The Hellaverse and Beyond: Vivienne Medrano is Conjuring an Animation Empire, and We're All Along for the Wild Ride
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Vivienne Medrano, the creative force behind Vivziepop, is expanding her animation empire with new seasons for *Hazbin Hotel* and *Helluva Boss* (now on Prime Video), and an experimental *Homestuck* pilot, all while eyeing future projects from her Australian studio, Spindleroo.
Right, so you know that feeling when you're casually browsing the internet and suddenly tumble down a rabbit hole into an entire, vibrant, somewhat chaotic universe you didn't even know existed? Yeah, that's roughly the Vivziepop experience for newcomers in 2025. This digital wizard, Vivienne Medrano, isn't just building worlds; she's practically conjuring entire animated empires, and frankly, it's wilder than a rogue spell in a crowded pub. Polygon recently caught up with her for their fall preview, and bloody hell, the insights into what's brewing are as potent as a freshly brewed potion.
Medrano’s creative journey is a fascinating tapestry, woven from a decade of online development, prequel comics, early character designs on Tumblr, and proof-of-concept animatics. It's a testament to the power of grassroots creation, building a massive, active fandom around her gleefully profane, heartfelt adult animated shows, all set within the delightfully twisted 'Hellaverse.' From a popular webcomic in art school to founding her own animation studio, Spindlehorse, she’s basically levelled up from an apprentice sorcerer to a grand archmage in the digital animation realm. And by the sounds of it, she's only just getting started.
**The 'Homestuck' Pilot: Casting an Experimental Spell**
First up on the magical workbench is the much-anticipated *Homestuck* animated pilot. Now, if you’re a long-time internet denizen, *Homestuck* probably conjures images of an epic, sprawling webcomic that defied all expectations and conventional narrative structures. Trying to adapt *that* into animation sounds like trying to fit a dragon into a teacup, doesn't it? But Medrano, in her chat with Polygon, describes it as 'very experimental,' and she's not just talking about the source material.
This 11-minute pilot is the inaugural project for Spindlehorse’s new Australian studio branch, aptly named Spindleroo. It's a 'test pilot for lots of things,' according to Medrano – new studio, new process, new style, even new technology. Essentially, they're throwing a whole cauldron of new ingredients into the mix to see what kind of potent brew comes out. It’s also notable for being Spindlehorse's first project not originated by Medrano herself, a big step in expanding the studio's creative reach.
The future of a full *Homestuck* series, however, remains as unpredictable as a dice roll in a rogue-lite. Medrano admits it 'all honestly depends on the audience,' and whether other studios get interested. They'd initially floated a September TBD launch on YouTube, but those plans are apparently still up in the air due to other Spindlehorse commitments. It’s a high-stakes gamble, putting so much on the first taste, isn't it? But also, fair dinkum, it’s a smart way to gauge interest without committing to a full series out of the gate. Condensing *Homestuck*'s massive, medium-hopping saga is a daunting task, handled by original creator Andrew Hussie and Spindlehorse animation director Skye Henwood, a self-professed massive fan. Medrano reckons the pilot covers 'most of the first chapter' – a substantial chunk, given some chapters are gargantuan. This collaborative approach, with Hussie himself approaching Medrano’s company, is truly exciting, potentially opening the door for other webcomic creators to get their passion projects animated. That’s the kind of magic we love to see: genuinely 'uplifting other voices.'
**'Hazbin Hotel' Season 2: A Demonic Level-Up?**
Then there's *Hazbin Hotel*, a series that exploded onto YouTube as a crowdfunded pilot (now boasting over 117 million views, crikey!) before being snatched up by A24 and landing on Prime Video in 2024. The first season, a fast-paced romp about demon princess Charlie Morningstar trying to redeem sinners in Hell, was a wild ride. And if Medrano's words to Polygon are anything to go by, Season 2 – dropping on Prime on October 29 – is where the real show begins.
Medrano boldly states that 'Season 2 is what the show was meant to be.' Now, you hear that kind of claim a lot in this industry, don't you? 'Bigger, better, bolder!' It’s easy to be gently skeptical of such pronouncements. But she explains that Season 1 was 'made in a vacuum' with limited episodes and runtime, making it 'borderline-impossible' to cram everything in. The notion that Season 2 will have longer episodes, better pacing, and a 'simpler' (read: less frantic) story, genuinely sounds like a sigh of relief for both creators and viewers. Less frantic, more room to breathe and let those delightful demonic dynamics simmer? Yes, please. This shift suggests a show that can finally stretch its legs and deliver on its full potential, a proper narrative arc rather than a sprint.
Thematically, Season 2 delves into 'misinformation,' 'remembering who you are,' and the interplay of 'identity and power and insecurity.' Heavy stuff for a show set in Hell, but then again, what better place for existential crises? With Seasons 3 and 4 already greenlit and Medrano planning a five-season arc, it’s comforting to know there’s a master plan behind the chaos, rather than just winging it episode by episode. This kind of long-term vision is a rare beast in episodic animation and speaks volumes about the creative control Spindlehorse maintains.
**'Helluva Boss': A New Beginning for the Hellaverse's Assassins**
Medrano’s other Hellaverse creation, *Helluva Boss*, also started life on YouTube in 2019, following a team of Hellish assassins. And much like *Hazbin*, it's now getting a big push, with its initial two seasons landing on Prime Video on September 10, and Prime taking over production for Seasons 3 and 4, which will debut there before hitting YouTube for free streaming. It's a fascinating evolution for a series that embodies the creator-driven spirit.
This is where it gets particularly interesting for existing fans: the Prime launch included a new episode, 'Mission Zero,' which Medrano describes as 'essentially a new starting point.' She admits the original pilot, while beloved, 'breaks a lot of those rules' that have evolved in the Hellaverse. It’s like discovering an old spellbook has conflicting incantations; sometimes you just need to update your grimoire for consistency. 'Mission Zero' aims to reintroduce characters in a way that aligns with the established lore, making for a smoother ride for new audiences, and hopefully, less head-scratching inconsistencies for the loyal legion of fans. It’s a bold move, almost a soft reboot, but one that demonstrates a commitment to narrative integrity.
Medrano has a clear vision for *Helluva Boss*, planning a four-season run with the ending 'exactly' mapped out. Seasons 3 and 4 are being produced as 'two massive connected projects,' promising a 'very enormous arc' that culminates in a 'satisfying ending.' Knowing there’s a defined end point, a proper narrative conclusion, is a welcome relief in an industry often plagued by shows overstaying their welcome. It speaks to a genuine storytelling ambition, rather than just chasing viewer numbers.
**Beyond the Hellaverse: What Other Spells Are Brewing?**
Of course, a wizard of Medrano's calibre isn't content with just two active, massively popular series. She's got other projects lurking in the shadows, waiting for her to find the time to conjure them into reality. Fans might recognise 'Bad Luck Jack,' a webcomic from her college days that she'd love to develop into more shorts or even a graphic novel. There's also 'Timber,' a 'little Western musical' from her thesis short, that she'd love to expand.
But as any digital wizard knows, juggling dragon eggs while riding a runaway broomstick isn't easy. Medrano admits her world is currently 'very much the Hellaverse,' as she's head writer for both shows and constantly churning out scripts. 'It's just about finding the time,' she says, a sentiment every busy creator can relate to. Once the current scripting demands ease up, though, expect to see more of these other unique ideas take form. It’s exciting to think about what other magical worlds she has stored in her mental grimoire.
So, whether you're a long-time Hellaverse devotee, a curious *Homestuck* veteran, or just someone who appreciates genuine, creator-driven animation smashing through the digital ether, Vivienne Medrano’s Spindlehorse studio is a force to be reckoned with. It’s a testament to what happens when authentic vision meets fan enthusiasm, and while the path ahead is undoubtedly chaotic – as any good magical journey should be – it’s certainly never boring. Keep your eyes peeled, mates, because this digital wizard has plenty more tricks up her sleeve.
Tags: Animation, Indie Animation, Webcomics, Creator Economy, Streaming
Original article: Polygon