Arcane AMA: Creative Secrets, Deleted Scenes, and Alternate Timelines

During the second AMA celebrating Arcane’s anniversary, Amanda Overton and Alex Yee —lead writers of the series— answered dozens of fan questions on Reddit. What began as a celebration turned into a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes insights, moral dilemmas, and scenes that never made it to screen. Here’s a breakdown of the highlights.

Viktor and Disability Representation

One of the most heartfelt responses came from Amanda, who explained how the team approached Viktor’s disability with empathy and care throughout every stage of production. The final scene with Jayce was written to convey admiration and beauty, challenging common media stereotypes.

“I deeply believe that our differences as humans make us stronger and more beautiful.”

Deleted Scenes That Deserve to Be Told

Amanda revealed two powerful moments that were cut but still resonate:

• An episode focused on young Viktor, who built a device to contain the Grey Mist and protect his community.
• A scene between Loris and Vi, where Loris shares how he lost the love of his life and left the Enforcers, warning Vi about the cost of unprocessed grief.

Alternate Timelines and Episode 7

Alex described how the alternate timeline was imagined:

• Jayce would have been imprisoned, never developing Hextech or connecting with Viktor.
• Viktor would remain Heimerdinger’s assistant, possibly taking a darker path.
• Caitlyn would still be an officer, but without Vi, her development would be uncertain.
• Mel might never have caught the attention of the Black Rose.
• Sevika would be tackling impossible challenges, true to her style.

Caitlyn and the Loss of Jayce

IdleSkribbles explained that although Caitlyn and Jayce had a close relationship, by the end they had grown apart. Caitlyn would mourn his loss but choose to remember the best of him rather than be consumed by grief.

“The Jayce who died was, in a way, a stranger to her.”

How to Build Character Arcs: Amanda’s Advice

Amanda shared her narrative approach: understanding what a character wants vs. what they need. She used Jinx as an example — her want is to prove she’s worthy of love, but her need is to learn to love herself.

“The show’s themes emerge from the conflict between characters’ wants and needs.”

Caitlyn, Ambessa, and the Dark Path That Almost Was

The team explored versions where Ambessa tried to convince Caitlyn to conquer Noxus together. Although Caitlyn was always meant to choose Vi, in an alternate reality —if Vi hadn’t survived— Caitlyn might have taken that darker path.

Sevika: Lost Scenes and What Could Have Been

Amanda revealed unseen moments:

• A scene where Jinx confesses to Sevika that she killed Silco, pushing her away to avoid redemption.
• An early episode where Sevika saves Jinx from an assassination attempt at Silco’s funeral.

Mel Medarda: Legacy, Power, and Inner Conflict

Mel wasn’t near the labs by accident — she saw an opportunity in Jayce. Their relationship helped her see herself beyond the Medarda name. Regarding her powers, Amanda explained that Mel survived by instinct, saving some people by accident, which drives her search for redemption.

“Jayce saw Mel for Mel, not as a Medarda.”

AMA Wrap-Up

Amanda closed with a heartfelt message:

“Thank you all for being part of this Arcane community. You’ll always have a special place in my heart.”

Arcane may be ending, but its stories still pulse through every corner of Runeterra.