Would a Marvel-Like Arcane Cinematic Universe Even Work? It's Complicated

The success of the MCU has not only boosted the numbers of many other cinematic universes, but also made many fans want their favorite movies and series to evolve into larger worlds with team-ups, spinoffs, and huge Infinity War-like events.

Not every single project has what it takes to become a cinematic universe and not shoot itself in the legs in the process, though. Some of them are simply way too obscure and cozy to be stretched into something bigger. However, this is definitely not the case for Arcane, Netflix 's big animated hit based on the beloved videogame League of Legends with a massive lore and extensive universe of its own.

But does it mean that Arcane could soon evolve into something Marvel-esque? According to fans, it's not that simple.

Is There a Potential For Arcane to Become a Cinematic Universe?

Naturally, there is. League of Legends has an impressive number of champions, territories, and stories to tell. In fact, LoL's huge plethora of champions is maybe the biggest inspiration for people who claim that Arcane has to be turned into a cinematic universe.

Fans have even come up with Arcane's own Thanos: naturally, it has to be Aurelion Sol — arguably the game's strongest and oldest character. He is called Star Forger for a reason; if anything, he somewhat resembles Marvel's Eternals conceptually, and many fans believe he is solid villain material.

Basically, if Arcane needs a villain capable of destroying Runeterra (the world where most of League of Legends events take place) with a snap of his fingers, that's Sol. And there are plenty of champions who can team up to defeat him.

Still, Arcane Cinematic Universe Isn't Such a Good Idea

According to many fans, the mere fact that League of Legends has a lore vast and exciting enough to be potentially turned into a cinematic universe, Netflix's Arcane is not exactly the right project to start it with.

First of all, Arcane (as of now) is extremely grounded and limited to a particular setting and particular characters. In order for it to grow into an actual cinematic universe, it needs a couple more seasons. Besides, it might have to focus on different, more powerful characters.

Because if there's a threat like Sol, it's hard to imagine that characters like Vi or Jinx will have a lot to do to help in a fight against him. To fight someone like this, other god-like creatures of Runeterra are needed; or else the cinematic universe will have to start with an enemy that is a lot less intimidating than Sol.

Perhaps, Arcane is good as the story of its own; unlike Marvel's Iron Man, it might not be the right project to kickstart the universe. However, a different LoL-based project with a completely different cast of characters might do the thing, and Arcane could then simply join the newly-formed cinematic universe as an important part of the story.

If Arcane suddenly decides to become the show that will encompass the entire LoL lore, it may soon lead to the once-great show's demise, many fans believe. Instead, the world of League of Legends should simply be extended with more different projects; and in order for that to work out, both Netflix and Riot Games might want to carefully plan the roadmap.

So far, however, we only have the second season of Arcane to wait for, which is going to release in the fourth quarter of 2024.