Unveiling the Adventure Time Multiverse: An Exclusive Look with Fionna And Cake's Adam Muto & Ryann Shannon at SDCC 2013

Summary

This spin-off delves into deeper themes and incorporates mild profanity, catering to the original Adventure Time fan base that has matured alongside the series.

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The series will showcase familiar characters from Adventure Time, such as Finn, Jake, Princess Bubblegum, and Marceline, but in different versions across various dimensions.

Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake, a spin-off of the show, will soon make its return to the world of Ooo later this year. This new series focuses on the gender-swapped pair, Fionna the Human (voiced by Madeleine Martin), and Cake the Cat (voiced by Roz Ryan), who were originally introduced in the original series as fan fiction characters created by the Ice King based on Finn the Human and Jake the Dog. The female duo is joined by Simon Petrikov, the human alter ego of the Ice King (voiced by the renowned Tom Kenny), and together, they embark on a journey through different dimensions.

The first trailer for Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake premiered at San Diego Comic-Con, providing answers for fans while also sparking new questions. The trailer showcases a mix of real-world and Ooo scenes, featuring apocalyptic monsters and a young Marceline. Showrunner Adam Muto, who previously worked on Adventure Time, leads the upcoming series alongside storyboard artist and writer Ryann Shannon, known for their work on OK K.O.! Let's Be Heroes and the acclaimed game Neon White.

In an interview with Screen Rant, showrunner Adam Muto and supervising director Ryann Shannon delve into the distinctive qualities of Fionna and Cake compared to Finn and Jake. They discuss the approach to creating a more mature aspect of the franchise and the intricate Adventure Time multiverse.

Adam Muto & Ryann Shannon Talk Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake

Screen Rant: We're here to talk about some Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake. Tell me a little bit about this spinoff and what we're going to explore with Fionna and Cake.

Adam Muto stated that the goal was to expand the Adventure Time world while remaining respectful of the original content. Fionna and Cake, characters that were popular in the original series, were chosen to be the focus of this new series. The intention was to delve deeper into their world and origin, which had not been explored before. In terms of age, the series acknowledges that the original Adventure Time audience has matured.

Ryann Shannon: This spinoff of Fionna and Cake feels different from the previous episodes, reflecting our growth and maturity. As we progress alongside the characters, we are able to draw from our own personal experiences and write with more heartfelt intention.

What aspects of these characters' new journey sparked the most excitement for you all?

Adam Muto explained that when creating the character of Fionna, they wanted to differentiate her from Finn, who she is an alternative version of. They aimed to make her personality distinct and unique, by emphasizing certain traits that are different from Finn's. Additionally, Fionna's life circumstances and personality differ greatly from Finn's, as she is portrayed as more of a messy character. This deviation from the typical protagonist was something new for them.

Adam Muto also mentioned that when it comes to standard and practices (S&P) notes, they now receive fewer notes compared to before. Previously, there were lengthy email exchanges regarding violent scenes, but now they receive no notes, which he finds incredibly favorable.

Ryann Shannon: We can now incorporate a bit more violence compared to before.

Adam Muto: It's not intentional, but we receive fewer notes on such content these days. Consequently, it simplifies the process significantly.

Ryann, can you talk about the tone of the comedy that we're going to see in this series?

Ryann Shannon: Yeah, it's still pretty grounded in Adventure Time standard fare. But there are swears now.

Adam Muto: Mild. Mild swears.

Ryann Shannon: The show addresses mature themes in a subtle manner, with a gentle approach.

Adam Muto: The show has already explored similar themes before, but now we have the opportunity to delve deeper. Additionally, with the episodes being half an hour long instead of 11 minutes, we have more room to explore these themes without feeling rushed.

What aspects of the continuation of the Ice King's story are you excited to delve into?

Adam Muto: Initially, we find him as Simon Petrikov, no longer the Ice King. He has returned to being a normal human without magical abilities. This places him as a foreigner in the fantastical and futuristic world of Ooo. It is intriguing to witness how he navigates this unfamiliar territory, considering his last recollection being from the 90s. It's particularly fascinating as Tom Kenny brings this character to life, offering an in-depth exploration of the Simon persona that we have not seen before.

I love the characters in Adventure Time. Are there any chances that we will see some familiar faces possibly pop up in Fionna and Cake?

Ryann Shannon: Absolutely.

Adam Muto stated that the story is a multiverse tale, which intrigued the creators. One aspect that fascinated them was exploring the various versions of familiar characters and examining how they would interact with Fionna. This exploration served as a catalyst for Fionna's personal development.

Fans can expect to encounter at least one Finn and some Jake, along with other characters synonymous with Adventure Time, such as Princess Bubblegum and Marceline. The creators aimed to maintain a connection to the original series without overwhelming it with excessive cameos.

What have Fionna and Cake been up to between series, for fans who may not remember?

Adam Muto: Starting from this one, Fionna has been living in a '90s sitcom ever since the original series concluded. Although her world is still Ooo, it's a distinctively altered version. Consequently, she has been solely focused on making enough money to pay her rent.

Ryann Shannon: Yeah. Living a normal life, trying to hold down a job.

Could you discuss the growth of the Adventure Time world? Were you expecting this level of success when you first started the show?

Adam Muto: It's difficult to predict the number of seasons a show will have, so we didn't plan too far in advance during the first season. There was always the possibility of cancellation. However, after a couple of seasons without being canceled, we felt more comfortable thinking about the show's future. Finn's age also played a significant role in shaping the direction of the show. As he grew from a 13-year-old to an 18-year-old, his perspectives and concerns naturally evolved. It felt strange to continue writing for a younger version of the character as he aged. While the world itself didn't undergo drastic changes, Finn's relationship with it certainly did.

Can we discuss the evolution of the characters since their last appearance and your vision for Fionna and Cake?

Adam Muto: Ice King, who is actually Simon, is now a melancholic middle-aged man in his 40s or possibly 50s. He's facing a period of solitude and is searching for his purpose in life. Marceline and Bubblegum have progressed from their initial roles as the Candy Kingdom's ruler and a Vampire Queen to a more developed stage in their relationship. As for Finn, he has become even more dynamic and expressive than before, while still remaining true to his core essence.

It proves challenging as we have previously depicted his character's final stage in an earlier special, requiring the connection of these two versions. He has grown more mature, yet retains certain childlike qualities.

Ryann, what aspect of delving into Adventure Time's ongoing narrative has been most enjoyable for you?

Ryann Shannon: Exploring the concept of multiverse has brought about captivating experiences as we venture into a multitude of universes, revealing the intriguing transformations of these characters in diverse environments. This has resulted in an array of outfit changes and an extensive array of possibilities to creatively engage with these characters.

About Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake

Fionna and Cake, accompanied by their ally Simon Petrikov, formerly known as the Ice King, venture into various dimensions on an exhilarating journey of self-exploration. Simultaneously, a formidable new foe hides in the darkness, determined to find them and eliminate them completely.

Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake premieres August 31 on Max.