In a wide‑ranging chat with Metro Philadelphia, the creators of WondLa Season 2—author Tony DiTerlizzi and showrunner/executive producer Bobs Gannaway—offered a first look at how the animated series will evolve Eva’s journey.
Based on DiTerlizzi’s The Search for WondLa trilogy, the show follows humanity’s last known survivor as she navigates a post‑apocalyptic world.
Season 2 premieres April 25 on Apple TV+ with all seven half‑hour episodes, and here’s everything the creators of WondLa Season 2 want you to know about themes, world‑building, voice work, and why animation was the perfect canvas.
1. Collaboration That Honors the Books and Emboldens the Animation
When Metro Philadelphia asked the creators of WondLa Season 2 about adapting a beloved novel, DiTerlizzi focused on balance.
“Instead of slavishly replicating every set piece,” he said, “we emphasized contrasts—the sterile sanctuary versus the wild alien world.” Gannaway agreed, noting Skydance Animation and the team were eager to inject their own creative visions. That trust allowed the creators of WondLa Season 2 to expand Eva’s universe—especially by bringing New Attica, the human colony, to vivid life.
2. From ‘Family’ to ‘Home’: Season 2’s Thematic North Star
The author behind WondLa described Season 1’s core theme as family. For Season 2, Metro Philadelphia reports the creators of WondLa Season 2 chose a single guiding word: home.
In the new chapter, Eva arrives at New Attica believing she’s found safety, only to question whether it truly belongs to her. Gannaway explained, “She comes back changed—so Season 2 is really about saving herself and defining what ‘home’ means.” It’s a universal quest, refracted through futuristic fantasy.
3. Imagining New Attica: World‑Building Unbound
The creators of WondLa Season 2 were particularly excited to see the animated interpretation of New Attica.
DiTerlizzi told Metro Philadelphia that the city’s design had to reflect its philosophical underpinnings: order amid chaos, science competing with sentiment. Gannaway added that New Attica’s pastel spires and shadowed alleyways showcase animation’s limitless potential. “You can truly build every building, every crate, every costume,” he said, underscoring why the series feels so visually arresting.
4. Voice Casting & the Marathon Recording Process
With over 200 sessions in Season 1, the creators of WondLa Season 2 described vocal casting as a “dating game.” Gannaway detailed their blind‑casting method: actors audition against sketches, and producers rank each voice on a numbered sheet.
Multiple rounds of screenings—five per episode—then drive iterative re‑recordings. Metro Philadelphia notes that this exhaustive process ensures performances match evolving edits, keeping Eva’s world emotionally grounded.
5. Why Animation Wins for WondLa’s Epic Scope
When asked why animation was chosen, the creators of WondLa Season 2 pointed to creative freedom. Gannaway contrasted live‑action limits with animation’s boundless palette: “We design alien creatures, interstellar landscapes, and futuristic tech without worrying about physical constraints.” DiTerlizzi, who grew up on Disney and anime, praised the medium for preserving childlike wonder while tackling mature themes—another reason the series stands out among Apple TV+ originals.
6. Translating Big Ideas into Visual Storytelling
Fantasy often mirrors real‑world issues, and Metro Philadelphia asked the creators of WondLa Season 2 about the show’s deeper messages. DiTerlizzi revealed his concerns about technology’s grip on society and our drifting from nature—ideas first penned in his books. Through animation, these themes weave into character arcs and settings, whether in Eva’s tech‑soaked sanctuary or the untamed forests she must conquer.
7. What the Premiere Holds for Returning Fans
With Season 2 just days away, the creators of WondLa Season 2 teased fresh conflicts: Eva’s uneasy welcome in New Attica, budding alliances with alien allies, and personal reckonings around her idea of home. Metro Philadelphia advises viewers to watch for visual callbacks to Season 1—hidden motifs in set decoration and character design that reward attentive fans.
8. A Taste of What’s Next: Beyond Season 2
Both DiTerlizzi and Gannaway hinted that while Season 2 adapts the second book, further seasons could follow. The author winked, “There’s more to explore—new worlds, new families.” Gannaway added that animation’s scalability makes sequels feasible: “As long as the appetite for Eva’s story remains, we have the tools to take her anywhere.” This optimistic outlook ensures that the creators of WondLa Season 2 are already plotting Eva’s next odyssey.
Quick FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| When does Season 2 premiere? | April 25 on Apple TV+ with seven half‐hour episodes. |
| Who voices Eva? | [Voice actor’s name], chosen through a rigorous blind‑casting process. |
| Is it in English or French? | Primarily English, with alien languages crafted for world‑building. |
External Acknowledgment
This article draws on an exclusive interview with the creators of WondLa Season 2 published by Metro Philadelphia.
