After years of pleading from fans and cast alike, and months of speculation and rumor — cult classic cartoon Young Justice is heading back to television.
Warner Bros. Animation made the surprise announcement this afternoon with a press release and a poster teasing the upcoming season. More importantly, producers Brandon Vietti and Greg Weisman are returning for the new season. Young Justice is widely regarded as one of the greatest animated superhero shows of all time.
There is no word if the voice cast will return, but since they have all been actively lobbying for the show to come back, years after it was cancelled, it’s a safe bet that most of them are in. The show is also without a home, but with the explosion of alternate networks and internet distribution channels, there are many more options for a show like Young Justice than when it was cancelled.
Young Justice followed the exploits of DC’s younger heroes as they battled shadowy cabals and alien invasions. Early in the first season, the villains manage to effectively neutralize the Justice League, leaving the teen heroes to protect the Earth alone. The show featured complex characters, intricate plots and a commitment to diversity along both racial and gender lines.
The show was cancelled without warning after two seasons, and there were widely circulated rumors that the reason it was cancelled was that “too many girls watched the show” and “not enough toys were sold.” What was worse, the series ended on a horrible cliffhanger with the entire Earth in jeopardy.
But the fans, cast and producers never gave up on the show — even after it was cancelled. They constantly circulated petitions, created hashtag campaigns and lobbied networks to put the show back on the air. And finally, all that work has paid off.
In the words of show-runner Weisman, “We’re back, baby!”
DC’s Press Release announcing Season 3 follows.
Still Nobody’s Sidekick: Warner Bros. Animation Begins Production on Season 3 of “Young Justice,” Based on the Iconic DC Super Heroes
The Team is back and it’s “business as usual.” Warner Bros. Animation has begun production on a third season of all-new episodes of the acclaimed hit, action-animated series “Young Justice,” based on the characters from DC Entertainment. Season three promises new twists, turns and dangerous new threats for the team, but most importantly, the opportunity for fans to finally continue the adventures of some of their favorite Super Heroes. Further details about the new season — including premiere date and network partner — will be announced at a later time.
Heralded by Entertainment Weekly as one of the “9 Best Animated TV Series Drawn from Comics,” “Young Justice” has been equally praised by critics and viewers for its impressive visuals and rich storytelling. The series reached more than 25 million unique viewers in each of its two seasons on Cartoon Network.
“The affection that fans have had for ‘Young Justice,’ and their rallying cry for more episodes, has always resonated with us,” said Sam Register, President, Warner Bros. Animation and Warner Digital Series. “We are excited to bring the show back for this loyal fanbase and to provide an opportunity for new viewers to discover this excellent series.”
Producers Brandon Vietti (Batman: Under the Red Hood, Superman: Doomsday) and Greg Weisman (Star Wars Rebels, Gargoyles) will be returning to the series.
In “Young Justice,” the teenage Super Heroes of the DC Universe come of age in a world of super powers, Super-Villains and super secrets. Used strategically as the secret covert weapon of the Justice League, Nightwing, Robin, Aqualad, Kid Flash, Superboy, Miss Martian and a host of others strive to prove to their legendary mentors, as well as to themselves, that they have what it takes to be heroes.
For more information or to sign up for updates, visit YJS3.com.
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