The final moments of Arcane, the hit animated series on Netflix, left fans reeling when it debuted in November 2024. However, according to the creators, the ending we saw could have been drastically different. The iconic relationship between Vi and Jinx, two of the show’s most beloved characters, almost took a completely different turn—one that would have fundamentally changed the course of the show.
A Different Fate for Vi and Jinx
For those who’ve watched Arcane, the heartbreaking moment where Jinx sacrifices herself to save her sister, Vi, remains unforgettable. What fans might not know is that this intense scene, a turning point in the show, was actually conceived six years before the series aired on Netflix.
Initially, the creators had envisioned a much shorter series. Amanda Overton, the show’s lead writer and executive producer, shared with Variety that Arcane was originally planned to end after just one season with nine episodes. “The big battle you saw between Vi and Jinx in episode 3 of season 2 was supposed to be the season 1 finale,” Overton explained. “But when the script was finished, we decided to move that scene to the second season. So we spent an entire season earning that emotional moment.”
In its original form, the show would have ended tragically, with Vi and Jinx still at odds, their complex issues unresolved. Season 2, however, gave the creators a chance to explore a more hopeful resolution for their relationship, giving the sisters a proper reconciliation that resonated deeply with fans.
Vi and Caitlyn’s Relationship: A Step Towards More Inclusive Storytelling
Another key element of Arcane that evolved was the portrayal of Vi’s relationship with Caitlyn. This love story, which blossomed during season 2, not only captured the hearts of fans but also sparked controversy. Fortiche, the studio behind the animation, devoted the longest sequence of the entire series to the couple’s development, which led to immediate censorship in China.
Overton emphasized that the focus was always on creating a realistic, healthy relationship between the two characters. “I wanted the conflict in their relationship to be central to the story, but not the sole narrative,” she said. “I was tired of seeing stories that revolve around the struggles of being gay or coming out. We tried to steer away from that by building a world in Arcane where homophobia doesn’t exist.”
This thoughtful approach allowed the relationship between Vi and Caitlyn to unfold naturally, without relying on clichés or the usual dramatic tension surrounding LGBTQ+ characters. The result was a refreshing and inclusive portrayal that resonated with many viewers.
A Series That Evolved Over Time
The creative decisions made along the way ultimately shaped Arcane into the masterpiece it is today. What started as a more limited concept grew into a rich, nuanced world where characters and their relationships could develop in ways that felt true to the story and to the fans.
If Vi and Jinx’s journey had stayed as initially planned, the series would have had a very different tone. But by expanding the narrative and offering meaningful growth and resolution, Arcane has become a trailblazer in animated series, setting a new standard for how complex characters and relationships can be portrayed on screen.
As Overton puts it, “It was important to us that the relationships in Arcane felt genuine, and that included not only Vi and Jinx but also Caitlyn and Vi. We wanted to create a world where love, no matter the form, was just part of life.” This commitment to authenticity is part of what makes Arcane so special and why its ending—although it could have gone in a completely different direction—was ultimately the perfect choice.