Critical Role: The Legend of Vox Machina’s upcoming Mighty Nein-focused spin-off is set to unfold in a new manner, which will add new depth to the new cast’s individual stories before they join forces. The Prime Video animated series is an adaptation of the hit online tabletop game series withThe Legend of Vox Machinaadaptingthe first campaign.
TheMighty Nein were introducedwhen the series' second campaign began in 2018, and their adventures came to a close in June 2021. The seven adventurers were brought together by chance, with their story taking place 20 years after Vox Machina’s tale ended. In their travels, the Mighty Nein faced love, loss, and incredible odds.
Legend Of Vox Machina’s New Spinoff Will Have 1 Huge Difference From The Original
Willingham Teases A Slower Build-Up To The New Party Forming
Ahead ofCritical Role: The Legend of Vox Machina’sMighty Nein-focused panel at San Diego Comic-Con 2025, series star and executive producer Travis Willingham revealed toEntertainment Weeklyhow the spin-off will differ from the original series. Willingham emphasized thatthe upcoming show will draw more focus to each adventurer’s individual journeys. Check out Willingham’s explanation below:
We like to scratch all sorts of itches. WithThe Legend of Vox Machina, we started with our heroes altogether at once. We really want to buy into who these characters are fromThe Mighty Neinand how they come together slowly — as pairs, sometimes staying lone wolves for as long as possible, and really fighting for what it is they’re looking to achieve in the story. That’s the thing that really is going to separateMighty NeinfromVox. You’ll see all of them fighting for their own goals and really resisting working together as a team for quite a long while.
When it came to adapting Campaign 1,The Legend of Vox Machinawas initially funded through a Kickstarter campaign in 2019. As such, the animated project’s storytelling scope was much more limited, initially being conceived as covering a pre-campaign tale. However,the Kickstarter’s success led to a full series being commissioned that would also adapt the popular Briarwood arc.
As such, outside of Percy de Rolo (Talisin Jaffe), whose tragic origin is the core of Vox Machina’s battle with the Briarwoods, the series takes its time in unveiling the rest of the party’s pasts. However, Willingham’s response has already suggested that the series will be a much more accessible show for newcomers.
The Mighty Nein Is Already Avoiding A Legend Of Vox Machina Challenge
The Original Series' Production Was Focused On Rewarding Fans Rather Than Bringing In New Viewers
With its very existence being thanks to fans funding it, the first season ofCritical Role: The Legend of Vox Machinahad an in-built audience who would enjoy the series. However, it meant that those less in tune with the series may not have received the best introduction, especially with how it starts partway through the campaign’s story.
With Willingham emphasizing how audiences will be meeting the Mighty Nein at a point where they are all focused on their individual goals, the series will seemingly offer a more traditional adaptation.The group was brought together by chancewhen the undead attacked a carnival they all attended. By the end of the first arc, the Mighty Nein was formed.
If the series follows the same structure as how the story unfolded in Campaign 2’s early chapters, each member of the party will be slowly introduced. Thefirst episode of Campaign 2opened in Caleb Widogast (Liam O’Brien) and Nott the Brave’s (Sam Riegel) tavern room. As the pair progressed through their day, the other members were gradually introduced.
To further support that the series will start at the Mighty Nein’s beginning,Mollymauk Tealeaf (Taliesin Jaffe) is present in the first promotional image of the majority of the group. While a founding member, the Tiefling parted ways with the Mighty Nein in the third arc. As he is present, it is clear he will play a major role.
Because of these factors, audiences will not be thrown in with the Mighty Nein midway through their story, and instead will be witnessing their journey from the very beginning. Not only will viewers have a greater understanding of each individual character, but grow more attached to them. As Campaign 2 features incredibly impactful moments, those moments will hit harder.
The Mighty Nein Could Surpass The Original Critical Role Series
Certain Reveals Have Hinted At Ambitious Plans For The Spin-Off
The Legend of Vox Machinaseason 1 was undoubtedly a testament to the support thatCritical Rolehad amassed throughout its early years. Originally envisioned as something only dedicated fans would support, the first season was focused on fulfilling those original Kickstarter promises, even after Prime Video joined the production.
However, with three seasons' worth of experience, the Mighty Nein’s upcoming show is being envisioned from the very start as a far more traditional show. Willingham’s response indicates that the series will take its time before the Mighty Nein are truly assembled into a team. However, one reveal does hint towards future plans beyond a single season.
Alongside a first glimpse at the majority of the Nein themselves, a shot of Essek Theylyss was released. As a Shadowhand, Essek is skilled in tackling Exandria’s darker mysteries. Despite becoming a key ally to the Mighty Nein,the group does not cross paths with Essek until Act 3 of Campaign 2when the group receives an audience with the Bright Queen.
With Essek being part of the initial reveals for the upcoming series, likely, the crew behindCritical Rolehas already conceived ideas for future seasons where he and the Nein cross paths. Furthermore, given Willingham’s comments on wanting to expand individual characters' motivations, the animated series may expand on Essek’s origin.
With all these factors considered, the Mighty Nein is likely only the beginning of a larger expansion ofCritical Role: The Legend of Vox Machina’s universe. TheCritical Rolefranchise has no shortage of stories to tell and remains incredibly popular among audiences. As such, the Mighty Nein can offer an opportunity to deliver the franchise to new heights and viewers.
The Legend of Vox Machina
Cast
The Legend of Vox Machina is an animated series that follows a group of rowdy misfits turned mercenaries. As they prioritize easy money and leisure over duty, they find themselves as the unlikely heroes tasked with defending the kingdom from impending evil and restoring justice.
