Unveiling Aaravos: The Enigmatic Past of The Dragon Prince Revealed at SDCC 2023

Summary

Claudia, driven by the desire to save her father Viren, is determined to free Aaravos, while the main characters seek the help of both familiar and new allies in their mission to halt her plans.

In season 5, the relationships between characters have undergone changes. It is easier for the Callum-Rayla relationship to develop, while the interactions between Claudia, Terry, and Viren are more intricate.

The Dragon Prince: Mystery of Aaravos season 5 explores the world and magic of Xadia in greater depth. Our main characters, Callum, Rayla, Ezran, and Soren, find themselves in a race against Claudia and Terry to reach Aaravos' prison. Claudia is determined to set free the notorious Startouch Elf in order to save her father, Viren. To prevent Claudia from unleashing the immense power of Aaravos, Callum, Rayla, Ezran, and Soren will seek assistance from both old and new allies.

The Dragon Prince, created by Aaron Ehasz and Justin Richmond, features a talented cast including Jack DeSena, Paula Burrows, Sasha Rojen, Jason Simpson, Racquel Belmonte, and Jesse Inocalla. With plans for a total of seven seasons, the fifth season of The Dragon Prince is now available to stream on Netflix.

In an interview with Screen Rant, Aaron Ehasz, Justin Richmond, and Villads Spangsberg discuss the latest season of The Dragon Prince. They delve into the creation of the show's captivating world and mythology, while also assuring fans that season 6 will provide long-awaited answers. Spangsberg, the director and producer of The Dragon Prince, expresses his enthusiasm, promising fans that the series truly takes off in season 5.

Aaron Ehasz, Justin Richmond & Villads Spangsberg on The Dragon Prince Season 5

The relationships showcased in season 5 have truly evolved significantly from the ones depicted in season 1, reflecting a palpable realism within the confines of a fantasy series. Can you elaborate on the process of nurturing these relationships? Which relationships proved to be the most challenging and effortless to cultivate during season 5?

Justin Richmond acknowledges that writing relationships is always challenging, as it involves ensuring that the characters' voices and behaviors align with the expectations of both the fans and the creators. However, he believes that predicting the direction of the Callum-Rayla relationship was relatively straightforward compared to intertwining the complicated dynamic between Claudia, Terry, and Viren. This was particularly difficult in the current season due to Viren's absence for most of it and the separate storyline he is involved in.

Which group of characters did you enjoy exploring the most this season?

Aaron Ehasz: Personally, I found the interactions between Viren and Aaravos particularly intriguing. It's fascinating to witness the evolution of Viren's character and how much he has changed. This encounter is notably distinct and holds significant consequences, which I absolutely loved.

Can we take a moment to discuss Ezran? He has undergone significant growth since season 1, and Soren has played a crucial role in balancing his character. As a young king, how does Ezran handle the weight of his responsibilities and where does he see himself at this point in his life?

Villads Spangsberg: He is fortunate to have excellent mentors surrounding him, including his friends and family. However, there are certainly substantial challenges to contend with. While Ezran can rely on his loved ones for support, there may be occasions where he needs to make difficult decisions.

Claudia's moral complexity is intriguing. Where does she place herself on the spectrum of good and evil?

According to Aaron Ehasz, Claudia perceives herself as unequivocally good. She holds a deep affection for her family, and it seems she has absorbed her father's beliefs about doing whatever necessary, no matter how dangerous or morally questionable. Consequently, Claudia genuinely embraces this idea. She believes that, in the pursuit of love and for the sake of her family, she would go to great lengths, even if it means enduring pain or engaging in morally repugnant actions. This element plays a significant role in shaping her character and contributing to her increasingly intricate development.

The creatures in season 5 of the show are absolutely breathtaking. The design process behind them is something worth discussing. We are fortunate to have an exceptional design team and art director who play a pivotal role in this. When we go through the script, we come across stage directions and compelling dialogue that serves as a great source of inspiration for our design team. We delve into the question of who these characters truly are. However, we also remain open to different visions. Multiple designers often collaborate on the same characters, with some working with us locally and others in Vancouver. It is important to note that we never stick to just one designer's perspective. Instead, it is a collaborative and inspiring effort from our entire team.

This is an amazing and unique intellectual property. Could you elaborate on the exciting difficulties involved in creating the world for this IP for long-form storytelling? Considering that we are currently in season 5, and please correct me if I'm mistaken, but you and your team intend to continue for at least seven seasons.

Aaron Ehasz flawlessly expressed it: indeed. The Dragon Prince comprises a staggering seven seasons, and I must exercise caution to avoid any complications. Though challenging, it is simultaneously a humbling privilege and a delightful experience to craft this masterpiece. Collaborating with an inspired group of writers, artists, and individuals who are collectively constructing Xadia constantly serves as an inspiration to us.

Keeping track of events and their timelines can be challenging at times. You might find yourself questioning whether a certain event happened 350 or 450 years ago, which would mean that So-and-So is no longer alive. While constructing the mythology, there are intricacies that need to be resolved. Occasionally, mistakes are made, and one can only hope that fans won't notice or realize later on that a character was either lying or unaware.

However, there is also a sense of honor in creating a world that captivates an audience who pays attention to details and genuinely cares. We strive to develop a fully-realized and multi-dimensional universe, not only for its characters but also for the world itself. We constantly push the boundaries of what has been explored thus far, peering beyond branches and leaves to discover something new and different. The vastness of Xadia and its rich history, filled with consequential events, presents a daunting but incredibly rewarding task. We consider ourselves incredibly fortunate to be part of this endeavor.

In Season 5, we delve into the depths of the ocean, but our sights are set on venturing into the realms of the stars in the upcoming season. What can we anticipate in the next season?

Villads Spangsberg: We're currently in the process of developing it. The entire team is filled with immense enthusiasm and excitement for this show. Season 5 serves as a springboard, marking the start of a thrilling journey for me personally. It promises to be an immensely enjoyable season.

Justin Richmond: The initial four seasons served as a practice phase in our journey.

Villads Spangsberg: Indeed, they were like a warm-up for us. [Laughs] Season 6 is truly thrilling and captivating. I am hesitant to divulge too much as it might spoil the surprise.

Aaron Ehasz: However, for those intrigued by the enigmatic Startouch Elves and the profound depths of their ancient mythology, we assure you that we will unravel the mysteries surrounding the celestial essence they possess. Rest assured, the answer is imminent.

Justin Richmond: Well, we can't tell you that.

Aaron Ehasz: Wait. Have we figured that out?

Justin Richmond: Yeah, exactly. Well, that will be answered. That will be answered. We do have an answer.

In mapping out this series from conception to production, do many changes occur? Are there ideas saved for future seasons?

Justin Richmond: We don't intentionally hold things back. We generally have a direction in mind, but not the specifics. We have a general idea of what Aaravos is doing, where he is, and what his ultimate goal is. However, the challenge lies in figuring out the precise path to get there. Similarly, we had a vague concept of what Scumport would become. For example, we thought about including an ocean adventure. We also wanted to bring back the character Villads in some capacity.

But we don't simply compile all the events and say, "This is everything that's going on," and then, three years later, exclaim, "We had written that down three years ago!"

Aaron Ehasz: However, I can recall specific elements that I recently witnessed while working on season 6. We actually discussed certain aspects in episode 2 that we won't resolve until season 6.

Justin Richmond expressed that while the overarching concepts are established, the finer details are flexible and can be adapted as needed. He specifically mentioned the case of Ezran in season 2, where his decision in which direction to take altered. Nevertheless, in general, the team has a sense of the ultimate destination they are heading towards.

For season 5, which character's journey were you particularly enthusiastic about fans exploring? Additionally, which character's journey resonated with you personally on a more profound level?

Justin Richmond: I'm not sure. That's a great question. I'm too personally involved to have an objective perspective. I apologize, it's extremely difficult for me to separate my emotions from the situation.

Aaron Ehasz: I'll focus on Viren in this scenario. In my opinion, we witnessed glimpses of the struggles he faces back in season 4. However, the intensity of his emotions and the reopening of past wounds have brought to the surface deep-seated traumas that were previously scarred over and buried. And then, on top of that, dying and being brought back to life further intensifies the impact, making it feel like a fresh ordeal. As a result, he is grappling with the immense damage caused by these experiences.

I am extremely enthusiastic about the journey that Viren undertakes.

Aaron Ehasz: This is a story of culmination, with season 4 providing foreshadowing. We witness the progress he has made and the destination he has reached. The conversation between him and Aaravos is unlike their initial encounter, and Viren's desires and needs have diverged from those reliant on Aaravos. It is a compelling development.

About The Dragon Prince Season 5

Joining forces in response to an incredible revelation, two princes of human origin and a skilled elven assassin embark on a grand adventure in their noble pursuit to restore harmony within their strife-ridden domains.

Catch the highly anticipated Season 5, titled "The Dragon Prince: Mystery of Aaravos," exclusively on Netflix.