It has been a decade since Steven Universe first discovered his ability to summon a shield, all while enjoying his favorite frozen treat, Cookie Cat. What started as a vibrant animated series about a 13-year-old half-Gem, half-human boy raised by his alien guardians, evolved into so much more. Over the course of its five seasons on Cartoon Network, Steven Universe tackled important themes such as LGBTQIA+ representation, genocide, consent, grief, and PTSD, pushing boundaries for a show aimed at six to 11-year-old boys.
Rebecca Sugar, the creator of the show, reflects on the challenges they faced in exploring these topics, especially when it came to LGBTQIA+ representation. Despite the difficulties, Sugar believes they were able to cover everything they wanted to, although not necessarily in the original order they had intended. Sugar considers the show a time capsule, a testament to their journey and the accomplishments they achieved.
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of Steven Universe, Sugar sits down with Variety to discuss the initial concept for Garnet’s wedding, the unrevealed Gems, and the potential for a series revival. Additionally, Sugar shares an exclusive clip of a scrapped song from the show, known as the “Meatball Sub Song,” which was performed during an early development meeting. This song, according to Sugar, may have played a significant role in securing the show’s existence.
Looking back at the first season of Steven Universe, Sugar finds it fascinating, as it was an opportunity for them to establish and develop everything from scratch. The team quickly established a shorthand for drawing the characters, working under intense scrutiny to ensure the show’s success. They aimed to break the boundaries of their target demographic and create something that appealed to a wider audience while still satisfying their core viewers.
Sugar recalls navigating the expectations of what six to 11-year-old boys would typically watch, feeling that they deserved more credit. They wanted Steven Universe to be visually stunning, despite concerns that it might alienate their target demographic. From the color palette to the character designs, they strived for a unique aesthetic that was both cool and beautiful, while also being funny, dramatic, and stirring. The first season was all about finding the right balance and making it a reality.
When it came to casting the voices for Steven Universe, Sugar wanted to create a cast that felt unconventional and unique. They wanted to capture the sense of these characters coming from different backgrounds and statuses within Gem society. This led them to cast individuals who wouldn’t typically be found in the same project. Deedee Magno Hall, who voices Pearl, came from a musical theater background. Michaela Dietz, the voice of Amethyst, had previously worked on “Barney.” Estelle, who portrays Garnet, is an international superstar. And Zach Callison, who brings Steven to life, was not only a talented young actor but also the same age as the character, which added a layer of authenticity.
Sugar considers themselves lucky to have had Estelle’s interest in animation and her willingness to be a part of the show despite her busy schedule. They also mention that many of the actors who were considered for the main roles ended up voicing other characters in the series, showcasing the immense talent each individual brought to the table.
In a surprising revelation, Sugar mentions a song called the “Meatball Sub Song” that never made it into Steven Universe. This song was from an early episode concept and featured Steven singing about his desire for a meatball sub while at the carwash with his dad. Throughout the show’s development, there were numerous songs, including different versions of “Familiar,” that didn’t make the final cut. Sugar’s perfectionism often led them to redoing songs multiple times. Some songs that were almost complete ended up being condensed, with snippets finding their way into other scenes. It’s clear that music played a significant role in the creation of Steven Universe, and even the discarded songs still hold a special place in Sugar’s heart.
As Steven Universe reaches its 10th anniversary, fans can appreciate the impact it has had on animation and storytelling. This beloved series broke barriers, confronted important issues, and won audiences over with its unique characters and captivating narratives. While the show may have come to a close, the memories and messages it has left behind will endure for years to come.
