The reason for the show’s remarkable success is clear to many: Umbrella Academy defies typical superhero conventions, drawing from the comic book series created by Gerard Way and illustrated by Gabriel Bá. Steve Blackman, the series creator, knows that unconventional superhero stories can strike a chord with audiences who crave something different. He has a knack for picking narratives about imperfect families and the flaws that everyone recognizes, which helps the show attract a broad viewership.
“I don’t see this as a straightforward superhero series,” Blackman explains in a video call. “I joined the project because I connected with the tale of a dysfunctional family. That core appeals to a wide audience because it focuses on relationships, quirks, and real-life flaws.”
In the free adaptation, Sir Reginald Hargreeves, a billionaire inventor, adopts seven of the forty-three children born on the same day to mothers who showed no prior signs of pregnancy. Many of these children possess extraordinary powers that Hargreeves hopes to cultivate so they can help him pursue justice.
Sparrows arrive
During the first season, the siblings Luther, a strongman; Diego, a knifemaker; Allison, a master of persuasion; Klaus, a reluctant spiritist; Five, a time traveler; and Vanya, a violinist, reunite under the shadow of an apocalypse. The second season sends them back to the 1960s, where their destinies intertwine with the Kennedy era. The third season returns them to 2019, where a new crisis creates a black hole that threatens all life.
Blackman and the production team continue to entertain the idea of how easily Hargreeves flirted with catastrophe, but the new season, which drops on Netflix on a Wednesday, introduces notable changes to the formula. Six major innovations shift the dynamic: the alternate Hargreeves siblings the heroes meet in 2019 differ from those they knew before. Umbrella Academy meets Sparrow Academy, a group that Vanguard-style appears to be more proficient in hero work. “We wanted a new dynamic,” notes Blackman. “Instead of the family fighting among themselves, we see the family facing off against another family. Umbrellas are siblings who struggle with being superheroes, while Sparrows are superheroes who struggle with being siblings.” Justin H. Min returns as Ben, the ghost of the original family, while new additions include Genesis Rodriguez and Sloane, among others. Luther’s evolving interest, in particular, promises a fresh, non-familial tension.
From Vanya to Viktor
Blackman frames Umbrella Academy as a call to accept differences, a theme that comes into sharper focus in the third season as the Hargreeves confront a major reveal about Vanya, now Viktor. The character transition mirrors a real-world moment when Ellen Page announced a gender identity change and later became Elliot Page. The creative team navigated this transition with sensitivity and care, aiming to integrate it into the narrative without forcing it into the plot as a gimmick.
“Elliot approached me about the switch and we began shaping the storyline around it,” Blackman recalls. “Scripts were already in progress, so I consulted with advocacy groups and collaborated with diverse writers to ensure the portrayal was respectful. The goal was to introduce the element naturally, not as a standalone plot twist.”
GLAAD’s reporting shows a gradual rise in transgender characters on television from 2020 to 2022, underscoring a broader shift in representation. The creative team takes pride in bringing Viktor into the ongoing conflict, emphasizing a hopeful message: there is value in a positive story where a trans child finds support and belonging in the midst of adversity.
The power of music
Blackman frequently nods to directors who have left lasting impressions on the show, particularly Wes Anderson, which is reflected in the soundtrack choices. Music is not merely decorative — it drives scenes and informs the storytelling and visuals. The team often annotates songs in the scripts to capture their emotional resonance. Sometimes a track lands perfectly; other times it is jarringly misplaced, but the right tune can elevate a moment to something memorable.
Recent discussions around music touch on songs like Run by Kate Bush that gained renewed attention from another series. Could a similar moment happen here with a song like Youth Dream by Katy Perry from a newer artist? A ballad by an unknown band may surprise audiences, and the team recalls the joy of a classic hit like I Think We’re Alone Now resurfacing and resonating with fans. The memory of songs shaping scenes remains a running joke and a genuine source of inspiration for the creators.