Creator Genndy Tartakovsky said Primal would return a bit…different. Originally he meant the story he’d been telling for two seasons had wrapped up and the series would be following a new “primal” protagonist. But along the way, that plan changed. It turns out caveman Spear will still be the star, but that “different” promise still holds. For you see…he’s a zombie now.
However it happens — Genndy still hasn’t revealed the mechanics of this, though he mentioned that witch from Season 1 who could resurrect the dead — Zombie Spear will be mostly a new being, the memories of his former life lost in a fog. Now more monster than man, he roams the savage landscape as one of its deadliest members. “As Spear battles savage landscapes and deadly foes, faint echoes of his past begin to stir, leading him toward an emotional and explosive reunion that will test the limits of survival,” Adult Swim says.
“After two seasons, I was ready to move on until an idea surfaced that was pulpier, bad-ass and undeniable. Everyone agreed and Season 3 was born,” says Tartakovsky.
“I mean, not everyone can kill off their main character and then go ‘on second thought…’ and pull it off!” adds Michael Ouweleen, President of Adult Swim. “But Genndy tends to not make things easy for himself, and what we get as a result is a season three that is more bonkers than the decision to kill Spear off in the first place! You thought there was emotion to the main character dying in season two, wait till you see what’s in store for Season 3.”
It’s a good question. Assuming Zombie Spear ever catches up to his old friends Fang and Mira — and the description implies he eventually does — what will they make of him? Will HE recognize THEM? Lots of potential for emotional tension and turmoil.
Upon the announcement of the season premiere date, which is this January, Adult Swim also released some new screenshots from Season 3. They look as gorgeous and simultaneously brutal as ever. Check out that worm!
Primal returns with new episodes and a new Spear January 11 at 11:30 p.m. ET/PT on Adult Swim, next day on HBO Max.
