As a long-time observer of the entertainment industry and having been part of it for over two decades, I must say that the success story of The Umbrella Academy is nothing short of remarkable. From casting the perfect actors to assembling an extraordinary team, every step of this journey has been a testament to hard work, perseverance, and a bit of luck.
[This story contains spoilers from the fourth and final season of The Umbrella Academy.]
On Thursday, The Umbrella Academy revealed its final timeline to audiences.
In this scenario, the Hargreeve siblings ultimately manage to turn things around and make a significant difference. For those who have followed the series over the past five years, as well as the crew and creative team who have been involved since almost a decade ago, it’s a bittersweet conclusion for one of television’s most cherished and endearing dysfunctional families.
In the realm of Netflix’s top-tier genre shows, Steve Blackman’s interpretation of Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá’s graphic novel has successfully established a unique niche in the superhero genre. This achievement can be attributed to its vibrant ensemble of unconventional characters, as referred to by Blackman at this week’s premiere. The cast includes Elliot Page (Viktor), Justin Min (Ben), Tom Hopper (Luther), Emmy Raver-Lampman (Allison), Robert Sheehan (Klaus), David Castañeda (Diego), Aidan Gallagher (Number Five), Ritu Arya (Lila Pitts), and Colm Feore (Sir Reginald).
A significant portion of the show’s success can be attributed to four seasons of elaborate world-building, which has been skillfully executed by the talented writers, directors, and production teams responsible for enhancing its humor, action sequences, set designs, costumes, music, visual effects, cinematography, and numerous other aspects. This unique take on the genre has contributed to the show’s massive fanbase, an audience that Blackman aims to please with the final six episodes, ultimately leaving a lasting impression on the show’s legacy.
Prior to the launch of the last season, Blackman sat down with The Hollywood Reporter for a discussion covering various aspects of the series finale, including the symbolism behind it, his memories from the final days on set, and the personal growth he experienced alongside his cast and crew over the past five years. During this conversation, he also touched upon the workplace misconduct allegations leveled by former writers, potential spin-offs, what he’s proudest of in The Umbrella Academy’s journey, and areas where he believes there were missed storytelling chances.
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As a long-time fan of “The Umbrella Academy,” I had the opportunity to collaborate with Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá on concluding this captivating series. During our discussions, we explored various possibilities for the ending and addressed any concerns or conditions they may have had. Their insights and artistic vision were invaluable in shaping the final outcome of this beloved story.
From the outset, Gerard and Gabriel have been delightful companions. Each year we’ve conversed, sharing ideas. Right from the start, Gerard was accommodating and made it clear that the TV series and graphic novel would differ. They planned to continue the graphic novel even after us. Over time, I’ve shared my plans with them, and they’ve revealed future projects. Our collaboration has been a joy. Their kindness stands out. In the end, I consulted them about everything, and they appreciated the TV show’s finale. Though they might explore new paths, they’ve been exceptional from start to finish. I couldn’t have asked for better creative partners.
In this current season, there were just six episodes, which is quite a difference compared to the ten-episode storylines in previous seasons. Has this change affected the way you structured and narrated the story?
Initially, Netflix decided on six episodes for our series, which was acceptable for me. I would have been content with eight, but everything turned out quite well in the end. Certain aspects of our storyline had to be cut back as we progressed, such as delving deeper into Viktor and Hargreeves’ tale or exploring Luther’s relationship with Sloane more extensively. However, when you’re required to work within a specific number of episodes, it forces us to focus on the essential elements. It helps us determine what truly matters in storytelling. Consequently, working under a tight limit allows us to hone in on the key aspects – not just for us as writers and producers, but also for the fans. I hope we managed to live up to their expectations.
For each passing season, you’ve been introducing recognizable actors into the mix, either as recurring characters or guests. In this instance, we welcomed David Cross, Megan, and Nick Offerman onto the show. Could you share the story behind how these casting decisions were made?
It was quite fortuitous when I decided to take a chance and reach out to Megan and Nick, who were known for their successful collaboration as a married couple. I didn’t expect much, but they turned out to be avid fans of the show, having watched every episode and knowing all the characters inside out. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and they were thrilled about meeting the cast. On the day they arrived on set, it felt like a reunion as our cast members rushed over to greet them. Even David, who wasn’t familiar with the show at first, quickly became a fan. With three comedic talents working together, the set was filled with laughter as they improvised and riffed off each other. Keeping the camera steady amidst all that hilarity was quite a challenge!
In other words, could you share what elements from past seasons you intentionally included in Season 4, making it seem as if we’re seeing reflections or echoes of where the narrative initially began?
As someone who has been creating stories for years and having the privilege of connecting with dedicated fans along the way, I understand the desire to tie up loose ends and provide answers to long-standing questions. However, I also believe in leaving some elements open-ended, allowing the audience to engage their own imagination and make personal interpretations.
What tune from season four’s soundtrack are you particularly thrilled about hearing in the show? Each season seems to have a track that perfectly encapsulates its essence; which one for season four did you eagerly anticipate?
For years, I’ve longed to acquire “Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves” by Cher. Time and again, she’s declined my requests. Yet, I admire her immensely; she’s simply amazing! Over the past four decades, she’s been a cultural staple, permeating the zeitgeist. This time, to my delight, she granted my request. I asked if we could use the song, and she confirmed it. It was thrilling to finally secure that song, and it synced perfectly with Jean and Gene [Offerman and Mullally] in our performance.
Was there any song you had wished you had gotten but didn’t?
In essence, there were numerous songs, particularly from the seventies, that we hoped to secure for our project. However, many artists declined our request due to restrictions on the use of their music. Famous figures and even Adele, despite our best efforts to secure “Hello” in a Swedish version for season three, initially said no. I learned that obtaining permissions can be quite specific, but with persistence, we managed to get lucky this year with some songs. It’s not always an immediate ‘no’, so it requires effort.
For each season, you’ve tackled the concept of time travel, and this time you’ve integrated an underground train system into the mix. Did any real-life subway system serve as your inspiration for this addition?
Certainly!
To kick off the new season, following another global reset, viewers find the Hargreeves presented as ordinary individuals devoid of superpowers. Various elements of their jobs and private lives hint at past abilities or actions from other realities. How did you determine their identities and careers?
As a gamer, let me share my thoughts on the characters from this series we’ve been writing. Sitting down with the team, we couldn’t help but speculate where our characters might find themselves in real life. Luther, being the manchild he is, we figured wouldn’t hold down a steady job. Viktor, on the other hand, we believed would adapt well to an “ordinary life,” despite his ongoing issues with his father. Diego and Lila’s domestic venture made sense to us – trying to settle down, but that could be quite challenging for them. Given their complexities, it was easy to imagine how that might play out. As for the children, they seemed to fit neatly into the storyline, making the plot development a breeze. All in all, I’m content with how each character’s journey unfolded.
When Ben consumes Marigold with his family, a slight alteration occurs in the manifestation of some of his powers. This seems to symbolize their individual growth and transformations as they rediscover their powers in new ways. What methods did you use when brainstorming their restored abilities?
In our approach, we intentionally left room for creativity regarding the use of power in that scenario. Our goal was to offer something fresh and intriguing to our audience, avoiding any sense of repetition or predictability. The rationale behind this was that Marigold hadn’t been utilized so swiftly before, and that sudden display felt excessive, altering their expectations. I aimed to infuse some excitement into the narrative by exploring the possibilities of their powers, which seems to have sparked an evolution in the storyline itself.
You spent three seasons with the Hargreeves successfully escaping the world’s end. This time they don’t. They stay, fight and die together. Can you talk about when you knew that was going to be the ending and why you wanted the series to finish on that mutual sacrifice?
From the get-go, roughly by the first season, I had a clear vision of how I wanted the series to conclude. I didn’t view it as their demise, but rather an intriguing notion of vanishing, fading into obscurity – becoming unknown entities. What is a superhero if they remain unseen? This question sparked philosophical contemplation. Could a hero truly be a hero if they were never recognized as such? What significance does recognition hold for them? Additionally, I saw it as an immense sacrifice. To put it bluntly, perhaps it’s even worse than death. If one is forgotten, what value does anything in their life possess? They didn’t live and die; they simply never lived. In my perspective, they were never there at all. They didn’t perish; they merely ceased to be. And, pondering this, what does that signify?
You allow them to save their families. Why did you want those characters to live?
It didn’t feel appropriate for them to take their loved ones along that path with them. I believed it was crucial for their families to live on, given their role as caring parents and their deep affection for their children – from grandparents to siblings and everyone in between. I didn’t want them to perish. Fortunately, the subway offered a means for their survival within the context of the series. As for whether they recall their families in the final scene remains unclear; I only know that they are still alive. The viewers can speculate if they remember these people or not, and whether they are the only ones who remember them existing.
In simpler terms, what message were you hoping the audience would grasp when they saw that crucial scene portraying the fractured family, ultimately reuniting?
Reflecting on our early days, it’s clear we were just figuring things out, immature and at odds with each other. But after the devastating loss of our father, something shifted. We regrouped, and I believe it was then that genuine affection bloomed between us. Now, we’re not just a group, but a family. We yearn to be together in this final chapter. The thought of parting ways is unbearable. Our bond, our love, it’s real. It’s been forged through trials and tested by time. By the end, I can confidently say we’ve become a true family.
Regarding Reginald (played by Colm Feore), he has a rather intricate bond with his children spanning different timelines. Part of this dynamic is untangled in this season. As the story concludes, was it your intention to portray Reginald as more of a villain or as someone who evolves alongside his kids?
The character from the Sparrow Academy timeline, often referred to as Hargreeves, wasn’t the one who raised them. Although he might have made mistakes, he wasn’t the father who intentionally caused harm. I don’t view him as a villain, but rather someone who made choices, some of which were driven by overconfidence and others by love. His desire was to reunite with his wife, but he didn’t fully consider the repercussions. It was Abigail who stopped him when she said his actions were wrong. I never saw the original Hargreeves as a villain in the traditional sense. Instead, I see him as a troubled individual trying to get by like everyone else.
Although the family is filled with genuine affection, their romantic entanglements this season – particularly the love triangle involving Five, Lila, and Diego, Viktor’s dating situation, Ben and Jennifer’s relationship – are more complex and fraught. The same can be said for past seasons’ relationships: Viktor and Sissy, Allison and Ray, Allison and Luther, Luther and Sloane, Klaus and David, Reginald and his wife. Were you intending for all these romantic connections to culminate in some form of turmoil or unresolved status?
The story’s settings varied according to the unfolding plotlines throughout different seasons. I aimed to keep their interactions as authentic as possible, given the circumstances. Regarding Allison and Luther, although they’re not blood-related, they shared a unique bond, which limited certain narrative possibilities. Still, I wished we could explore their relationship further, especially in a long-term context. Unfortunately, due to time jumps and plot complexities, we didn’t get to witness that development. One significant relationship left unexplored was between Luther and Sloane. It would have been intriguing to see how their romance unfolded, only for it to be cut short. I find Viktor’s romantic entanglements fascinating, and I particularly enjoyed the second season’s relationship, but alas, that character didn’t survive into future seasons.
Discussing the challenges of being a time-traveling superhero, one of which is not always getting what you want, I appreciated the bond Viktor and Sissy (portrayed by Marin Ireland) developed. We pondered over the possibility of Sissy joining the timeline and future events. Unfortunately, it wasn’t feasible due to scheduling conflicts for the actress.
Instead, we explored romantic elements, much like a series might, but without delving excessively into them. Our aim was to portray the progression of characters’ relationships, rather than pushing boundaries.
In crafting the climactic scenes, I imagined a parallel timeline where the Hargreeves family no longer exists, yet familiar faces from previous seasons remain, each living unique lives. Deciding who to include in this alternate reality was quite challenging, but fun nonetheless. As for Mary J. Blige, she’s an incredible artist and I certainly would have loved to have her as part of the Umbrella Academy family if the opportunity had arisen.
I managed to gather everyone, except for Mary J., who was reportedly at a concert, and John Magaro from season one, who proved elusive. However, the rest of the cast is present. Some are easy to spot while others are more discreetly placed, even hidden amongst the foliage. We successfully invited everyone we aimed to include. Notably, Kate Walsh, who was filming in Australia but flew over for this occasion. It was delightful. The weather was exceptionally pleasant, marking our first sunny day in a while. There was an outpouring of affection as we all greeted each other. It was heartwarming to see so many familiar faces from various seasons in one place.
Have you maintained your enthusiasm for creating spin-offs? If so, which narratives have caught your attention recently?
The ultimate decision rests with Netflix regarding the future of “Umbrella Academy,” and while there are numerous factors at play, I believe there’s an engaging narrative waiting for young Hazel (Cameron Britton) and Cha-Cha (Blige) in the future. The Commission presents its own set of compelling stories, as do some other secondary characters. What makes our series unique is that we can intertwine these characters with our main characters at any point due to our time-traveling setting. I’ve discussed various ideas and potential storylines, so if Netflix decides to continue the series in the future, I would be thrilled to participate. However, the final decision lies with Netflix. I truly hope that “Umbrella Academy” is not over and that we will see another version of it someday.
As a long-time fan of the show, I can attest that the last table read and days on set during season four were indeed emotional. Having been through several seasons before, I was well aware of the intensity that comes with such crucial moments in the storyline. The characters’ arcs were reaching their peak, and the actors’ performances were heart-wrenching and poignant. I could feel the tension in the air during those days on set, as if we were all holding our breath, waiting for the emotional climax to unfold. It was a powerful experience, one that I will never forget.
We skipped the final table reading due to time constraints. However, we had conducted table reads for the first two episodes, which were beneficial. Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time to do any more, but the last day of filming was particularly emotional. The final scene where all characters are together at the end was our last scene shot, followed by the destruction of The Academy – yes, we literally blew it up! The actors were eager for a break, ready for their holidays, but then I reminded them that it was their last time as a family on the show and in real life. This realization seemed to strike them all like a blow to the head, and the emotions you see on screen reflect how they felt in that moment. It was a 13-hour shoot that day, yet despite the exhaustion, they were incredibly considerate towards each other, giving their full emotion even when off-camera. When the night fell, I learned later, they all felt the sadness of it being over, as they parted ways to their cars. This ending was emotional for them too, I believe.
As a gamer speaking about my favorite show, I’d say: “I remember when each of these actors joined our gaming universe; they were all at different stages in their personal and professional lives. One even grew up on this very platform! Some transitioned roles, others became parents, and everyone experienced creative and career development. It was a bold move to bring them together, but it’s been an incredible journey watching us all grow over the past four years.”
As a devoted fan, I’m incredibly grateful for every moment I’ve shared with this incredible cast over the years. Witnessing Elliot Page’s journey has been truly inspiring – not just as an observer, but as someone who got to be a tiny piece of that amazing puzzle. Seeing his life unfold, watching him blossom, and knowing how genuinely content he is brings me immense joy.
Initially, when assembling the cast for this production, we departed significantly from the original comics in terms of several characters’ identities, ranging from race to sexuality to gender. This approach has served as a model for other shows that focus on diverse family casting within the genre. Apart from choosing the most suitable actors for each role, could you elaborate on how you believe diversity played a crucial role in making this adaptation unique and distinctive?
Initially, I aimed to enhance diversity beyond what was presented in the graphic novel, a goal that Gerard himself, who shared this sentiment with me, had expressed a desire for in hindsight. Given that he wrote it quite some time ago, I believe he suggested during our conversation, “Please, make the cast more diverse. Don’t mimic my original approach.” Consequently, we decided from the outset to assemble a much more diverse ensemble, and it felt appropriate from the beginning. I was drawn to these particular actors, not just for one role, but for the overall cast. I wasn’t seeking diversity for its own sake, rather, I wanted the best talent, and fortunately, we secured excellent performers. From the start, they seemed perfectly suited for their roles. To be honest, I didn’t have any second thoughts about my casting choices, not even a moment of regret saying, “I made a mistake there.” Elliot Page was the first person I wanted to cast, followed closely by Tom Hopper. Robert came along as we progressed, and eventually, I managed to secure everyone I desired. This approach extended to all our guest stars and other contributors.
In the narrative of the show, on-screen portrayals have always been crucial. However, last month, accusations surfaced concerning inappropriate behavior and offensive language used during production, which I was called out for. Now reflecting on it, what do you wish for people to understand about those statements? Do you harbor any regrets regarding their utterance?
As a seasoned professional with over two decades in this industry, I take immense pride in my work, particularly my contributions to “The Umbrella Academy.” It’s disheartening when statements that aren’t mine are attributed to me. I’ve put in countless hours and made significant strides in my career, and I stand by every single moment of it. I value the people I’ve worked with deeply, and I respect them immensely for their dedication and hard work. It’s important to set the record straight: those statements were not mine, and they do not reflect the truth of my experiences or contributions in this business.
As someone who has spent many years working in the entertainment industry and leading teams of talented individuals, I understand the importance of fairness and respect for every member involved in a project. While I have always aimed to create a positive and inclusive environment for all, I acknowledge that there may be instances where people feel they haven’t been treated equally in our writers room. To those who feel this way, I want you to know that your voices matter and I am deeply sorry if you have experienced any discomfort or lack of recognition.
As a dedicated fan, I’d like to express my perspective: I strove to treat every individual with fairness and respect, going above and beyond to ensure everyone’s voice was heard. Working in a writers room can be challenging, as not every idea may make it through or as expected. There are days when your vision prevails and others when it doesn’t. The writers room is a complex environment, but I am confident that I respected each writer’s contributions during my time on the show, and I take pride in how I interacted with everyone involved.
For almost a decade, we’ve been on an incredible ride with this series. What am I most pleased about regarding The Umbrella Academy, and what do I want viewers to take away as it comes to an end?
Having spent decades working in the dynamic world of entertainment, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude and pride. Our loyal fanbase, who have stood by us for what seems like an eternity, are more than just viewers to me – they’re family. The transformation of those young adults into new adults during our journey together is a testament to the timeless appeal of our show.
I’m pleased with the tales we crafted together. Some were more complex, while others flowed more easily, but when it’s all said and done, I believe I’ll reflect fondly on our collective effort in producing this show. We aimed to remain faithful to Gerard and Gabriel’s vision, yet we created a unique series that stands somewhat apart from other superhero shows, hopefully enduring the test of time.
Umbrella Academy is now streaming all episodes on Netflix.
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2024-08-09 02:26