The Umbrella Academy

Dysfunctional superheroes navigate apocalypse and family drama

Watch on Netflix
About The Umbrella Academy

Released: 2019

Platform: Netflix

Rating: TV-14

Run time: 3 Seasons

Cast
Elliot Page, Tom Hopper, David Castañeda, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Robert Sheehan, Aidan Gallagher, Justin H. Min, Ritu Arya, Genesis Rodriguez, Colm Feore, Britne Oldford, Jordan Claire Robbins, Jake Epstein, Cazzie David, Javon 'Wanna' Walton, Callum Keith Rennie, Justin Cornwell, Yusuf Gatewood, Marin Ireland, Adam Godley, Kate Walsh, Cameron Britton, Mary J. Blige, Julian Richings

About The Umbrella Academy

The Umbrella Academy is a television show that premiered on Netflix in 2019. Based on the comic book series of the same name by Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá, the show falls under the Comic Book & Superhero TV genre. It follows the lives of seven children with extraordinary abilities who were adopted by an eccentric billionaire and trained to become superheroes.

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About

The Umbrella Academy tells the story of the Hargreeves siblings who were born on the same day to women who were not pregnant when the day started. Reginald Hargreeves, an eccentric billionaire, adopts these extraordinary children and raises them as his own. Each child possesses unique abilities, which they use to fight crime and protect the world as a superhero team.

The show takes place years later when the siblings, now adults, are brought back together after the death of their adoptive father. They must navigate their complex relationships, deal with their troubled past, and prevent an impending global catastrophe.

Making / Production

The Umbrella Academy was produced by Universal Cable Productions and Dark Horse Entertainment. Steve Blackman served as the showrunner. The first season, consisting of ten episodes, was released on Netflix on February 15, 2019.

The show features a unique visual style, bringing the comic book world to life with vibrant colors and striking cinematography. The production design and special effects play a significant role in creating the show's fantastical atmosphere, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the world of The Umbrella Academy.

Actors

  • Ellen Page as Vanya Hargreeves / The White Violin
  • Tom Hopper as Luther Hargreeves / Spaceboy
  • David Castañeda as Diego Hargreeves / The Kraken
  • Emmy Raver-Lampman as Allison Hargreeves / The Rumor
  • Robert Sheehan as Klaus Hargreeves / The Séance
  • Aidan Gallagher as Number Five / The Boy
  • Mary J. Blige as Cha-Cha
  • Cameron Britton as Hazel

The talented cast brings depth and complexity to their respective roles. Ellen Page delivers a powerful performance as Vanya, the seemingly ordinary sibling with hidden powers. Tom Hopper showcases the internal struggle of Luther, torn between his loyalty to the family and his own desires.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

  • The Umbrella Academy comic book series was created by My Chemical Romance frontman Gerard Way and illustrator Gabriel Bá.
  • The show's opening scene, where 43 women spontaneously give birth, mirrors the opening of the comic book series.
  • The character of Number Five, played by Aidan Gallagher, physically ages at a slower rate due to time-traveling.
  • The show incorporates elements of different comic book volumes to create its own unique storyline.

Awards

The Umbrella Academy has received several awards and nominations, including:

  • Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Program (Half-Hour)
  • Saturn Award for Best Superhero Television Series
  • Saturn Award for Best Actor on a Television Series (Tom Hopper)

Quotes

  • "We didn't choose this life, we're just living it." - Allison Hargreeves
  • "The world ends in eight days." - Number Five
  • "I'm not a white violin. And you're not better than me, Luther. None of you are." - Vanya Hargreeves

Music, Soundtrack

The Umbrella Academy features a diverse and memorable soundtrack that complements the show's tone and storytelling. The music ranges from classic hits to contemporary tracks, enhancing the viewing experience and adding depth to the scenes.

Some notable songs from the show's soundtrack include:

  • "Hazy Shade of Winter" by Gerard Way and Ray Toro
  • "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen
  • "Dancing in the Moonlight" by King Harvest
  • "I Think We're Alone Now" by Tiffany

The music contributes to the show's distinct atmosphere, creating an immersive and engaging viewing experience for fans of The Umbrella Academy.