise but criticized for pacing issues and deviations from the original continuity; it holds a 6.6/10 rating on IMDb (as of November 2025) based on over 10,000 user votes.[1] The complete series became available for free streaming on the official Voltron YouTube channel in 2017 and remains accessible as of 2025, allowing broader access to its episodes.[7][8] As part of the enduring Voltron legacy, it bridges the classic era and later reboots like Voltron: Legendary Defender, influencing merchandise, comics, and fan discussions around the mecha genre.[9]Synopsis
Premise
Voltron Force is a direct sequel to the 1980s animated series Voltron: Defender of the Universe, set several years after the defeat of Prince Lotor and the establishment of intergalactic peace.[3] In this post-war era, the legendary Castle of Lions on Planet Arus serves as a training facility where the original pilots instruct a new generation of cadets recruited from the Galaxy Alliance Academy in defense tactics and lion piloting.[1] The narrative centers on the reformation of the Voltron Force as an elite unit dedicated to safeguarding the galaxy from emerging dangers, blending the experience of veteran defenders with the enthusiasm of young recruits.[1] The core storyline begins with the Lions malfunctioning during a victory celebration, nearly destroying a city and prompting Sky Marshal Wade to decommission them due to fears of their uncontrolled power.[10] This incident, combined with the resurrection of Prince Lotor by the scientist Maahox using the corrupting energy source Haggarium, draws the original team and new cadets into a series of high-stakes adventures to reclaim the Lions. They deploy the individual lion mechs for reconnaissance and combat before combining them into the formidable Voltron robot to battle monstrous threats. The central conflict revolves around Lotor's renewed bid for power and Wade's corrupt efforts to exploit Voltron technology, with the witch Haggar providing support through her dark magic, monstrous Robeasts, and Haggarium experiments that test the team's unity.[4] The series' world-building emphasizes a fragile peace in the galaxy, with the original pilots transitioning from active combatants to advisory roles, guiding cadets like Daniel, Vince, and Larmina through rigorous training and real-world perils.[11] Themes of legacy underscore the narrative, as the new pilots grapple with living up to Voltron's storied history, while teamwork and heroism drive their growth amid battles that test personal limits and foster interstellar alliances.[1]Characters
The Voltron Force centers on a new generation of pilots who join the original team to defend the galaxy against emerging threats. The protagonists include three promising cadets recruited from the Galaxy Alliance Academy: Daniel, the reckless and enthusiastic son of original Red Lion pilot Lance McClain, who idolizes the legendary defenders and demonstrates exceptional combat skills, eventually earning the role of Black Lion pilot after proving his leadership potential; Vince, a reserved and intellectually gifted cadet with mysterious origins and the ability to generate electrical energy, assigned to the Green Lion following rigorous training that highlights his technical aptitude; and Larmina, the bold and athletic niece of Princess Allura, known for her aggressive fighting style and staff weaponry, who takes command of the Blue Lion as she matures into a confident warrior. These young pilots wield Voltcom devices—wrist-mounted tools that activate their Lions and manifest personalized weapons based on their individual traits—symbolizing their unique contributions to the team.[12] The veteran mentors, now in their later years with weathered appearances reflecting decades of service, guide the cadets while maintaining key operational roles to facilitate the generational transition. Keith Kogane serves as the stern and strategic commander, initially piloting the Black Lion before stepping aside to focus on oversight, embodying disciplined leadership honed from years as the original team captain. Lance McClain, Daniel's father, acts as the sarcastic second-in-command and Red Lion pilot, his abrasive demeanor masking deep loyalty and combat prowess, often clashing with his son over impulsive decisions. Pidge (Darrell Stoker), the inventive genius, transitions the Green Lion to Vince while providing technological support, his youthful curiosity evolving into wise mentorship. Hunk Garrett remains the steadfast Yellow Lion pilot, leveraging his mechanical expertise and physical strength to support the team, with a personality marked by reliability and occasional humor. Princess Allura, the compassionate and diplomatic ruler of Arus, relinquishes the Blue Lion to Larmina upon ascending as queen, her advisory role emphasizing themes of legacy and empowerment.[13] Antagonists drive the series' conflicts through a mix of political corruption and supernatural threats. Sky Marshal Wade emerges as the primary villain, a ruthless and power-hungry military official within the Galaxy Alliance who seeks to dismantle Voltron for personal gain, deploying advanced war machines and the insidious Malignant Virus to undermine the defenders. Haggar, the cunning witch with potent magical abilities, operates as a shadowy advisor and creator of monstrous Robeasts, her occult experiments amplifying dangers like Haggarium corruption that test the pilots' resolve. Supporting foes include Wade's minions, such as robotic enforcers, and recurring threats like Prince Lotor, whose obsessive schemes evolve from direct assaults to intricate alliances, forcing the Force to adapt amid galaxy-threatening crises.[12][14] Character dynamics underscore the handover from veterans to rookies, marked by initial tensions—such as Daniel's overeagerness leading to team conflicts and Vince's secrecy straining trust—while fostering growth arcs. Daniel evolves from a starry-eyed novice grappling with Haggarium-induced powers into a capable leader, bridging old and new eras. Interpersonal bonds, including familial ties between Lance and Daniel or aunt-niece guidance between Allura and Larmina, highlight themes of inheritance and unity, as the combined Force navigates betrayals and alliances to protect the universe.[12]Production
Development
Voltron Force was announced on June 7, 2010, as a new animated sequel series produced by World Events Productions (WEP), the original owners of the Voltron franchise, in partnership with Classic Media, with the goal of reviving the property for a contemporary audience while honoring its 1980s roots.[15][16] The project originated from an earlier 2005 concept titled "Panthera Force" developed by WEP and Kickstart Productions, which envisioned a completely new team of pilots but was shelved until revisited with network input to incorporate legacy elements.[17][18] The creative team, led by WEP executives including Ted Koplar and his son Bob Koplar as producers, drew direct influences from the original Voltron: Defender of the Universe creators to ensure franchise continuity.[16][19] Development emphasized bridging generational gaps, with initial script outlines focusing on mentorship dynamics where veteran pilots like Keith and Allura guide a new generation of cadets—Vince, Larmina, and Daniel—in piloting the Lions, thereby appealing to both nostalgic adults and young viewers aged 6-11.[20][18] Head writer Todd Garfield and development executive Jeremy Corray shaped the 26-episode structure around escalating arcs that built on the original series' canon, such as the post-Doom Fleet era, while introducing fresh lore like adjustable Lion formations to evolve the team's dynamics without contradicting 1980s continuity.[3][18] Early planning incorporated marketing tie-ins to expand the franchise, including a collaboration with Mattel for action figures and playsets targeted at both adult collectors and children, with prototypes first revealed at the 2010 San Diego Comic-Con to generate buzz ahead of the 2011 premiere.[21][22] These efforts aimed to leverage Voltron's enduring popularity for multimedia synergy, positioning the series as a gateway for new fans while rewarding longtime ones with subtle callbacks.[15] A key challenge during pre-production was balancing nostalgia with innovative storytelling to avoid alienating original fans, leading to decisions like retaining core characters as mentors rather than replacing them entirely, as initially pitched in the Panthera Force concept, and toning down darker elements from the source anime Beast King GoLion for a broader, family-friendly appeal.[20][18] This hybrid approach addressed continuity concerns by expanding on unresolved threads from the 1980s series, such as the pilots' aging and evolving roles, while introducing new threats to keep narratives dynamic.[20]Casting and animation
The voice cast for Voltron Force drew from experienced performers in the Canadian animation scene, bringing a fresh interpretation to both legacy characters and new recruits. Giles Panton voiced the veteran leader Keith, while Andrew Francis, Sam Vincent, Ty Olsson, and Ashleigh Ball portrayed Lance, Pidge, Hunk, and Allura, respectively. The trio of young cadets—Daniel, Vince, and Larmina—were brought to life by Vincent Tong, Doron Bell Jr., and Shannon Chan-Kent, with Mark Hildreth as the antagonist King Lotor and Garry Chalk as the authoritative Sky Marshall Wade.[6][5] Casting emphasized actors capable of infusing the series with dynamic, youthful energy, particularly for the cadet roles that highlighted themes of growth and discovery. Directors conducted iterative auditions and reviews, debating selections to align voices with character personalities; standout choices like Ashleigh Ball for the regal yet approachable Allura and Shannon Chan-Kent for the spirited Larmina were quickly locked in as ideal matches.[18] While no performers reprised roles from the 1984 Voltron: Defender of the Universe, original cast members such as Neil Ross (Keith) and B.J. Ward (Allura/Haggar) indicated enthusiasm for potential future involvement during post-season discussions.[18] The animation production adopted a hybrid approach, blending traditional 2D hand-drawn cel techniques for expressive character animation—which supported the show's humorous and emotional beats—with 3D CGI for the Voltron lions and high-octane mech combat sequences, creating fluid, impactful action that paid homage to the franchise's mecha roots. Overseen by Kickstart Productions in Vancouver and directed by Steven E. Gordon and John Delaney, the work was outsourced to Toon City Animation in the Philippines, facilitating a streamlined pipeline for the 26-episode season with each installment running about 22 minutes.[23][24][25] Sound design played a key role in elevating the transformative spectacle of Voltron assembly, with custom effects crafted by Randy Kiss at Pinewood Sound to give each lion a distinct roar—such as the Blue Lion's aggressive, robotic jaguar growl—enhancing immersion during battles. The score, composed by Hal Beckett and Steffan Andrews, featured a film-quality orchestral foundation infused with contemporary flair, including a hip-hop/rock remix of the iconic Voltron theme for the opening credits. Voice direction sessions were iterative, allowing directors to refine deliveries for tonal consistency across the blend of veteran pilots and eager cadets.[23]Broadcast and episodes
Premiere and distribution
Voltron Force premiered in the United States on Nicktoons on June 16, 2011, with a commercial-free 90-minute broadcast combining the first three episodes into a feature-length presentation titled New Defenders Trilogy.[12] The series, consisting of 26 episodes, aired weekly thereafter on the network until its season finale on April 25, 2012.[26] Produced by Kickstart Productions and World Events Productions in association with Classic Media, the show was developed as the first original Voltron television content in over a decade and was greenlit for the full episode order in June 2010 as part of a broader franchise relaunch.[13] Following its U.S. debut, Voltron Force expanded to streaming platforms, becoming available on Netflix for on-demand viewing.[27] In 2017, the complete series became available for free streaming on the official Voltron YouTube channel.[7] Home video distribution included DVD releases in 2012, such as the New Defenders Trilogy volume containing episodes 1–6, issued by Beyond Home Entertainment in regions including Canada and Australia.[28] A second volume, Powers Unlocked featuring episodes 7–13, followed later that year.[29]Episode list
Voltron Force comprises a single season of 26 episodes, which aired on Nicktoons in the United States from June 16, 2011, to April 25, 2012. The first three episodes initially premiered as a combined 90-minute special titled "New Defenders Trilogy." The series follows an overarching narrative arc centered on the original Voltron pilots training new cadets to combat resurgent threats from villains like Lotor and Maahox, culminating in escalating conflicts involving Haggarium corruption and galactic invasions. Production codes are not publicly detailed, but directors and writers are credited per episode as follows.| Ep. | Title | Director | Writer(s) | Original Air Date | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New School Defenders | John Delaney | Todd Garfield | June 16, 2011 | Young cadets Daniel and Vince uncover the tarnished legend of Voltron after the Robot Lions go rogue during a celebration. |
| 2 | Defenders of Arus | John Delaney | Todd Garfield | June 16, 2011 | The cadets meet Larmina, receive Voltcoms, and face the revived Lotor orchestrated by Kala and Maahox. |
| 3 | Defenders of the Universe | John Delaney | Todd Garfield | June 16, 2011 | Wade deploys a rogue Robot Lion against the Voltron Force and Kala's forces. |
| 4 | Coran, Coran | John Delaney | Brandon Sawyer | June 23, 2011 | The team falls into a trap set by Wade while attempting to rescue Coran from captivity. |
| 5 | Joyride to Doom | John Delaney | Ross Beeley | June 30, 2011 | The cadets sneak away to Planet Doom and get captured by Maahox during an unauthorized mission. |
| 6 | The Hunkyard | John Delaney | Todd Garfield | July 7, 2011 | Hunk instructs the cadets on teamwork amid challenges at his junkyard facility. |
| 7 | Lion Riders Return | John Delaney | Brandon Sawyer | July 14, 2011 | The Voltron Force assists stranded lion riders on Ariel, where Vince activates an ancient mechanism. |
| 8 | Flash Forms a Go! | John Delaney | Chris Bishop | July 21, 2011 | A high-speed robotic eye assaults Arus, outpacing the team's ability to assemble Voltron. |
| 9 | Dark Blue | John Delaney | Todd Garfield | July 28, 2011 | Vince becomes stranded and fights for survival inside a wrecked Drule freighter on Poseidous. |
| 10 | Wanted and Unwanted | John Delaney | Ross Beeley | August 4, 2011 | Daniel and Keith are captured and imprisoned in Wade's facility known as The Void. |
| 11 | Predator Robeast | John Delaney | Adam Beechen | August 11, 2011 | Maahox unleashes robeasts designed to ensnare and immobilize the Robot Lions. |
| 12 | Hungry for Voltron | John Delaney | Len Uhley | August 18, 2011 | Allura embarks on a diplomatic mission to Ebb, navigating a blockade enforced by Garrison. |
| 13 | Clash of the Lions | John Delaney | Brandon Sawyer | August 25, 2011 | Wade seizes control of Voltron itself, forcing the pilots into a direct confrontation. |
| 14 | Inside the Music | John Delaney | Mark Drop | November 3, 2011 | A sonic-based robeast interrupts a major galactic peace concert with disruptive attacks. |
| 15 | Rogue Trip | John Delaney | Daniel Powell | November 10, 2011 | The Robot Lions exhibit rebellious behavior, leading the recruits to encounter Voltron's most devoted admirer. |
| 16 | Brains | John Delaney | Hans Rodionoff | November 17, 2011 | The team confronts a zombie-like outbreak on Pidge's home planet during an investigation. |
| 17 | Ghost in the Lion | John Delaney | Jeremy Corray | November 27, 2011 | An enigmatic figure from Voltron's history commandeers the Blue Lion for unknown purposes. |
| 18 | Gary | John Delaney | Scott Sonneborn | February 29, 2012 | Vince's engineered creature reveals a concealed objective that endangers the team. |
| 19 | Five Forged | John Delaney | Brandon Sawyer | March 7, 2012 | The pilots utilize ancient techniques to purge the Black Lion of its Haggarium contamination. |
| 20 | Dradin, Baby, Dradin | John Delaney | Daniel Powell | March 14, 2012 | The Voltron Force vacations at Manset's resort on Dradin, only to face unexpected perils. |
| 21 | I, Voltron | John Delaney | Henry Gilroy | March 21, 2012 | Daniel's mind inadvertently merges with Voltron's systems during a critical operation. |
| 22 | Crossed Signals | John Delaney | Adam Beechen | March 28, 2012 | The team probes an old distress signal originating from a derelict armada in space. |
| 23 | Roots of Evil | John Delaney | Len Uhley | April 4, 2012 | Maahox's Haggarium-infused plants cause widespread destruction as Allura grapples with leadership duties. |
| 24 | The Army of One | John Delaney | Scott Sonneborn | April 11, 2012 | Lotor deploys an overwhelming force of cloned warriors against the defenders. |
| 25 | Deceive and Conquer | John Delaney | Brandon Sawyer | April 18, 2012 | King Lotor engages in a deceptive battle involving "the Leader" and the Voltron team. |
| 26 | Black | John Delaney | Jeremy Corray & Todd Garfield | April 25, 2012 | Castle Doom evolves into a massive robeast, launching an assault to dismantle the Galaxy Alliance. |