Fans of Voltron: Legendary Defender knew they were in for a treat, but no one expected the rainbow glitter bomb that was dropped during this year’s panel at San Diego Comic Con. Showrunners Joaquim Dos Santos and Lauren Montgomery sat on stage with voice actors Bex Taylor Klaus and Rhys Darby (later joined by Jeremy Shada) while the crowd buzzed with excitement. The audience waited in anticipation for the first episode of season seven to be revealed, and it turned out that the episode gave us more than we ever imagined: Takashi Shirogane has had a relationship with a male partner.
Photo Credit: Tumblr user @shallura
This is monumental, though not far-fetched, news for the show. Shiro has been idolized by fans because of his status as a leader but also because he is a POC, disabled and exhibits many signs of mental health struggles. Furthermore, fans frequently point out that Shiro defies stereotypes pushed on Asian men in the media. With Shiro now confirmed as LGBT, it’s amazing how one character can contain so many aspects of intersectionality; fiction is now reflecting reality, but like, for real. The relatability of Shiro’s character has increased tremendously in one day, and we can only imagine how that will continue in the rest of the season.
Livestreams of the episode revealed much more about the plot, but we will not be delving into that per request of the showrunners. What we do know is that the series will return to its 13-episode format for the remaining two seasons. The series will also conclude after its eighth season later this year.
While news that the series will end is disheartening, nothing can stop fans’ hearts from swelling after the news about Shiro’s sexuality. The trailer released shows us a brief glimpse of Adam, who Lauren Montgomery has confirmed to be Shiro’s significant other before the Kerberos mission. Lauren also promises that we will learn more about Adam during season seven!
The trailer also reveals that the universe believes the paladins of Voltron are dead because they have not been seen since their showdown with Lotor. And while returning to Earth, it appears that Sam Holt has sent out a distress message asking other planets to send help to Earth. Sendak makes a reappearance at the end of the trailer, which only adds to the confusion about who will be this season’s big bad since the panelists also confirmed that Haggar is still present in season seven. Needless to say, this season is going to be a wild ride.
Season 7 of Voltron: Legendary Defender premieres on Netflix on Aug. 10, 2018. Follow TGON or me, the Voltron show captain, for more social media updates as they come in!
