Freole Academy

Freole Academy is a British-American teen drama streaming television series created for Netflix. The series featured an ensemble cast based on the characters in the comic led by Tommy Simons in the lead role of Tommyinnit. Like the comic, it is an alternate universe fanfiction to the Dream SMP.

Season 1
In 2002 in the Human World, Tommy, a Nottingham native raised in Brighton, was about to turn 16. However, that changed his life when he learned that he was a Human-born Spirit and will attend a boarding school known as Freole Academy somewhere in East Anglia. He later learned that his friends, Toby, Ranboo and Aimee, were also Human-born Spirits. His childhood friend, Eryn, was also enrolled to the academy and also learned that he was a Human-born Spirit. When the term began, Tommy and his friends travelled to Freole, a hidden place in East Anglia in the Anglo-Saxon Spirit World where it is 20 years into the future from the Human World. Tommy learned that he's more powerful than the other Human-borns but didn't know why. Tommy and his friends were sorted into the Aelfsiden along with Tommy's older friend, Wilbur and many others. Spirits have the power to manipulate one or two elements. There will be 3 additional episodes showing all Aelfsiden member's origins on how they were enrolled.

Season 2
With fellow teammate Freddie missing, the Aelfsiden house continues on their journey and making new teammates, they learned more of the ice and the code Niki and Karl deciphered. They later learned of the cursed pillars that were located within the academy. In this season's 2-episode special, popular 80s band Tears For Fears came to visit the academy. This is where we learn that the duo happened to be Human-born Spirits and that Curt is actually Tubbo's uncle. We will also learn more about Tubbo's family.

Aelfsiden Members
Dream as Clay/Dream, an American 17-year-old 2nd Year student who is the leader of the Aelfsiden house and suffers from ADHD. He is an Air and Dark Human-born Spirit raised in the Human World.

Georgenotfound as George Davidson/Georgenotfound, a colourblind British 18-year-old 3rd Year student. He is a Water Human-born Spirit raised in the Human World.

Callahan as Callahan, a mute 18-year-old 3rd Year student of unknown nationality. He is an Earth Human-born Spirit raised in the Human World.

Sapnap as Nick/Sapnap, an American 16-year-old 1st Year student. He is a Water Human-born Spirit raised in the Human World. He is a Water and Dark Human-born Spirit raised in the Human World.

Awesamdude as Sam/Awesamdude, a colourblind American 18-year-old 3rd Year student. He is an Air and Fire Human-born Spirit raised in the Human World.

Ponk as Ponk, a South African-British 16-year-old 1st Year student of African and Korean descent. He is a Fire Human-born Spirit raised in the Human World.

Badboyhalo as Darryl Noveschosch/Badboyhalo, an American 18-year-old 3rd Year student of Russian descent. He is a Fire and Dark Human-born Spirit raised in the Human World.

Tommyinnit as Tommy Simons/Tommyinnit, a British 16-year-old 1st Year student and the main protagonist of the series. He is a Fire and Mind Human-born Spirit raised in the Human World. He later learned that he was born as Matthew and was Phil's son before taken away to the Human World alongside Wilbur.

Punz as Luke/Punz, an American 18-year-old 3rd Year student. He is an Air Human-born Spirit raised in the Human World.

Tubbo as Toby Smith/Tubbo, a dyslexic British 16-year-old 1st Year student and one of Tommy's childhood friends. He is an Earth Human-born Spirit raised in the Human World.

Fundy as Floris/Fundy, a Dutch 17-year-old 2nd Year student. He is an Air and Fire Human-born Spirit raised in the Human World.

Will Gold as Wilbur Soot, a British 18-year-old 3rd Year student and one of Tommy's older friends. He is an Earth Human-born Spirit raised in the Human World. He later learned that he was born as Jeremiah and was Phil's son before taken away to the Human World alongside Tommy.

Skeppy as Zak Ahmed/Skeppy, an American 16-year-old 1st Year student of Pakistani descent. He is an Earth Human-born Spirit raised in the Human World.

Eret as Alastair/Eret, a dyslexic and bisexual British-American 17-year-old 2nd Year student. They are an Earth Human-born Spirit raised in the Human World.

Jack Manifold as Jack Manifold, a British 16-year-old 1st Year student. He is a Fire Human-born Spirit raised in the Human World.

Nihachu as Niki/Nihachu, a bisexual German 16-year-old 1st Year student. She is a Water Human-born Spirit raised in the Human World.

Quackity as Alex Maldonado/Quackity, a Mexican 16-year-old 1st Year student. He is an Earth Human-born Spirit raised in the Human World.

Karl Jacobs as Karl Jacobs, a colourblind and autistic American 17-year-old 2nd Year student who suffers from ADHD. He is a Water and Mind Human-born Spirit raised in the Human World.

Antfrost as Antfrost, an American 17-year-old 2nd Year student who suffers from celiac disease. He is an Earth and Agility Human-born Spirit raised in the Human World.

ConnorEatsPants as Connor/ConnorEatsPants, an American 17-year-old 2nd Year student who suffers from OCD. He is an Earth and Agility Human-born Spirit raised in the Human World.

CaptainPuffy as Cara/Captain Puffy, a bisexual colourblind American 17-year-old 2nd Year student who suffers from asthma and OCD. She is an Earth Human-born Spirit raised in the Human World.

Ranboo as Ranboo, an American 16-year-old 1st Year student and one of Tommy's friends. He is a Water and Dark Human-born Spirit raised in the Human World.

Foolish Gamers as Noah Brown/Foolish Gamers, an American 17-year-old 2nd Year student. He is an Air and Water Human-born Spirit raised in the Human World.

Hannahxxrose as Hannah/Hannahxxrose, an American 16-year-old 1st Year student. She is a Water and Earth Human-born Spirit raised in the Human World.

Slimecicle as Charlie Dalgleish/Slimecicle, an American 17-year-old 2nd Year student. He is a Fire and Slime Human-born Spirit raised in the Human World.

Michaelmcchill as Michael Fulton/Michaelmcchill, an American 18-year-old 3rd Year student. He is a Fire Human-born Spirit raised in the Human World.

Eryn as Eryn, a bisexual British 16-year-old 1st Year student who is one of Tommy's friends and is of African descent. He is a Fire and Dark Human-born Spirit raised in the Human World.

TinaKitten as Tina Kenyon/Tina Kitten, a Korean-American 17-year-old 2nd Year student. She is a Water and Dark Human-born Spirit raised in the Human World.

BoomerNA as Dylan/BoomerNA, a colourblind American 16-year-old 1st Year student. He is a Water Human-born Spirit raised in the Human World.

Aimsey as Aimee/Aimsey, a lesbian Welsh 16-year-old 1st Year student who is one of Tommy's friends. They are a Fire Human-born Spirit raised in the Human World.

Badlinu as Freddie Hackett/Badlinu, a bisexual British 17-year-old 1st Year student who is one of Tommy's friends. He is an Air Human-born Spirit raised in the Human World and was a late bloomer.

Snifferish as Cassie Anne/Snifferish, a bisexual and non-binary American 16-year-old 1st Year student. They are an Air Human-born Spirit raised in the Human World.

Other Characters
Jschlatt as Jschlatt, an American 17-year-old 2nd Year student and the main antagonist of the series who had a rivalry with the members of the Aelfsiden House, mainly Tommy. He is a Pure-blood Spirit raised in the Spirit World unlike many known characters who were all Human-born. He is part of the Ofsettung house.

Xolo Maridueña as Wyatt Rodriguez, a racist American 16-year-old 1st Year student of Mexican descent and the main antagonist of the series who had a rivalry with the members of the Aelfsiden House. He is a Pure-blood Spirit raised in the Spirit World unlike many known characters who were all Human-born. He is the only original character in the series while the other characters were based on real people. He is part of the Ofsettung house.

HBomb94 as Liam Heneghan/HBomb94, one of the professors of Freole Academy who teaches Predictions, where students learn about how to predict certain attacks. He was originally a student of Freole Academy and was part of the Aelfisiden House. He is American.

Technoblade as Technoblade, a character frequently mentioned by Philza who was Tommy and Wilbur's brother. He supposedly died after Tommy and Wilbur were taken to the Human World.

Philza as Phil Watson/Philza, one of the professors of Freole Academy who teaches Spiritual History and is the head of the Aelfsiden house. It is revealed that he was Tommy and Wilbur's biological father before being sent to the Human World. He is British.

Vikkstar123 as Vikram Singh Barn/Vikkstar, one of the professors of Freole Acadamy who is the headmaster of the school. He is British of Indian descent.

LazarBeam as Lannan Ealcott/LazarBeam, one of the professors of Freole Academy who is the deputy headmaster of the school. He is Australian.

Seapeekay as Callum Knight/Seapeekay, one of the professors of Freole Academy who teaches Elemental training, where students are taught how to use their powers. He was originally a student of Freole Academy and was part of the Aelfisiden House and was the leader. He is British.

MatPat as Matthew Patrick/MatPat, one of the professors of Freole Academy who teaches Elemental studies, where students learn about their powers. He is American.

DanTDM as Daniel Middleton/DanTDM, one of the professors of Freole Academy who teaches Chemistry, where students learn about the use of the Elements in Human life. He was originally a student of Freole Academy and was part of the Wenung House. He is British.

Miniminter as Simon Minter/Miniminter, one of the professors of Freole Academy who teaches Anglo-Saxon, where students learn about the language and how to decipher hidden codes. He was originally a student of Freole Academy and was part of the Ofsettung House. He is British.

Jacksepticeye as Seán McLoughlin/Jacksepticeye, a skilled cursebreaker and one of the professors of Freole Academy who teaches Spiritual Defence, where students learn about how to defend themselves from Darkness. He was originally a student of Freole Academy and was part of the Aelfsiden House. He is Irish.

Notable Guests

 * Sarah Simons as Tommy's mum
 * Ben Willbond as Tommy's dad
 * Mathew Baynton as Kenny Smith, Toby's dad
 * Curt Smith as himself, Toby's half-uncle
 * Roland Rozabal as himself
 * Daniel Dae Kim as Tina's dad
 * Yunjin Kim as Tina's mum

Development
With the rights from Zoe Tria to adapt her comic series from Netflix, the series was in development. Tria served as the series' director, producer and showrunner. The first season will consist of 13 episodes where 3 would involve how each member of the Aelfsiden house.

Writing
Tria drew inspiration by many teen dramas such as Fate: The Winx Saga and Riverdale along with children's drama, The Worst Witch, tween drama Greenhouse Academy and the famous novel series, Harry Potter. Because she is also the author of the book series, The Darkest Awakening, the elemental powers were inspired by the series. Unlike her previous projects where the setting is the present-day, Tria decided to set Freole Academy in 2002 for the Human World and 2022 for the Spirit World.

To compose the Spirit World's strong Anglo-Saxon roots, Zoe Tria had to use an English to Anglo-Saxon translator. Freole loosely translates to 'freedom' which is the name of the town and the school and Aelfsiden loosely translates to 'nightmare,' the house the protagonist, Tommy was assigned to. While the other houses, Ofsettung and Wenung loosely translates to 'pressure' and 'expectations' while Ripung's meaning is unknown.

The series tackles serious themes such as reaching adulthood, bullying and mental health. As well as the subject of politics as many characters were born during the Cold War along with Ponk's take on the Apertheid and Niki's take on the Berlin Wall.

Casting
The cast mainly includes gaming Youtubers. Zoe Tria announced that there might be new characters joining the Aelfsiden house.

Filming
Scenes set in 2002 Human World were filmed in Brighton, East Sussex, England, United Kingdom.

Freole Academy and the rest of Freole in 2022 Spirit World were filmed in Suffolk, East Anglia, England, United Kingdom. Freole Academy is filmed in Somerleyton Hall.

To prevent higher production costs, the flashbacks that were set in America were entirely filmed in the UK, mainly Birmingham, Norwich, Bognor Regis and Brighton in order to portray the suburbs (as well as the rural areas) in America. However, Fundy and Niki's flashbacks were filmed in Amsterdam, Netherlands and Frankfurt, Germany (as there were no direct flights from London to Berlin at the time) respectively.

Music
The soundtrack consists of popular songs from the 80s, 90s and up to 2002 to match the retro and nostalgic theme of the series. The songs mentioned or played in the series are


 * All The Small Things by Blink 182
 * Creep by Radiohead
 * Shout by Tears For Fears
 * Footloose by Kenny Loggins
 * Mambo No. 5 (A Little Bit Of...) by Lou Bega
 * Careless Whisper by George Michael
 * I Want It That Way by Backstreet Boys
 * Da Da Da by Trio
 * Basket Case by Green Day
 * Agadoo by Black Lace
 * Summer of '69 by Bryan Adams
 * We Didn't Start The Fire by Billy Joel
 * Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go by Wham!
 * It's My Life by Bon Jovi
 * Mad World by Tears For Fears

Release
Every episode is released weekly on Netflix since the 6th of April 2022.

Trivia

 * There are many references of popular culture from the 90s and early 2000s
 * Tommy mentioned that his last computer broke down a few years prior to the series (2000) referring to the Year 2000 problem
 * The phones used by all the members of the Aelfsiden house were Blackberry and Nokia phones
 * Tommy's computer runs Windows XP which was released in 2001
 * Tommy has a DVD player
 * Ice Age and Lilo and Stitch are one of the films released in 2002
 * Classic iPods were used by many characters
 * As mentioned by Niki, Germany had just switched from German Marks to Euros
 * The characters were not familiar with smartwatches or 'phone watches,' this is due to the Apple Watch being invented in 2015
 * Harry Potter was also mentioned
 * Shout by Tears For Fears was played in Welcome To Freole because Zoe Tria's father's favourite band is Tears For Fears
 * Although the series is not considered a musical, many songs from the 80s, 90s and 2000s were sung by the characters in many episodes
 * Because the main characters were mostly shown in their uniforms, Zoe Tria had tried to show their casual clothes more in the series in order to show more pop culture in the 2000s
 * All of the 2nd Years of the Aelfsiden House are coincidentally not British or live outside the UK
 * Eret, however, is British but lives in America
 * All the members of the Aelfsiden house were born during the Cold War with Ponk being born during the Apartheid
 * Lovejoy, a band consisting of Tommy, Toby, Wilbur, George and Alex, is named after Wilbur Soot's actual band, Lovejoy

Errors

 * The iPod classic 2nd generation was used in the first episode (which is set around 8-9 April 2002), however, it wasn't introduced until the 17th of July that year