Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia

Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia (or simply Trollhunters) is an American computer-animated fantasy television series created for Netflix by Guillermo del Toro, and produced by DreamWorks Animation and Double Dare You Productions.[2] It follows the story of James “Jim” Lake Jr., a teenage boy who finds a mysterious amulet and stumbles across a secret realm inhabited by trolls and other magical creatures. Soon afterward, he and his friends are charged with protecting our world from the dangerous monsters that lurk in the shadows of their small suburban town.

"Trollhunters" redirects here. For the film, see Trollhunter.

Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia
Season 1 promotional poster
Genre	Science fantasy Adventure Action Comedy-drama
Created by	Guillermo del Toro
Based on	Trollhunters by Guillermo del Toro and Daniel Kraus
Voices of	Anton Yelchin Kelsey Grammer Charlie Saxton Lexi Medrano Jonathan Hyde Fred Tatasciore Ron Perlman Amy Landecker Emile Hirsch
Theme music composer	Alexandre Desplat
Composer(s)	Tim Davies
Country of origin	United States
Original language(s)	English
No. of seasons	3
No. of episodes	52 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producer(s)	Guillermo del Toro Rodrigo Blaas[1] Marc Guggenheim Christina Steinberg Kevin Hageman Dan Hageman
Producer(s)	Chad Hammes
Running time	22 minutes
Production company(s)	DreamWorks Animation TV Double Dare You
Distributor	NBCUniversal Television Distribution Netflix
Release
Original network	Netflix
Picture format	HDTV 1080p
Audio format	Stereo
Original release	December 23, 2016 (2016-12-23) – May 25, 2018 (2018-05-25)
Chronology
Followed by	3Below: Tales of Arcadia
External links
Website

The first two episodes of the series premiered on October 8, 2016, at the New York Comic Con.[1][3] The first season was released worldwide on Netflix on December 23, 2016.[4] The second season premiered on December 15, 2017,[5][6] and the third and final season premiered on May 25, 2018.[7][8]

Since its release, Trollhunters has been widely praised as an ambitious and boundary-pushing animated series, with Filmink's Travis Johnson calling it "...the best children’s animation to come along since Avatar: The Last Airbender." [9] The series was nominated for nine Daytime Emmy Awards in 2017, winning more than any other animated or live-action television program that year.[10] In its first three seasons, it has also received or been nominated for a BAFTA Award, several Annie Awards, Kidscreen Awards, Golden Reel Awards and a Saturn Award. The show has also spawned several original children's books and has been adapted into a series of graphic novels by Marc Guggenheim and Richard Hamilton, released by Dark Horse.[11]

Anton Yelchin continued to be part of the series through the first two seasons, as he had recorded enough dialogue to complete them before his sudden death.[12] Yelchin was also able to provide a portion of dialogue for the final season, while the remaining portions of dialogue were recorded by Emile Hirsch.[13][14]

Following the show's success, Guillermo del Toro announced that Trollhunters would be the first chapter in a trilogy of television series entitled Tales of Arcadia. The story was continued in a science fiction inspired follow-up series entitled 3Below: Tales of Arcadia, and the trilogy concluded in a third and final fantasy series entitled Wizards: Tales of Arcadia.[15] It also premiered on Pop in the UK on September 3, 2018.

A full-length feature film, titled Trollhunters: Rise of the Titans, is scheduled for a 2021 release on Netflix.[16]

Synopsis

Part 1

After being dubbed the first human Trollhunter, James "Jim" Lake Jr., reluctantly, begins to lead a double life with best friend Tobias "Toby" Domzalski at his side, along with gaining mentors from the trolls Blinky and AAARRRGGHH!!!. Jim faces hostility and resentment not just from other trolls, but from other humans during school time as well. The adventures of Jim and Toby become interrupted when Claire Nuñez was introduced to Jim's "other" life when Jim found out that her brother was a changeling (a troll that can take a human form) and did not think Jim was even though they were being attacked by goblins. Then Jim showed Claire his suit.

Part 2

With Jim trapped in the Darklands, his friends race to rescue him. With Jim out of the Darklands, he faces repercussions for his actions by going in. Blinky deals with old family wounds as the rest of Trollmarket deals with a possible mole among them. Things are not made easier when Steve Palchuk and Eli Pepperjack begin to stumble upon Jim's double life, on top of the pressures of high school.

Part 3

It's the end of sophomore year at Arcadia High: Jim's double life has taken its toll on his mother as Claire experiences trouble from an ancient sorceress. The final battle is looming over the trio as Jim and Claire begin to grow closer in their relationship. Jim has to realize that defeating Gunmar is impossible unless he makes an irreversible sacrifice.

Voice cast

Main article: List of Tales of Arcadia characters

Main

• Anton Yelchin and Emile Hirsch as James "Jim" Lake Jr. / Trollhunter,[1][2] the first human Trollhunter and a reluctant hero dealing with the pressures of leading a double life. He has a talent for cooking and eventually sword-fighting, and cares deeply for his mother and friends. Yelchin provided the voice of Jim from Part 1, through portions of Part 3 before his death. Hirsch assumed the role and replaced him.
• Kelsey Grammer as Blinkous "Blinky" Galadrigal,[2] Jim's six-eyed four-armed troll mentor. A wise and scholarly troll with a heart of gold, he serves as the brains of the Trollhunters and eventually becomes a sort of father figure to Jim.
• Charlie Saxton as Tobias "Toby" Domzalski,[17] Jim's best friend and confidant. Dorky and excitable, he fully embraces the secret world of trolls and aids Jim in his quests. His weapon of choice is a warhammer.
• Lexi Medrano as Claire Maria Nuñez,[17] Jim's girlfriend. She is a feisty, kind, jolly, sarcastic, curious, and intelligent tomboy who enjoys books and is a talented martial artist and gymnast. She obtains the Shadow- staff (Skathe-Hrün)a staff capable of creating portals activated by the user's emotions.
• Jonathan Hyde as Waltolomew ‘Walter’ Stricklander ‘Strickler’ ,[17] Jim's history teacher who is actually a Changeling. When Jim discovers the truth, he loses all respect for him and the two become bitter enemies. However, he remains affable toward Jim and has redeeming qualities.
• Fred Tatasciore as Aarghaumont "AAARRRGGHH!!!",[17] a burly troll and close companion of Blinky who forms a deep bond with Toby. He was kidnapped by the Gumm-Gumms as a child from the Krubera ( a race of troll that lives deep in the earth) which stunted his vocabulary. Tormented by the atrocities he committed, he deserted Gunmar to live a life of peace. However, he will still fight to protect those he cares about.
• Victor Raider-Wexler as Vendel, the leader of Trollmarket. An ancient and wizened troll, Vendel is at first suspicious of Jim and often comes across as a pessimist, but shows a softer side and eventual faith in Jim. At the end of Part 2, he is killed by Usurna after she revealed herself to be working for Gunmar, but not before recording the act to warn the Trollhunters.
• Ron Perlman as Bular,[2] the son of Gunmar. A brutish and powerful troll warrior, he's obsessed with freeing his father from the Darklands. He holds a special disdain for Changelings, whom he considers "impure", putting him at odds with Strickler and other Changelings who seek to free Gunmar. He is killed by Jim in the first half of season 1, but later makes appearances in the season 1 episode "Where Is My Mind" and the season 2 episode "Unbecoming".
• Amy Landecker as Barbara Lake,[17] Jim's protective and overworked mother. Her husband left the family when Jim was five years old. Her doctor job means she's often away from home, which lets Jim pursue his Trollhunter duties.

Recurring

• Steven Yeun as Steve Palchuk,[1] a narcissistic bully who frequently harasses Jim. Suspicious of Jim's unusual behavior, he eventually discovers the truth and teams up with Eli Pepperjack and becomes the Creepslayerz to help Jim in Part 2.
• Matthew Waterson as Draal, the son of previous Trollhunter, Kanjigar. He is originally jealous and suspicious of Jim but later befriends him – acting as Jim's fighting tutor. During a battle in the museum, Draal sacrifices his lower right arm while removing the Trollhunter amulet from the Killahead Bridge to close the portal, and later obtains a mechanical prosthetic. Draal explains that his father kept a distance from him as he grew up, and he had hoped to become the next Trollhunter that he might earn his father's approval.
• Lauren Tom as Nomura, the Changeling museum curator and a colleague of Strickler. Originally an antagonist, she was pulled into the Darklands and imprisoned by Gunmar for her failures. When Jim is captured in the Darklands, the two form a connection and escape together.
• Jimmie Wood as NotEnrique, the Changeling swapped with Claire's baby brother Enrique. While troublesome and self-serving, he isn't actively malicious and even helps the Trollhunters from time to time (usually after being bribed). He forms a rocky but brotherly connection with Claire.
• Clancy Brown as Gunmar, the iron-fisted leader of the Gumm-Gumms who reside in the Darklands. He is powerful and ruthless, and will readily dispose of loyal minions and allies who can no longer serve him. He has no qualms about enslaving or killing his fellow trolls to accomplish his goals.
• Tom Hiddleston and James Purefoy as Kanjigar the Courageous, Draal's father and the noble Trollhunter prior to Jim. His ghost tutors Jim, often worrying about Jim's team fighting style, believing that the Trollhunter must work alone to avoid endangering those he cares about – this leads to Jim's guilt and decision to venture into the Darklands alone. Hiddleston provided the voice acting for Kanjigar during the series premiere, while Purefoy was cast to assume the role for the rest of the series.
• Ike Amadi as Angor Rot, an ancient troll assassin who hunts down Trollhunters and takes their souls. In medieval times, Angor made a deal with Morgana, surrendering his own soul in return for his mystical powers.
• Rodrigo Blaas as Gnome Chompsky, a Gnome adopted by Toby. He started out as a "rogue Gnome" causing trouble, but after he was finally defeated by Jim he became friendly when he was given a dollhouse to live in and a plastic doll to be his companion. He later helped locate Enrique in the Darklands and also helped rescue Jim from the Darklands.
• Mark Hamill as Dictatious Galadrigal, Blinky's brother. Presumed dead, he helps Gunmar in his quest to conquer the surface lands. He is blinded by Blinky during a struggle in the Darklands.
• Anjelica Huston as Queen Usurna, the queen of the Krubera, AAARRRGGHH!!!'s race of trolls who lives in the Deep Caverns, and a member of a council of troll leaders known as the Tribunal. She initially seems to be a kind queen concerned for AAARRRGGHH!!!'s well-being. As a Tribunal member, she is strict and judgmental and leads the Tribunal to act against Jim and his friends. Late in Part 2, she reveals herself to be a traitor who works for Gunmar and helps him take over Trollmarket.
• Cole Sand as Eli Pepperjack, a nerdy classmate of Jim who believes in the paranormal. In Part 2, he teams up with Steve Palchuk to investigate the strange creatures they both have seen and to help Jim.
• Lena Headey as Morgana / The Pale Lady, an ancient and seemingly malevolent entity and the patron of Angor Rot.
• Tom Kenny as Otto Scaarbach, a Changeling Polymorph who can change into the form of anyone. He is the Grand Commandant of the Janus Order, a secret society of Changelings who assist the Gumm-Gumms.
• David Bradley as Merlin, the wizard who created the Trollhunter's amulet.
• Colin O'Donoghue as Douxie "Big D", a charming English teen from Arcadia Oaks Academy whose band, "Ash Dispersal Pattern," is an entrant in the Battle of the Bands in Part 3.
• Tatiana Maslany as Aja, a "foreign exchange student" from "Cantaloupia" older sister to Krel. Jim is tasked to show them around and acclimate them to Arcadia late in Part 3.
• Diego Luna as Krel, younger brother to Aja.
• Yara Shahidi as Darci Scott, Jim, Toby and Claire's classmate.

Production

Initially, del Toro envisioned the idea as a live-action television series; however this was deemed impractical due to budgetary concerns, and as a result he instead turned the idea into a book. DreamWorks then planned to turn the book into an animated feature film. The feature film was going to be directed by Guillermo del Toro and Rodrigo Blaas. Eventually DreamWorks decided to instead turn it into a TV series with Netflix. Rodrigo Blaas became an executive producer and supervising director on the series.[18]

Del Toro modeled the show's sensibilities after shows he grew up with such as Jonny Quest, identifying them as "really earnest and emotionally beautiful".[19] To this end, he sought to make the main character of Jim "in that '70s mold," and "really a very good boy" with del Toro noting that this was a constant struggle for him to express to both writers and actors.[20] Eventually he came across Anton Yelchin, who embodied those qualities although by del Toro's estimate it still took him a few sessions to fully understand the character.[20]

When creating the show's narrative, del Toro noted that he wanted a "bittersweet journey" for the main character dealing with issues that most such "power fantasies" failed to address, telling indiewire "I wanted to say, 'Look, you can be in high school and you can have your problems. Then you get all these powers and then you have a different set of problems. There is not such a thing as a final, great outcome.'"[19]

The show serves as one of Yelchin's final projects as he died shortly after recording most of his character's dialogue. Producer del Toro refused to replace his recordings,[21] which del Toro noted was a challenge for the show's recording engineers.[20] Of his decision del Toro stated that the actor "was proud of what he did, and we were so proud of how he did it." Del Toro added that his experience as a father and Yelchin's young age were also factors that led to the decision.[18]

Episodes

Season		Episodes		Originally released
	1	26		December 23, 2016 (2016-12-23)
	2	13		December 15, 2017 (2017-12-15)
	3	13		May 25, 2018 (2018-05-25)

Season 1 (2016)

No. overall	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original release date
1–2	1–2	"Becoming"	Guillermo del Toro & Rodrigo Blaas	Story by : Guillermo del Toro, Marc Guggenheim & Rodrigo Blaas Teleplay by : Guillermo del Toro & Marc Guggenheim	December 23, 2016 (2016-12-23)
Two trolls in an epic battle lead to consequences in the human world, especially for one boy named Jim. Still reeling from discovering the amulet's power, Jim meets with his new mentors, and learns about the sacred responsibility he has been tasked with.
3	3	"Wherefore Art Thou, Trollhunter?"	Rodrigo Blaas & Johane Matte	Marc Guggenheim	December 23, 2016 (2016-12-23)
Toby and Jim tour Heartstone Trollmarket, where Jim starts his training; the presence of a human Trollhunter creates resentment.
4	4	"Gnome Your Enemy"	Elaine Bogan	Story by : Dan Hageman & Kevin Hageman Teleplay by : A.C. Bradley, Chad Quandt & Aaron Waltke	December 23, 2016 (2016-12-23)
Jim gets a crash course in troll history, and is faced with problems, his first mission and a bully.
5	5	"Waka Chaka!"	Elaine Bogan	Story by : Dan Hageman & Kevin Hageman Teleplay by : Chad Quandt & Aaron Waltke	December 23, 2016 (2016-12-23)
During a field trip to a museum, Jim tries to get closer to Claire; Jim discovers that the museum curator has a surprising secret.
6	6	"Win Lose or Draal"	Rodrigo Blaas & Johane Matte	Story by : Dan Hageman & Kevin Hageman Teleplay by : A.C. Bradley	December 23, 2016 (2016-12-23)
Jim gets ready for a high-stakes rematch against Draal, who seems to be the amulet's rightful heir; a surprising partnership emerges.
7	7	"To Catch a Changeling"	Simon Otto	Story by : Dan Hageman & Kevin Hageman Teleplay by : Marc Guggenheim	December 23, 2016 (2016-12-23)
With the help of an ancient troll-hunting tool, Jim and Toby try to unmask the changelings living among them; Claire presents Jim with a tempting offer.
8	8	"Adventures in Trollsitting"	Rodrigo Blaas & Johane Matte	Story by : Dan Hageman & Kevin Hageman Teleplay by : A.C. Bradley, Chad Quandt & Aaron Waltke	December 23, 2016 (2016-12-23)
Draal gets accustomed to his new digs; Jim tries to find out if Claire's little brother is a changeling.
9	9	"Bittersweet Sixteen"	Elaine Bogan	A.C. Bradley, Chad Quandt & Aaron Waltke	December 23, 2016 (2016-12-23)
Jim's birthday is full of surprises, including the arrival of a new species of troll that is immune to the effects of sunlight.
10	10	"Young Atlas"	Andrew L. Schmidt	Chad Quandt & Aaron Waltke	December 23, 2016 (2016-12-23)
Draal gives Jim a totem to help lessen his anxiety about Claire; Jim's resulting overconfidence leads to a realisation.
11	11	"Recipe for Disaster"	Elaine Bogan	Story by : Dan Hageman & Kevin Hageman Teleplay by : A.C. Bradley	December 23, 2016 (2016-12-23)
Claire's suspicions grow; Jim's mother invites Strickler over for a tension-filled dinner.
12	12	"Claire and Present Danger"	Andrew L. Schmidt	A.C. Bradley, Chad Quandt & Aaron Waltke	December 23, 2016 (2016-12-23)
The door to the Darklands still won't open, even though the Killahead bridge is complete; when Claire becomes a target, Jim must tell her the truth.
13	13	"The Battle of Two Bridges"	Rodrigo Blaas & Johane Matte	Dan Hageman & Kevin Hageman	December 23, 2016 (2016-12-23)
Two battles unfold when Strickler and Bular make Jim unlock the portal and free Gunmar and his army from the Darklands.
14	14	"Return of the Trollhunter"	Elaine Bogan	Story by : Dan Hageman & Kevin Hageman Teleplay by : A.C. Bradley, Chad Quandt & Aaron Waltke	December 23, 2016 (2016-12-23)
Claire sees the Heartstone Trollmarket for the first time; Jim receives a summons; Strickler rouses an ancient assassin.
15	15	"Mudslinging"	Rodrigo Blaas	Story by : Dan Hageman & Kevin Hageman Teleplay by : Marc Guggenheim	December 23, 2016 (2016-12-23)
Jim looks for a way to destroy Gunmar so Claire can bring her brother home; a power-hungry Strickler comes back to Arcadia.
16	16	"Roaming Fees May Apply"	Andrew L. Schmidt	Story by : Dan Hageman & Kevin Hageman Teleplay by : A.C. Bradley, Chad Quandt & Aaron Waltke	December 23, 2016 (2016-12-23)
The heroes go on a dangerous quest in search of the first Triumbric Stone; Angor Rot creates a charm that links Barbara and Strickler's fates.
17	17	"Blinky's Day Out"	Elaine Bogan	Story by : Dan Hageman & Kevin Hageman Teleplay by : A.C. Bradley, Chad Quandt & Aaron Waltke	December 23, 2016 (2016-12-23)
An unrecognizable Blinky experiences the highs and lows of being a human; Angor Rot marks Jim for a fate that is far worse than death.
18	18	"The Shattered King"	Rodrigo Blaas & Johane Matte	Story by : Dan Hageman & Kevin Hageman Teleplay by : A.C. Bradley	December 23, 2016 (2016-12-23)
As the heroes look for the second Triumbric Stone, they wind up in unfamiliar marshlands. Claire wants Jim to be her dance partner.
19	19	"Airheads"	Andrew L. Schmidt	Story by : Dan Hageman & Kevin Hageman Teleplay by : Chad Quandt & Aaron Waltke	December 23, 2016 (2016-12-23)
Toby and Claire are constantly fighting because Claire got the Shadow Staff and Toby feels slighted. Toby and Claire tackle a Trollhunter task so Jim can win a Spring King challenge. In the process, they master new weapons.
20	20	"Where Is My Mind?"	Elaine Bogan	Story by : Dan Hageman & Kevin Hageman Teleplay by : A.C. Bradley	December 23, 2016 (2016-12-23)
When a horde of pixies descends on Arcadia Oaks High, the students are sent into a tailspin; Angor Rot has a surprising proposal for Jim.
21	21	"Party Monster"	Rodrigo Blaas	Story by : Dan Hageman & Kevin Hageman Teleplay by : Chad Quandt & Aaron Waltke	December 23, 2016 (2016-12-23)
The changeling posing as Claire's brother throws a party for the trolls of Arcadia; Jim and Toby want to take Strickler's ring.
22	22	"It's About Time"	Andrew L. Schmidt	Story by : Dan Hageman & Kevin Hageman Teleplay by : Chad Quandt, Aaron Waltke & Marc Guggenheim	December 23, 2016 (2016-12-23)
Every second counts when Jim uses a time-stopping Kairosect to take Strickler's ring, save Claire from getting hit by a truck and find the second Triumbric Stone.
23	23	"Wingmen"	Elaine Bogan	Story by : Dan Hageman & Kevin Hageman Teleplay by : A.C. Bradley	December 23, 2016 (2016-12-23)
A troll queen arrives and a devastating secret is revealed; Strickler asks for Jim's protection.
24	24	"Angor Management"	Rodrigo Blaas	Story by : Dan Hageman & Kevin Hageman Teleplay by : Chad Quandt & Aaron Waltke	December 23, 2016 (2016-12-23)
Jim reluctantly joins forces with Strickler to keep Barbara alive; Gnome Chompksy returns with important news regarding Enrique.
25	25	"A Night to Remember"	Andrew L. Schmidt	Story by : A.C. Bradley, Dan Hageman & Kevin Hageman Teleplay by : Marc Guggenheim	December 23, 2016 (2016-12-23)
Jim races to break a spell that bonds Barbara and Strickler; Angor Rot attacks Claire and Toby.
26	26	"Something Rotten This Way Comes"	Elaine Bogan	Story by : Dan Hageman & Kevin Hageman Teleplay by : A.C. Bradley	December 23, 2016 (2016-12-23)
The heroes brace for Angor Rot's invasion and get ready for the fight of their lives; Jim finds the last Triumbric Stone.

Season 2 (2017)

No. overall	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original release date
27	1	"Escape from the Darklands"	Rodrigo Blaas	Story by : Dan Hageman & Kevin Hageman Teleplay by : A.C. Bradley, Dan Hageman, Kevin Hageman, Chad Quandt & Aaron Waltke	December 15, 2017 (2017-12-15)
With Jim still trapped in the Darklands searching for Enrique, his friends rally to bring him back. But the Troll Tribunal has other ideas.
28	2	"Skullcrusher"	Andrew L. Schmidt	Story by : Dan Hageman & Kevin Hageman Teleplay by : Chad Quandt & Aaron Waltke	December 15, 2017 (2017-12-15)
Claire recruits NotEnrique for a secret mission, while bully Steve stirs up trouble at school. In the Darklands, Jim meets "The Skullcrusher."
29	3	"Grand Theft Otto"	Andrew L. Schmidt	Story by : A.C. Bradley, Dan Hageman & Kevin Hageman Teleplay by : A.C. Bradley	December 15, 2017 (2017-12-15)
A familiar foe comes to Jim's aid in the Darklands. Back in Arcadia, Toby's distracting new headgear picks up an important clue.
30	4	"KanjigAAARRRGGHH!!!"	Johane Matte	Story by : Dan Hageman & Kevin Hageman Teleplay by : Chad Quandt & Aaron Waltke	December 15, 2017 (2017-12-15)
As Gunmar readies to destroy Jim in the Darklands, Blinky and the gang strike a deal with the Janus Order in their quest to revive an old friend.
31	5	"Homecoming"	Rodrigo Blaas	Story by : Marc Guggenheim, Dan Hageman & Kevin Hageman Teleplay by : A.C. Bradley	December 15, 2017 (2017-12-15)
Hope springs from an unlikely source when Gunmar learns that Jim's friends are in the Darklands on a mission to bring him home.
32	6	"Hiss Hiss, Bang Bang"	Elaine Bogan	Story by : Dan Hageman, Kevin Hageman & Lila Scott Teleplay by : Lila Scott	December 15, 2017 (2017-12-15)
Now out of the Darklands and readjusting to life in Arcadia, Jim and the team must face the consequences of their risky actions.
33	7	"Hero with a Thousand Faces"	Rodrigo Blaas	Story by : Dan Hageman, Kevin Hageman, Chad Quandt & Aaron Waltke Teleplay by : Chad Quandt & Aaron Waltke	December 15, 2017 (2017-12-15)
Multiple problems plague a frazzled Jim when his amulet goes on the fritz and Claire invites him to meet her parents at a family barbecue.
34	8	"Just Add Water"	Andrew L. Schmidt	Story by : Dan Hageman & Kevin Hageman Teleplay by : A.C. Bradley	December 15, 2017 (2017-12-15)
When an oozy creature shows up in Arcadia, Jim and the gang set out to find it – while playing parents to two sacks of flour for a school assignment.
35	9	"Creepslayerz"	Elaine Bogan	Story by : Dan Hageman & Kevin Hageman Teleplay by : Chad Quandt & Aaron Waltke	December 15, 2017 (2017-12-15)
In a revealing flashback episode, Otto and Dictatious vie for Gunmar's ear while an increasingly paranoid Steve finds an unlikely ally.
36	10	"The Reckless Club"	Rodrigo Blaas	Story by : Dan Hageman & Kevin Hageman Teleplay by : A.C. Bradley & Lila Scott	December 15, 2017 (2017-12-15)
Señor Uhl sentences Jim and his friends to detention while Queen Usurna gathers evidence of a conspiracy. Draal comes face to face with Gunmar.
37	11	"Unbecoming"	Andrew L. Schmidt	Story by : Dan Hageman & Kevin Hageman Teleplay by : Chad Quandt & Aaron Waltke	December 15, 2017 (2017-12-15)
Facing serious accusations from the Tribunal, Jim gets the chance to see what his life would be like if he'd never found the amulet.
38	12	"Mistrial and Error"	Elaine Bogan	Story by : Dan Hageman & Kevin Hageman Teleplay by : Marc Guggenheim	December 15, 2017 (2017-12-15)
Jim stands trial for unleashing Gunmar while his friends race to clear his name. If convicted, he'll be sent to "The Deep," a dark realm of no return.
39	13	"In the Hall of the Gumm-Gumm King"	Rodrigo Blaas	Dan Hageman & Kevin Hageman	December 15, 2017 (2017-12-15)
A monumental loss carries a warning from beyond the grave as Gunmar marches for the Heartstone Trollmarket. Can the team pull together to save the day?

Season 3 (2018)

No. overall	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original release date
40	1	"A Night Patroll"	Andrew L. Schmidt	Dan Hageman & Kevin Hageman	May 25, 2018 (2018-05-25)
With the trolls hiding out in Arcadia, AAARRRGGHH!!! goes undercover to see what Gunmar is up to. A potential rival brings out Jim's jealous side.
41	2	"Arcadia's Most Wanted"	Elaine Bogan	Story by : Dan Hageman & Kevin Hageman Teleplay by : Chad Quandt & Aaron Waltke	May 25, 2018 (2018-05-25)
Toby gets caught in the crosshairs when a troll goes missing and the city cracks down on crime. An ancient voice refuses to be silenced.
42	3	"Bad Coffee"	Johane Matte	Story by : Dan Hageman & Kevin Hageman Teleplay by : A.C. Bradley	May 25, 2018 (2018-05-25)
Something strange is brewing at school, where the teachers are more agitated than usual. Claire's illness shows disturbing side effects.
43	4	"So I'm Dating a Sorceress"	Andrew L. Schmidt	Story by : Dan Hageman & Kevin Hageman Teleplay by : Lila Scott	May 25, 2018 (2018-05-25)
Toby and Darci ask Jim and Claire on a double date. Gunmar returns from his travels, now armed with the knowledge to bring forth the Eternal Night. Unfortunately, Claire becomes possessed.
44	5	"The Exorcism of Claire Nuñez"	Rodrigo Blaas	Story by : Dan Hageman & Kevin Hageman Teleplay by : Chad Quandt & Aaron Waltke	May 25, 2018 (2018-05-25)
While Gunmar searches for the Staff of Avalon, Jim and Toby head into the Shadow Realm to rescue Claire's spirit and return it to her body, before it's too late.
45	6	"Parental Guidance"	Elaine Bogan	Story by : Dan Hageman & Kevin Hageman Teleplay by : A.C. Bradley	May 25, 2018 (2018-05-25)
When Barbara's art obsession leads to an "aha!" moment, she demands Jim tell her the truth. Dictatious reveals Gunmar's plans to resurrect Angor Rot.
46	7	"The Oath"	Andrew L. Schmidt	Story by : Dan Hageman & Kevin Hageman Teleplay by : Chad Quandt & Aaron Waltke	May 25, 2018 (2018-05-25)
With the future of two worlds at stake, the team races to find Merlin's Tomb – and the Staff of Avalon – before Gunmar can get his hands on it.
47	8	"For the Glory of Merlin"	Elaine Bogan	Story by : Dan Hageman & Kevin Hageman Teleplay by : Marc Guggenheim	May 25, 2018 (2018-05-25)
A long-dormant ally shows Jim and his friends what really happened at the Battle of Killahead. Gunmar finds where Morgana is imprisoned using the Staff of Avalon.
48	9	"In Good Hands"	Johane Matte	Story by : Dan Hageman & Kevin Hageman Teleplay by : Lila Scott	May 25, 2018 (2018-05-25)
Señor Uhl interrupts an important mission with an awkward ultimatum for Jim: help two new students fit in ... or face a repeat of sophomore year. Note: This episode is connected with 3Below: Tales of Arcadia episode "Lightning in a Bottle".
49	10	"A House Divided"	Andrew L. Schmidt	Story by : Dan Hageman & Kevin Hageman Teleplay by : A.C. Bradley	May 25, 2018 (2018-05-25)
Merlin has a plan to go to war, but it's Jim's choice to make. Blinky and AAARRRGGHH!!! search for allies. Gunmar uses Barbara to get what he wants from Strickler.
50	11	"Jimhunters"	Johane Matte	Story by : Dan Hageman & Kevin Hageman Teleplay by : Chad Quandt & Aaron Waltke	May 25, 2018 (2018-05-25)
A greatly changed Jim renews his Trollhunter training but struggles to accept his new reality. Gunmar and Morgana rally the troops for the final battle.
51–52	12–13	"The Eternal Knight"	Guillermo del Toro & Rodrigo Blaas	Story by : Dan Hageman & Kevin Hageman Teleplay by : A.C. Bradley & Marc Guggenheim (Part 1) Chad Quandt, Aaron Waltke & Lila Scott (Part 2)	May 25, 2018 (2018-05-25)
It is Battle of the Bands in Arcadia, but when Gunmar prepares his Gumm-Gumm army for an attack on Arcadia, the team form a plan at Jim's house to put an end to the threat of Morgana, with Merlin and Aaarrrgghh!! set out to Trollmarket to stop Morgana and the rest of the team warns the town of the upcoming danger, while Jim waits in his house for the nightfall. When The Eternal Night has finally begun, covering Arcadia into shadow, rises up the eclipse, Merlin and Aaaarrrgghh!! arrived in Trollmarket with the dying Heartstone to fight Morgana, but with Merlin discovers his powers were stolen. In Arcadia, Jim arrives and the team with the reinforced army of trolls and the town began to fight the Gumm-Gumms. During the battle, Gunmar and Angor Rot arrives and the new transformed Jim unleashes his fury to an ultimate showdown. With the eclipse still rising, with the almost-beaten Merlin struggling to stop the powerful Morgana and Jim battling Gunmar and Angor Rot, who was reminded by Jim of his past life. The team still fights the Gumm-Gumms in Arcadia, while Jim nearly defeated and is about to be controlled by Gunmar's Decimaar Blade, but Jim uses his amulet to increase his strength to hold back Gunmar, then finally striking him down with a final blow, destroying him and all his Gumm-Gumms. Noticing the eclipse is still rising, Morgana arrives to fight the Trollhunters, who are no match for her. Angor Rot returns in battle to help Jim take down Morgana, but Morgana tells she cannot be killed and breaks Jim's blade, and tries to destroy the team, but Jim sacrifices himself to save them. Claire uses her Shadow Staff to push Morgana into the portal, but Morgana destroys Angor and Claire and Morgana gets swirled into the portal. Claire tries to escape the portal and Morgana, throwing her Shadow Staff for Toby using his hammer to destroy it, getting Claire out and defeating the trapped Morgana. The injured Jim awakens, Merlin uses the Staff Of Avalon to end the Eternal Night. The Heartstone in Trollmarket is now destroyed and Jim, Merlin and the trolls begin to travel to New Jersey where another Heartstone is located. At sunset, Jim, Claire, Merlin and the trolls began their long journey away from Toby and Aaarrrgghh!! and Jim's mother as they all leave. Note: In the end of the episode, Jim's words were spoken from the second episode ("Becoming: Part 2") and announced this series is dedicated to the deceased Anton Yelchin (original voice actor of the character).

Release

The two-episode pilot of the series premiered on October 8, 2016 at the New York Comic Con.[1][3] The first season consisted of 26 half-hour episodes which were released worldwide on Netflix on December 23, 2016.[4] The second season, consisting of 13 episodes, was released on December 15, 2017.[5][6] The third and final season, consisting of 13 episodes, was released on May 25, 2018.[7][8]

Home media

The first season of Trollhunters was released on DVD on November 7, 2017.[22][23]

Reception

Critical response

Trollhunters has received positive reviews from critics. The review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes reported a 94% approval rating with an average rating of 7.81/10 based on 16 reviews for the first season. The website's consensus reads, "Trollhunters manages to capture del Toro's enthusiasm for telling monster stories, in a youthful and more colorful fashion that may well earn him a new generation of fans."[24] On Metacritic, the season has a normalized score of 69 out of 100 based on 9 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[25]

In 2017, it received six Daytime Emmys, more than any other television program, animated or live action, that year.[26]

The second season of Trollhunters was nominated for six Annie Awards, tied for the most nominations of any television program in 2018.[27] It was also nominated for four Daytime Emmy Awards, including Best Children's Animated Series, and won the Emmy for Outstanding Writing in an Animated Program.

On January 30, 2017, Trollhunters writers Kevin and Dan Hageman stated that the series is the most successful Netflix original show to date that is targeted at a younger audience.[28]

Accolades

Year	Award	Category	Nominee(s)	Result
2017	Annie Awards[29]	Outstanding Achievement, Character Animation in an Animated Television/Broadcast Production	Mike Chaffe for character Blinky in "Becoming, Part 1"	Won
		Outstanding Achievement, Character Design in an Animated TV/Broadcast Production	Victor Maldonado, Alfredo Torres and Jules Rigolle, "Win, Lose or Draal"	Won
		Outstanding Achievement, Music in an Animated TV/Broadcast Production	Alexandre Desplat and Tim Davies, "Becoming, Part 1"	Nominated
		Outstanding Achievement, Storyboarding in an Animated TV/Broadcast Production	Hyunjoo Song, "Win, Lose or Draal"	Won
	Saturn Awards[30]	Best Animated Series or Film on Television	Trollhunters	Nominated
	Behind the Voice Actors Awards[31]	Best Male Lead Vocal Performance in a Television Series	Anton Yelchin, for Jim Lake Jr.	Won
		Best Female Lead Vocal Performance in a Television Series	Lexi Medrano, for Claire Nuñez	Nominated
		Best Female Vocal Performance in a Television Series in a Supporting Role	Laraine Newman, for Miss Janeth	Nominated
		Best Female Vocal Performance in a Television Series in a Guest Role	Anjelica Huston, for Queen Usurna	Nominated
	Daytime Emmy Awards[32][33]	Outstanding Individual Achievement in Character Animation	Mike Chaffe, "Becoming, Part 1"	Won
		Outstanding Individual Achievement in Character Design	Victor Maldonado, "Win, Lose Or Draal"	Won
		Outstanding Special Class Animated Program	Guillermo del Toro, Rodrigo Blaas, Marc Guggenheim, Chad Hammes, Christina Steinberg, Dan Hageman, Kevin Hageman, Lawrence Jonas	Nominated
		Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program	Kelsey Grammer, for Blinky	Won
		Outstanding Casting for an Animated Series or Special	Mary Hidalgo, Ania O'Hare, CSA	Won
		Outstanding Writing in an Animated Program	Marc Guggenheim	Won
		Outstanding Directing in an Animated Program	Rodrigo Blaas, Guillermo del Toro	Won
		Outstanding Main Title and Graphic Design	Rodrigo Blaas, Andy Erekson, Jonathan Catalan, Dai Weier, John Laus, David M.V. Jones	Nominated
		Outstanding Sound Mixing – Animation	Matthew Thomas Hall and Carlos Sanches, CAS	Nominated
2018	Annie Awards[34]	Outstanding Achievement, Character Animation in an Animated Television/Broadcast Production	Bruno Chiou, Yi-Fan Cho, Kevin Jong, Chun-Jung Chu, "Homecoming"	Won
		Outstanding Achievement, Character Design in an Animated Television/Broadcast Production	Jules Rigolle, Alfredo Torres, Linda Chen, Rustam Hasanov, Alfonso Blaas, "Escape from the Darklands"	Nominated
		Outstanding Achievement, Directing in an Animated Television/Broadcast Production	Andrew Schmidt, "Unbecoming"	Nominated
		Outstanding Achievement, Storyboarding in an Animated Television/Broadcast Production	David Woo, "Hero with a Thousand Faces"	Nominated
		Outstanding Achievement, Storyboarding in an Animated Television/Broadcast Production	Hyunjoo Song, "In the Hall of the Gumm-Gumm King"	Nominated
		Outstanding Achievement, Writing in an Animated Television/Broadcast Production	A.C. Bradley, Kevin Hageman, Dan Hageman, Aaron Waltke, Chad Quandt, "Escape from the Darklands"	Nominated
	Kidscreen Awards[35]	Best New Series, Kids Category	Trollhunters	Won
		Best Writing	Trollhunters	Won
		Best Animation	Trollhunters	Won
	Golden Reel Award[36]	Outstanding Achievement in Sound Editing, Animation Short Form	Matthew Hall, Jason Oliver, Goeun Lee, MPSE, James Miller, Carlos Sanches, Aran Tanchum, Vincent Guisetti	Nominated
	Daytime Emmy Awards[37][38]	Outstanding Children's Animated Series	Guillermo del Toro, Marc Guggenheim, Chad Hammes, Rodrigo Blaas, Christina Steinberg, Dan Hageman, Kevin Hageman, Lawrence Jonas	Nominated
		Outstanding Writing in an Animated Program	Dan Hageman, Kevin Hageman, Aaron Waltke, Chad Quandt, AC Bradley	Won
		Outstanding Sound Editing - Animation	Matt Hall, Goeun Lee, James Miller, James Oliver, Aran Tanchum, Stacey Michaels, Vincent Guilsetti, Alex Ulrich	Nominated
		Outstanding Main Title and Graphic Design	Rodrigo Blaas, Andy Erekson, Jonathan Catalan, Dai Weier, David M.V. Jones, John Laus, Title Sequence storyboarded by Michael Smukavic	Nominated
	BAFTA[39]	International Animation	Rodrigo Blaas, Marc Guggenheim, Chad Hammes	Nominated
2019	Annie Awards	Best Animated Television/Broadcast Production For Children[40]		Nominated
		Animated Effects in an Animated Production		Won
	Daytime Emmy Awards	Outstanding Writing for an Animated Program[41]	Marc Guggenheim, Dan Hageman, Kevin Hageman, AC Bradley, Chad Quandt, Lila Scott and Aaron Waltke	Nominated
		Outstanding Directing for an Animated Program	Rodrigo Blaas, Elaine Bogan, Guillermo del Toro, Johane Matte, Andrew Schmidt	Nominated
		Outstanding Sound Mixing For An Animated Program		Nominated
		Outstanding Sound Editing For An Animated Program		Nominated

Tales of Arcadia

Main article: Tales of Arcadia

On November 6, 2017, show creator Guillermo del Toro announced that Trollhunters would be expanded into a trilogy of animated series known as Tales of Arcadia.[42] The trilogy was continued by a sci-fi animated series known as 3Below, which centers on two royal aliens and their bodyguard who escape from their home planet and crash-land on Earth in Arcadia, where Trollhunters also takes place. There, the aliens adjust to human culture and try to fix their spaceship to return and take back their home planet, which is being taken over by an evil dictator. 3Below premiered on Netflix in 2018. The trilogy then was concluded with the animated series Wizards, which brings together the three disparate worlds of trolls, aliens and wizards who have found themselves drawn to Arcadia, "...culminating in an apocalyptic battle for the control of magic that will ultimately determine the fate of these supernatural worlds that have now converged." Limited series Wizards premiered on Netflix on August 7, 2020. On August 7, 2020, a full-length feature film, titled Trollhunters: Rise of the Titans was announced and set to be released globally on Netflix in 2021.[42]

References

1. Milligan, Mercedes (September 22, 2016). "DreamWorks TV to Premiere 'Trollhunters' at NYCC". Animation Magazine. Retrieved September 25, 2016.
2. Andreeva, Nellie (June 15, 2016). "'Trollhunters': Anton Yelchin, Kelsey Grammer & Ron Perlman To Lead Cast of Guillermo del Toro Netflix Animated Series". Deadline. Retrieved June 18, 2016.
3. Lesnick, Silas (September 22, 2016). "DreamWorks Animation and Netflix Head to New York Comic-Con". ComingSoon.net. Retrieved September 25, 2016.
4. Patten, Dominic (October 8, 2016). "'Trollhunters' Sets December Debut Date on Netflix, Drops New Trailer & Key Art – NY Comic-Con". Deadline. Retrieved October 8, 2016.
5. Trumbore, Dave (December 14, 2017). "'Trollhunters' Season 2 Review: Magic and Mythology Return to Arcadia in Bold New Ways". Collider. Retrieved April 3, 2018.
6. Foutch, Haleigh (December 12, 2017). "Netflix and DreamWorks Animation Team up for Six Animated Series in 2018". Collider. Retrieved December 28, 2017.
7. Trumbore, Dave (May 14, 2018). "New 'Trollhunters' Trailer Teases the Beginning of the End for the Title Team". Collider. Retrieved May 26, 2018.
8. Boucher, Ashley (April 24, 2018). "Here's Everything Coming to and Leaving Netflix in May". TheWrap. Retrieved May 26, 2018.
9. Johnson, Travis. "Trollhunters Season 1". Filmink. Retrieved April 2, 2018.
10. Pond, Steve. "'Trollhunters' Leads Creative Arts Daytime Emmy Winners". The Wrap. Retrieved April 2, 2018.
11. "Guillermo Del Toro's Trollhunters To Be A Comic Book From Marc Guggenheim And Richard Hamilton #C2Ccon2017". Bleeding Cool Comic Book, Movie, TV News. March 4, 2017. Retrieved March 14, 2017.
12. Sciretta, Peter. "Trollhunters Season 2 Announced, Anton Yelchin Returns". Slash Film. Retrieved December 28, 2017.
13. Petski, Denise (April 26, 2018). "Tatiana Maslany, Diego Luna & Emile Hirsch Join DreamWorks 'Trollhunters Part 3' On Netflix".
14. Trumbore, Dave (April 26, 2018). "'Trollhunters' Adds Tatiana Maslany, Diego Luna and Emile Hirsch for Part 3 & Beyond".
15. "'Trollhunters' Universe Will Expand Into The Trilogy Series 'Tales of Arcadia'". Cartoon Brew. November 7, 2017.
16. McNary, Dave (August 7, 2020). "Guillermo del Toro's 'Trollhunters: Rise of the Titans' Movie Scheduled for 2021". Variety. Retrieved August 7, 2020.
17. Agard, Chancellor (September 30, 2016). "Trollhunters: Guillermo del Toro previews one of Anton Yelchin's final roles — first look". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved October 1, 2016.
18. Mancuso, Vinnie. "Guillermo del Toro Talks 'Trollhunters': 'The Best Creative Experience I've Ever Had'". Observer. Retrieved January 29, 2017.
19. Miller, Liz Shannon. "Guillermo del Toro: How Netflix's 'Trollhunters' Reconnected Him With the Joy of Childhood (And 'Fraiser')". indiewire. Retrieved January 29, 2017.
20. Miller, Liz Shannon. "Guillermo del Toro on Losing Anton Yelchin, And What That Means for 'Trollhunters' Season 2". Indiewire. Retrieved January 29, 2017.
21. "New York Comic Con: Guillermo Del Toro refuses to nix late Anton Yelchin's voice work in his 'Trollhunters'". New York Daily News. Retrieved October 10, 2016.
22. Glass, Joe (September 4, 2017). "Guillermo Del Toro's 'Trollhunters' Animated Series Bursts Onto DVD This November". Bleeding Cool. Retrieved May 26, 2018.
23. Jasper. "'TROLLHUNTERS' SEASON 1 DVD RELEASE DATE". Anton-yelchin.com. Retrieved May 26, 2018.
24. "Trollhunters: Season 1". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved December 31, 2016.
25. "Trollhunters: Season 1". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Retrieved February 15, 2017.
26. "'Trollhunters' Tops All TV Programs With 6 Creative Arts Emmys". April 30, 2017.
27. "'Coco' Leads Annie Awards Nominations With 13". Variety. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
28. ColliderVideos (January 30, 2017). "Trollhunters Writers Dan & Kevin Hageman Interview - Collider TV Talk" – via YouTube.
29. "Annie Awards Nominees". Annie Awards. Retrieved November 28, 2016.
30. McNary, Dave (March 2, 2017). "Saturn Awards Nominations 2017: 'Rogue One,' 'Walking Dead' Lead". Variety. Archived from the original on March 3, 2017. Retrieved March 2, 2017.
31. Trollhunters, retrieved February 26, 2018
32. "THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS & SCIENCES ANNOUNCES NOMINATIONS FOR THE 44TH ANNUAL DAYTIME EMMY® AWARDS" (PDF). Emmy Awards Official Site. March 23, 2017. Retrieved March 23, 2017.
33. "THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS & SCIENCES ANNOUNCES WINNERS FOR THE 44TH ANNUAL DAYTIME CREATIVE ARTS EMMY® AWARDS" (PDF). April 30, 2017. Retrieved April 30, 2017.
34. "Best Animated Feature-Independent - Annie Awards: 'Coco' Tops the Animation Celebration". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 4, 2018.
35. "And the 2018 Kidscreen Awards go to…". Retrieved February 14, 2018.
36. Slack, Anne. "Outstanding Achievement in Sound Editing - Animation Short Form". www.mpse.org. Retrieved March 13, 2018.
37. "THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS & SCIENCES ANNOUNCES NOMINATIONS FOR THE 45TH ANNUAL DAYTIME EMMY® AWARDS" (PDF). Emmy Awards Official Site. March 21, 2018. Retrieved March 21, 2018.
38. "2018 Daytime Emmy winners: Full list of Creative Arts Awards winners and nominees" (PDF). April 27, 2018. Retrieved April 27, 2018.
39. Milligan, Mercedes (October 22, 2018). "Children's BAFTA 2018 Nominees Announced".
40. Magazine, Animation (January 4, 2019). "The 46th Annie Awards Shine a Spotlight on Toon Greatness".
41. Milligan, Mercedes (March 20, 2019). "Daytime Emmy Nominees: 'Elena of Avalor,' 'Watership Down' Lead Animation".
42. "'Trollhunters' Universe Will Expand Into The Trilogy Series 'Tales of Arcadia'". Cartoon Brew. November 7, 2017. Retrieved November 7, 2017.

External links

Media related to Trollhunters panel at WonderCon 2017 at Wikimedia Commons

• Official website at DreamWorks TV
• Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia on Netflix
• Trollhunters on IMDb
• Trollhunters at TV.com
• Trollhunters at the Big Cartoon DataBase