Arcane has captured audiences once again with the release of its second and final season. What began as an unexpected adaptation from the world of League of Legends has now become a standout in the realm of animated series. Released in 2021, the first season broke new ground, not just for fans of the game but for animation enthusiasts everywhere. But it’s more than just the gripping storyline and stunning visuals—this series had a hefty price tag attached to it.
Behind the Scenes of Arcane
Let’s talk numbers. The buzz around Arcane’s budget, reportedly over $250 million, stems from both production and marketing expenses. Arcane’s showrunners, Christian Linke and Alex Yee, put this number into context during an interview with GamesRadar. According to Linke, the marketing expense was significant, making the production costs more palatable when viewed correctly. Linke elaborated that creating a series with cinema-quality animation was a primary goal. So in a world where CGI and animated movies can run even higher in cost, what Arcane has achieved could be considered efficient.
Viewed against major television productions, Arcane’s splurge seems more modest. Here’s how Arcane stacks up against other heavy hitters:
- House of the Dragon costs around $20 million per episode.
- Stranger Things Season 4 racked up about $30 million per episode.
- Rings of Power dwarfs them all with an eye-popping $60 million per episode.
When you break Arcane’s $250 million down, assuming a typical marketing-to-production split, the creation itself may cost around $166 million. That comes to around $9.2 million per episode over its expected 18-episode run.
Now, compare that to the world of animated films, a comparison Yee himself made. Take Disney’s Frozen 2—a juggernaut that cost $150 million to make, spanning roughly the runtime of 2.5 Arcane episodes. If told with the same flair as Arcane, those episodes would set Netflix back approximately $23 million. This effort, titled “dirt cheap” by Yee, makes you reconsider your wallet’s sensitivity.
Quality, after all, doesn’t come cheap. Arcane boasts not only stellar animation but an impressive roster of voice actors and a team of artists given the time and latitude to handcraft excellence. Yee pointed out that bringing in great talent and letting artists do their best work was a reflection of the investment made.
Closing Credits
Arcane has gathered a cult-like following due to its breathtaking animation and narrative depth, and now with its second season, it cements itself as a landmark in animated series. While the high budget might raise eyebrows, the impeccable outcome justifies the means. Expect this to be one of those series people talk about for years to come, not just for its cost but for its quality. Should you choose to dive into this world, savor every frame—it’s an exceptional piece of art in the realm of animation, produced at a price that surprisingly sits below other TV and animated film giants. Catch this gem before it bids farewell, knowing its last bow is well-deserved.
