Why The Umbrella Academy season 3 already has a story problem. Adapted from the comic book series by Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá, the Netflix adaptation has taken some of its story inspiration from its counterpart. With a third season officially on the way, there’s a chance the beloved show might be facing a storytelling hurdle in advance of its premiere. 

The Umbrella Academy season 2 left off with the Hargreeves siblings — Luther, Diego, Allison, Klaus, Five, and Vanya — time traveling back from the 1960s to the exact moment they left in the present day at the end of season 1. Much to their surprise, they quickly discovered that the Umbrella Academy had been replaced by the Sparrow Academy, with Reginald having adopted several different people with special abilities. Speaking of Reginald, the Hargreeves were also shocked to learn that he and their long-dead brother Ben were alive. 

SCREENRANT VIDEO OF THE DAY

While fans have looked to the comics in an attempt to figure out what aspects of the source material TV and movies in the Marvel or DC universe are being adapted, The Umbrella Academy is in more of a unique situation. Yes, the Sparrow Academy has already been introduced in the comics, but there is little known about them because the primary volume they’re featured in, aptly titled “Sparrow Academy,” has yet to be published. This leaves any answers about season 3 of The Umbrella Academy even more vague than usual. Without the comics to draw from, showrunner Steve Blackman has to craft a story that will potentially diverge from the next chapter of the comics story, similar to how Game of Thrones pivoted away from George R.R. Martin’s novels because the HBO series got ahead. 

Of course, Blackman and his team of writers have likely discussed the story with Way to find out what happens in the characters’ futures. They could draw from things that have already been written and will probably make it into the series before the next volume is published. However, it’s more than likely The Umbrella Academy season 3 will simply go in another story direction entirely. The Umbrella Academy has already done as much throughout the first two seasons, crafting its own separate narrative from the comics, and playing fast and loose with the source material instead of relying on it heavily. 

The Sparrow Academy volume hasn’t been published yet and what’s nice is that there are probably no audience expectations for what the new season of The Umbrella Academy could be about. One of the most crucial aspects of the upcoming comics story, however, will revolve around the other babies born on the same day as the Hargreeves, with Way indicating that the Hargreeves are no longer the only ones in the world with abilities. To that end, The Umbrella Academy season 3 will likely touch upon that part of the storyline, especially with the introduction of the Sparrow Academy. It’s one of the only mysteries that the show has yet to explore and there are a number of possibilities for where the story could go next. 

The MCU Just Beat Raimi’s Horror Record Before Doctor Strange 2

About The Author


Mae Abdulbaki
(1107 Articles Published)

See also  RHOM: Alexia's Son Peter Threatened Suicide After Frankie's Accident

Mae Abdulbaki is a movie reviews editor with Screen Rant. She previously wrote about a variety of movies and TV shows for Inverse, CinemaBlend, Pajiba, and The Young Folks, where she wrote reviews, features, news pieces. Her other work can be found at The Mary Sue, Film School Rejects, UPROXX, Heroic Hollywood, Looper, The List, and Bam Smack Pow, among others. Mae has also appeared on television segments, podcasts, and panels to discuss all things entertainment.

More From Mae Abdulbaki