August 3, 2020
Could Gay Hero Klaus Get His Own Show in 'Umbrella Academy' Spinoff?
Kilian Melloy READ TIME: 2 MIN.
The showrunner and stars of the Netflix comedy-action series "The Umbrella Academy" speculated recently on the show's spinoff potential. Among the ideas: Gay hero Klaus, played by Robert Sheehan, in his own miniseries.
Digital Spy reported on the free-ranging spitballing of ideas from Sheehan, fellow star Tom Hopper, and showrunner Steve Blackman. The article noted that the show's comic book source material includes a Klaus-starring "prequel" to the trio of Dark Horse limited series comics – by writer Gerard Way and artist Gabriel B� – has that comprise the main story so far. Each of the three "Umbrella Academy" limited series comprise six issues, and a fourth limited series has been announced.
The Netflix adaptation dropped its second season last Friday, July 31.
The character of Klaus – who in the series, which has a time travel storyline, tries to prevent the death of his boyfriend - was a constant in Blackman's musings:
"I think Klaus and Ben, or Klaus and Diego – any of those, to me, would be wonderful spin-offs.
"I think you could do a limited series with them for four or six episodes, and it would be great. I think even Robert could do his own little thing about Klaus."
Klaus and his perpetually-quarreling siblings all have different superpowers. Klaus is able to communicate with the dead, and Ben – played by Justin H. Min – is his late brother. Hopper plays Luther, who possesses super-strength. David Casta�eda plays Diego, an expert with bladed weapons and an ardent "Batman" fan. Diego is also, ironically, a superhero with a hero complex.
Emmy Raver-Lampman plays Allison, who can force people into doing her bidding, while Aidan Gallagher plays Five, who is able to teleport at will through space and time.
The group's most dangerous member is Vanya, played by out actor Ellen Page; Vanya has a same-sex love interest in the new season.
Sheehan spoke of how Klaus has a "sort of trickster god energy," saying that the character has "quite a natural innocence. It's a great source of creativity."
Spinoffs are not unusual for fantasy and sci-fi shows. AMC's long-running "The Walking Dead" has several spinoffs, while the "Arrowverse" mosaic of superhero programs on the CW routinely feature crossovers.
Kilian Melloy serves as EDGE Media Network's Associate Arts Editor and Staff Contributor. His professional memberships include the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association, the Boston Online Film Critics Association, The Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association, and the Boston Theater Critics Association's Elliot Norton Awards Committee.
