Recap: Adventure Time – Distant Lands Panel Comic-Con@Home 2021

Adventure Time: Distant Lands is back at Comic-Con for possibly the last time as it promotes the final special in its series, “Wizard City”. Starting out as a surprise smash at Cartoon Network in 2010, Adventure Time ballooned in popularity for the network and ushering in a new wave of creative and beloved series over the course of the decade. The show concluded in 2018 with its series finale, “Come Along With Me”, but was later announced to have four specials premiering on HBO Max as “Adventure Time: Distant Lands”. With three of the four specials already out on the platform, this panel brings on moderator Bex Taylor-Klaus, EP Adam Muto, “Jake the Dog” actor John DiMaggio, as well as Mace Montgomery Miskel and Toks Olagundoye, who play parts in “Wizard City” with Bex.

Adam Muto reflects on returning to Adventure Time, which he Executive Produced for most of the show’s run even after creator Pendelton Ward stepped down. When he learned he was able to tell more stories with these characters, he made sure to set one of the specials aside for Finn and Jake while making sure to not step on the effective close that the finale provided. John Dimaggio also talks about how grateful he was to be able to play Jake again in “Together Again”, as well as getting to have a panel where he isn’t seen bawling while watching the finale. He speculates on what Finn and Jake did between the end of the series and the special, thinking that Jake went off on his own and hung out with his kids for awhile between adventures with Finn. There is also discussion about which characters were chosen to come back to finish Finn and Jake’s story in the special, including The Lich. When asked if the iconic duo’s story may continue, DiMaggio thinks that there could be as long as there is demand.

Regarding “Wizard City”, that special was added later and so messed up the order of wanting “Together Again” last. Otherwise, Muto pointed out that Wizard City had simply been unexplored for most of the show and this seemed like a good opportunity to do so. Mace talks about this being his first panel and how his audition and voice over was done entirely over Zoom, and is praised for it being his first performance. Toks Olagundoye also talks about her newness to the series but enthusiasm in being part of the show, including her character “Dr. Caledonius” and how she would need to rein herself in without getting too excited.

Adventure Time: Distant Lands “Wizard City” premieres on HBO Max later this year.