Voice actors and writer of Netflix's 'Arcane' talk about the series' final season and expectations for CCXP

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Following a three-year run, the animation — inspired by the game League of Legends — concluded in November. The second season, divided into three acts, ended on a high note, becoming the first in history to achieve ratings above 9 for every episode on IMDb, the online database for movies, TV, music, and games.

— Even with the release of the second season, I’m not sure if I’ll ever be able to fully grasp that this is real, the fact that I’m part of it and that people worldwide simply love the series — shares Reed Shannon regarding the show's success. — It’s unbelievable.

The actor, known for voicing Ekko, admitted with a laugh that he struggled to get the hang of the game, despite being a fan of its universe since his teenage years.

— I didn’t have the competitive spirit needed to reach the elite ranks — Shannon comments. — It’s embarrassing when you join the game ready to start, and everyone else is so much better than you. But I’m working on it.

The first season of “Arcane” was already a standout, especially for fans of the game. The second season, while maintaining the fast-paced and intense rhythm of its predecessor with several sequential acts, also featured quieter moments filled with pain, heartbreak, and grief.

— I think the first season created a connection with the characters. So, we were able to carry that forward into the second. We embarked on this challenging and painful journey because we wanted people to question if they could endure it, — says writer Amanda Overton. — I believe the most fulfilling journeys are often the hardest to go through. This allowed us to give everyone their moment to shine, to truly dive into those characters and stories. What’s most special about ‘Arcane’ for me is that fans found multiple layers of meaning within a small piece of what we provided.

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As the story unfolded, the characters revealed themselves to be deeper and more complex, navigating personal, familial, and political conflicts amid the war between the cities of Piltover and Zaun.

— As an actor, what really matters to me is understanding where my character came from and where he’s headed. Through Heimerdinger’s actions, I could sense how he felt, so I brought that to life — explains Mick Wingert. — Working closely with the writers, my job is to bring him to life with heart and emotion, portraying him as credibly as possible. It’s about taking this animated character and turning him into a person.

For Shannon, channeling the emotions of the characters is akin to “finding things within yourself,” identifying with their experiences and taking them “to the extreme.”

— I’d say every actor involved genuinely cares about the work because they delve as deep as possible. I relate to Ekko in many ways, so it was easy to draw that out of myself — the actor notes. — It’s truly cathartic to tap into those feelings that you often can’t find words to explain. But this is only possible when you’re working with great writers.

As for CCXP, all three expressed high expectations.

— I’ve heard amazing things about the event, so I’m very excited. We’ll be on the Thunder Stage (laughs), it’s going to be fantastic — Mick Wingert comments. — I know Brazilian fans have a huge love for ‘Arcane,’ and I can’t wait to feel that energy.

Together with Mako (Alex Seaver), the composer and executive producer of the series’ soundtrack, they will take the Thunder Stage on Thursday (Dec. 5) at 6:45 p.m., during a panel hosted by Riot Games. Earlier, at 4 p.m., Shannon, Wingert, and Mako will participate in a “meet & greet” at the game developer’s booth, and at 2:30 p.m., the composer will join the Ultra Panel. Finally, on Friday (Dec. 6), Mick Wingert, the voice of Heimerdinger, will host a book signing session at the Chiaroscuro booth to promote one of his books.