Maya and the Three - Netflix Series Review

MAYA AND THE THREE (L to R) GABRIEL IGLESIAS as PICCHU, ZOE SALDAÑA as PRINCESS MAYA, ALLEN MALDONADO as RICO and STEPHANIE BEAT

Maya and the Three is a new limited series event on Netflix that brings together mythology and adventure in an animated story for families to enjoy.  Starring the voice talents of Zoe Saldaña as Princess Maya, there is too much to squeeze into a movie, so viewers are treated to a nine part limited series for Netflix.

Maya and the Three Series Review

MAYA AND THE THREE Cr. COURTESY OF NETFLIX © 2021

I love when animation shows a heroine who's not afraid to challenge the norm and that's exactly what we get in Maya and the Three.  Princess Maya (like most princesses in films) is told to conform to the expectations of her family and her people.  But deep down, Maya has always yearned to be a warrior like her brothers.  When a prophecy that has been foretold by her people for generations appears to be coming true, Maya and her family learn that they may need to rethink their understanding of the past, present, and future to secure their lands and people. 

MAYA AND THE THREE Cr. COURTESY OF NETFLIX © 2021

My 6 year old has been in love with this series from moment one and even tried to figure out my Netflix screeners code because apparently I wasn't watching it fast enough!  The action and adventure in this series is non-stop with twists and turns throughout the series.  Zoe Saldana stars as the voice of Maya and brings all of the passion and strength that Maya exudes to the role.  

Throughout the series I felt a kind of Trollhunters vibe - a fantasy based journey that kids will get lost in and fall in love with as each episode passes.  And while this is made for young viewers to enjoy, I'll confess that it's easy for parents to enjoy this story as well.  Maya and the Three releases to Netflix on October 22, 2021.

About Maya and the Three (From Netflix)

In a fantastical world, where magic turns the world and four kingdoms rule the lands, a brave and rebellious warrior princess named Maya is about to celebrate her fifteenth birthday and coronation. But everything changes when the gods of the underworld arrive and announce that Maya's life is forfeit to the God of War — a price she must pay for her family's secret past. If Maya refuses, the whole world will suffer the gods’ vengeance. To save her beloved family, her friends, and her own life, Maya embarks on a thrilling quest to fulfill an ancient prophecy that foretells the coming of three great warriors who will help her defeat the gods and save humankind.

From creator Jorge R. Gutiérrez (EL TIGRE, THE BOOK OF LIFE), MAYA AND THE THREE is a Netflix Animated Event told in nine epic chapters. Set in a fictional fantasy world, MAYA AND THE THREE is an adventure full of heart and humor, inspired by a rich, vibrant mixture of Aztec, Maya, and Inca mythology, and modern-day Caribbean culture. Starring Zoe Saldaña as Princess Maya, Gabriel Iglesias as Picchu, Allen Maldonado as Rico, Stephanie Beatriz as Chimi, Diego Luna as Zatz, Gael García Bernal as The Jaguar Triplets, Alfred Molina as the God of War, Kate del Castillo as the Goddess of Death, Danny Trejo as the God of Earthquakes, Cheech Marin as the Gods of Wind & Storm, Rosie Perez as the Goddess of Gators, Queen Latifah as Gran Bruja, Wyclef Jean as Gran Brujo, Jorge R. Gutiérrez as King Teca, Sandra Equihua as Queen Teca, Isabela Merced as the Widow Queen, Chelsea Rendon as the Goddess of Tattoos, Joaquín Cosío as the God of Bats, Carlos Alazraqui as the God of Dark Magic, Eric Bauza as the God of Jungle Animals and Rita Moreno as Ah Puch.