Ninjas have been a timeless fascination for many, and their popularity has recently surged with the success of various media projects such as the animated feature 'Mutant Mayhem' and the Netflix series 'House of Ninjas.' However, one enduring ninja-themed franchise that has captured the hearts of children worldwide is 'Ninjago.'
Launched 13 years ago as a show and product by Lego, 'Ninjago' has seen remarkable success, spawning 16 seasons, 235 episodes, a feature film, theme park attractions, and a wide array of toys. In 2023, the franchise underwent a semi-reboot with the introduction of 'Ninjago: Dragons Rising,' which brought in new characters and storylines to refresh the expansive 'Ninjago' universe.
The creative team behind 'Dragons Rising' took the opportunity to enhance the production values by transitioning the show to Unreal Engine, resulting in improved animation quality. The characters were given a stylized, sculpted look to create a more cinematic feel, with added CG effects and lighting effects to elevate the visual experience.
One of the challenges faced in portraying Lego minifig ninjas as agile warriors was their limited range of motion. Through animation techniques like squash and stretch and creative lighting, the characters were brought to life with more fluidity and grace.
The relationship between the show and the toy line is described as symbiotic, with input from both product designers and writers influencing each other. Characters like Wyldfyre were born from the show and later transformed into popular minifigs, showcasing the collaborative nature of the franchise.
With the release of the second season of 'Dragons Rising,' the creative team had the opportunity to delve deeper into longer story arcs and foreshadowing, building on the foundation set in the first season. While the exact number of future seasons remains undisclosed, a multi-season story arc has been mapped out to maintain continuity and intrigue.
Despite primarily targeting a younger audience, 'Dragons Rising' explores themes of friendship, betrayal, loss, and frustration, resonating with viewers of all ages. The writers' dedication to treating the characters and world with respect and addressing complex emotions ensures a meaningful viewing experience for all.
As the franchise continues to evolve and captivate audiences, the possibility of a feature film adaptation remains open, hinting at more exciting developments on the horizon for 'Ninjago' fans.
