The Sparrow Academy Explained
The Umbrella Academy season 2 left viewers with a massive cliffhanger where new superpowered individuals appear to have replaced the Umbrella siblings. Their father Sir Reginald seems to have been expecting them and most shocking of all, Ben, a former member of the Umbrella Academy is alive.
So for those of you curious about learning more about The Sparrow Academy and what to expect from the third season of Netflix's The Umbrella Academy, this article is for you.
As we saw in the final episode of season 2, the umbrella siblings have yet again made a major mistake involving the timeline. Thinking they've set things right, they return to 2019 only to see their father Sir Reginald Hargreaves who was supposed to be dead, tell them he's been expecting them.
They also see their brother Ben alive, who also was supposed to be dead, although Ben has no idea who they are.
Most surprisingly, there seems to be an entirely new group of super powered individuals who have replaced them. The Umbrella Academy is no more, or never even existed in this timeline. Instead they're replaced by a new set of siblings who Reginald refers to as The Sparrow Academy.
One of the burning questions that fans have asked over and over again about the series is “Do we ever get to see any other superpowered children?" Well now you have your answer.
Here's a brief history lesson in case you forgot: Both in the original comics and series, 43 children were all born at the exact same time and on the exact same day. What is interesting is that we've never really seen any of the other children except for Lila.
So where are the rest of them?
The comics hold the answer to this question. During the third arc of The Umbrella Academy comic book series, every villain they've ever defeated was set free from a prison created by their father known as Hotel Oblivion.
Taking on each of these villains one after the other is an easy task for The Umbrella Academy but fighting dozens at the same time proves to be a difficult task. Fortunately for the umbrella siblings they are saved by another group of seven.
We first learn of them from Mother who first introduced Vanya to Carla, a member of the new group. Carla was able to give Vanya the use of her legs back just by saying so. It is similar to how Allison's powers work, although Allison was unable to rumour Vanya into walking again. So Carla's powers may be even more potent.
After meeting Carla, Vanya is taken to Norway, where Mother is waiting for her with The Sparrow Academy. They aren't explicitly called The Sparrow Academy in the comic books but they all wear a pin with a sparrow on it. Which pretty much gives their identity away.
It's obvious that these are also children born on the same day as The Umbrella Academy siblings. Although there's no telling how many Sir Reginald ended up locating.
The Comic Book Sparrow Academy
Each member of The Sparrow Academy is also labelled with a number just like The Umbrella Academy but their numbering doesn't continue from 8. They're labelled from 1-7 as well.
Number 1 of The Sparrow Academy, like Luther, has super strength and he's the only one that's actually numbered on panel in the comics.
Another member of the team pukes a black laser from their mouth, and we know it's puke. It pretty much says wretch right there. One who is always in glasses can turn into a flock of birds which we can assume are sparrows.
Carla's powers we already know allows her to speak things into existence just like Allison's rumour. And the last member whose powers we see in action in the comic book is basically a human voodoo doll. Whatever injury he inflicts upon himself will also affect his enemies.
The final two are a floating box and a muscular blonde woman who we didn't see fight anyone in the comics so we're not sure of their actual powers.
We don't know how the showrunners of the Netflix live-action series will choose to portray The Sparrow Academy superpowers as seen in the comics. And while little is known about these characters on TV, Deadline has revealed the names of not only who are playing the rival school but their personalities as well.
Justin Cornwell is Marcus, Sparrow Number 1
A charming, chiseled, colossus. Honest, virtuous, and demanding, he keeps the family together. Graceful but lethal, calculated but compassionate, he is as smart as he is strong. Marcus is disciplined, rational and in control. He oozes confidence and leadership without ever having to raise his voice.
Justin H. Min will play Ben, Sparrow Number 2
This is not the sweet Ben we know and love. This Ben is a Machiavellian tactician, wrapped up in a pretty boy body with a rumbling inner-squid. Vicious, pragmatic, and hyper-vigilant—Ben is determined to gain his status as the leader at all costs.
Britne Oldford will play Fei, Sparrow Number 3
Fei sees the world in a special way. She comes across as a misanthrope who would rather be alone than spend even a second with you. But truth be told, Fei wishes she had a friend. Most of the time, Fei is the smartest person in the room and willing to work things out. But if you cross her there's no looking back because Fei won't stop until the job is done.
Jake Epstein is Alphonso, Sparrow Number 4
Years of crime-fighting have left his face and body with countless visual reminders of his battles. To compensate, Alphonso is armed with a caustic and biting sense of humor. The only thing he likes better than verbally battering anyone foolish enough to get in his face, is a good pizza and a six-pack of beer.
Genesis Rodriguez is Sloane, Sparrow Number 5
A romantic and a dreamer who feels a higher cosmic calling leaving her eager to see the world and experience a life beyond her upbringing. But obligations to her family keep Sloane tethered to the Academy, as does her fear of crossing the family line. But Sloane has plans... and one day she might just be brave enough to act on them.
Cazzie David will be playing Jayme, Sparrow Number 6
Jayme is a loner hidden under a hoodie. She doesn't say much because she doesn't have to. Jayme has a fear-inducing snarl. Catch a glimpse of it, and you'll run across the street to avoid what follows. Smart and sharp as a knife, she spends most of her time hanging with Alphonso, her only friend.
Psykronium Cube will play Christopher, Sparrow Number 7
Last but not least, Christopher is a telekinetic cube of unknown origin. An existential dread inducing cube that can turn the room freezing cold and induce paralyzing fear. He acts as the Sparrow's consulted oracle who hands out incredible advice and serves as the family mediator. Trustworthy, loyal and is treated by the Sparrows like any other sibling. Christopher is a force to be reckoned with.
The superpowered siblings from the comics who rescued The Umbrella Academy siblings also had a floating cube amongst them. However we do not know what the cube can do or if it was named Christopher in the comics.
The upcoming season 3 is going to get very complicated but it's exciting to see that the personalities of The Sparrow Academy individuals were revealed ahead of the season premiere. However, we do know that season 3 will take place in the Hotel Oblivion timeline.
The third Netflix installment of Umbrella Academy will finally explain what happened to the other kids that were born on the same day as the umbrella siblings, a question which despite its many many theories, still leaves viewers without a proper answer.
There is no official release date for Netflix's Umbrella Academy season 3 other than the fact that it'll premiere in 2022.
For now fans should keep an eye out for a poster, teaser trailer, first look at images of new characters or something interesting in the coming weeks before we eventually get a glimpse of the official trailer for Season 3.
