Saturday, July 22, 2023, 2:45 p.m.

At the San Diego Convention Center, Room 6BCF has a seating capacity of 1500. Alas, it wasn’t enough space to accommodate everyone eager to learn about Season Five of The Dragon Prince. Those who could attend would be treated to not one, not two, not three, but four surprises.

The panel was run by series co-creators Aaron Ehasz and Justin Richmond, executive producer Villads Spangsberg, and special community guest Hailey Karter of Cartoon Universe podcast, who showed off some gorgeous pieces of fan artwork inspired by the characters. (Jack de Sena, the voice of high mage Callum, had been announced to appear but didn’t for publicly-undisclosed reasons.)

Then came the first surprise: a screening of the first episode from Season Five, “Domina Profundis.”

The second surprise had been foreshadowed by an announcement from Wonderstorm on July 10:

(WARNING: This panel is strictly limited to landlubbing con attendees only. Due to recent threats of salty shenanigans, NO privateers, nautical criminals, or seafaring ne’er-do-wells of any kind will be permitted entry. Thank you for your understanding.)

Despite “security precautions,” two lady pirates barged onto the stage shouting demands to give more screen time to Berto the parrot, and to play the rest of Season Five … now. The panelists would be held hostage till their demands were met.

Ehasz assured the crowd that everything was under control.

Behold the ferocity of the pirate ladies. Arrrrr.

Luckily for everyone, Justin Richmond, Aaron Ehasz, and Villads Spangsberg just happened to have a special briefcase with them.

Which they opened.

And pulled out a red button.

That Ehasz pressed.

At that moment—or close to it—came Surprise Number Three.

The entire Season Five became available for screening on Netflix, about a week ahead of its previously-announced date of July 27.

The victorious pirate ladies pulled off their hats, beards and nautical garb, revealing themselves to be Paula Burrows, the voice of Rayla the Moonshadow Elf—and Surprise Number Four—Boone Williams, who plays a new character, Astrid, from Season Six.

Q & A followed. One youngster wanted to know if Soren (the Crownguard who needs to shave) was going to be in more episodes, because he was funny. Answer: He is. The panel topped off with a round of audience applause.

Season Five awaits your viewing pleasure.

For The Dragon Prince: Mystery of Aaravos, Seasons Six and Seven are yet to come.