‘Lego Ninjago’ latest offering in an animated series

/ 1 Comment
Pamela Keller (LEGO Entertainment executive producer), Vincent Tong (Kai), Kazumi Evans (Wyldfyre), Sam Vincent (Lloyd), Paul Dobson (Master Wu), Sabrina Pitre (Sora), Deven Mack (Arin), Chris “Doc” Wyatt (NINJAGO: Dragons Rising head writer), Kevin Burke (NINJAGO: Dragons Rising head writer), Nigel Kong (LEGO group head of product for NINJAGO), and Ryan Burns (LEGO Entertainment executive producer). [Photo: Cailin Acosta]
By Cailin Acosta in San Diego, California

Cailin Acosta

Believe it or not, the LEGO NINJAGO animated series is celebrating 15 years—and it is still going strong.

The NINJAGO voice talent panel featured Vincent Tong (Kai), Kazumi Evans (Wyldfyre), Sam Vincent (Lloyd), Paul Dobson (Master Wu), Sabrina Pitre (Sora), and Deven Mack (Arin). They were joined by NINJAGO: Dragons Rising head writers Chris “Doc” Wyatt and Kevin Burke, LEGO Group Head of Product for NINJAGO Nigel Kong, and LEGO Entertainment executive producers Ryan Burns and Pamela Keller.

Moderated by Keller, the panel looked back on fan-favorite moments from hundreds of episodes while celebrating the franchise’s 15-year legacy. Tong became emotional as he reflected on the passing of Kirby Morrow, the original voice of Cole in LEGO NINJAGO: Masters of Spinjitzu, whose performance left a lasting impact on fans and the cast alike.

The panel also shared several sneak peeks and teaser videos hinting at the future of NINJAGO. While details remain under wraps, fans can look forward to new series, additional episodes, new LEGO sets inspired by upcoming seasons, new characters, and exciting storylines. The audience—including my teens and me—responded enthusiastically to every reveal.

As a special treat, the cast performed a staged reading of an all-new, exclusive canon scene from LEGO NINJAGO: Dragons Rising, written by Wyatt and Burke.

Although the current television cast does not include any identifiable Jewish actors, actress Abbi Jacobson voiced the Water Ninja, Nya, in The LEGO NINJAGO Movie (2017). Jacobson has spoken publicly about growing up in a Jewish family and attending Hebrew school. Other Jewish actors in the film include Dave Franco, who voiced the main protagonist Lloyd Garmadon, and Zach Woods, who voiced the nindroid Zane.

While the LEGO NINJAGO franchise draws primarily from East Asian mythology and philosophy, there are some interesting parallels that Jewish viewers may appreciate. For example, NINJAGO emphasizes maintaining a cosmic balance between opposing forces through the concept of yin and yang. Similarly, Jewish mysticism, particularly Kabbalah, explores the balance between chesed (loving-kindness) and gevurah (judgment and restraint), suggesting that harmony comes through balancing complementary forces rather than eliminating one side entirely.
Likewise, the prophecy of the Green Ninja bears some resemblance to when Moshiach (the anointed one) comes. In both traditions, a chosen figure is expected to confront a powerful force of evil before helping usher in an era of peace. While the stories arise from very different religious and cultural traditions, the narrative parallels are intriguing.
The LEGO NINJAGO franchise has fans around the globe and has even been dubbed into Hebrew for audiences in Israel.
L’chaim to another 15 years of NINJAGO! My family and I are excited to see what the future holds and can’t wait for the next episodes and series to be released.
Ninja go!

*

Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of San Diego Jewish World.

1 thought on “‘Lego Ninjago’ latest offering in an animated series”

  1. Shoshana Dennis in El Cajon, California

    This is a wonderful astute evaluation of this series.

    I especially enjoyed the parallels between East Asian mythology and Jewish mysticism. By finding connections this author promotes common ground and peaceful coexistence.

    Truly a thoughtful review!

    Reply

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.