Cartoon Network has always been known for its original, forward-thinking cartoons, and this is evidenced in one of their most beloved series of the last decade: Adventure Time. The fantastical coming-of-age animated series premiered in early 2010 to fan and critical acclaim and ran for over two hundred episodes on the network.
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Adventure Time's massive popularity led to the development of Distant Lands, a series of specials set in a post-apocalyptic version of the Land of Ooo, and Fionna and Cake, a limited series starring Finn and Jake's genderbent counterparts that was confirmed in late 2021.
7 The Spin-Off Will Be Developed Exclusively For HBO Max
On August 17, 2021, WarnerMedia confirmed that after the success of Distant Lands, a new series of special episodes centered around Fionna and Cake would be created exclusively for HBO Max. The streaming service currently offers most of Cartoon Network's catalog, including Adventure Time's ten full seasons.
HBO will partner with Cartoon Network to develop the series. Senior Vice President of Comedy and Animation, Billy Wee, shared his appreciation for the show's tendency to push the boundaries of young adult television, highlighting its impact on its legion of passionate fans.
6 It Will Be Handled By The Same Crew Behind Adventure Time
Former Adventure Time and Distant Lands showrunner, Adam Muto, will be returning to helm Fionna and Cake as its executive producer. During his tenure, the show won over twenty awards, including eight Primetime Emmys and three Annie Awards, and was nominated for more than seventy other accolades, making it one of Cartoon Network's most distinguished projects.
Frederator Studios, also known for Nickelodeon's The Fairly OddParents and Netflix's Castlevania, will also return to co-produce alongside Cartoon Network Studios.
5 It Will Continue The Adventures Of Finn & Jake's Fan-Favorite Genderbent Counterparts
The Adventure Time Season Three episode "Fionna and Cake" gave fans a look into the Ice King's secret fan-fiction. Set in an alternate universe where everyone has been gender-swapped, the episode follows Fionna the Human and her adoptive sister and best friend Cake the Cat on an adventure with Prince Gumball.
The characters became an instant hit with fans of the series, leading Frederator Studios to revisit them in the following seasons in "Bad Little Boy" and "The Prince Who Wanted Everything." Fionna and Cake's popularity also spawned a six-issue kaBOOM comic book series, and now an HBO Max original series.
4 The Ice King Will Join The Main Cast As Simon Petrikov
For most of Adventure Time, the Ice King is portrayed as the misunderstood, yet creepy ruler of the Ice Kingdom. He constantly tries to kidnap Princess Bubblegum and makes trouble for Finn and Jake when he doesn't get what he wants. Later in the story, however, he's revealed to have been a kind and intelligent antiquarian named Simon Petrikov.
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In the series finale, after reuniting with his one true love, Betty, and being swallowed by GOLB, the Ice King is returned to his old self and begins living as Simon once again. He will be joining Fionna and Cake in their new adventures as part of the main cast, with voice-acting legend, Tom Kenny, returning to reprise his role.
3 The Plot Will Involve A Trip Into The Multiverse
Perhaps taking a page from Dr. Strange's book on his upcoming adventures, Fionna, Cake, and former Ice King, Simon Petrikov, will take a long and dangerous trip into the multiverse. Adventure Time has previously mentioned the existence of other alternate realities within its canon, even centering its last main arc around an all-powerful deity called GOLB that can manipulate time and space.
While most details of the plot have yet to be shared, fans can only hope that Fionna and her friends will finally encounter Finn, Jake, and the other main characters of the prime universe.
2 Fionna & Cake Will Encounter A Completely New Antagonist
While on their journey, Fionna and company are said to encounter a totally new and mighty antagonist who will chase them through alternate universes in order to erase them from existence.
Jake and Finn have battled their fair share of villains and misguided adversaries throughout the show, ranging from goofy yet powerful enemies like the Ice King and Lemongrab to truly terrifying forces of nature like Marceline's father, Hunson Abadeer, and GOLB. Will this new foe resemble either of these former villains or will they represent a completely different kind of evil? Fans will have to watch Fiona and Cake to find out.
1 Fionna & Cake's Ten Episodes Will Premiere In 2023
In contrast to Adventure Time's eleven-minute episodes and Distant Lands' one-hour specials, Fionna and Cake will consist of ten half-hour episodes. No specific date has been confirmed as of yet, but the series is expected to debut sometime in 2023 in an effort to expand HBO Max's young adult and animation repertoires.
Given the franchise's previous accomplishments, Fionna and Cake is expected to keep Adventure Time going strong well into the distant future and drive a new wave of subscribers to HBO's streaming service.
Next: 10 Hidden Details Most Fans Missed In Adventure Time: Distant Lands
