Netflix has just dropped the first teaser trailer for its new series, Terminator Zero, an animated adaptation that marks the Terminator franchise’s first venture into anime. Set to begin streaming on 29 August, the series is crafted by the renowned Japanese animation studio Production I.G.
The debut teaser for Terminator Zero introduces viewers to Eiko, a resistance fighter voiced by Sonoya Mizuno (House of the Dragon), who narrates the chilling setup. Eiko is sent back to 1997 to protect scientist Malcolm Lee, played by André Holland (Moonlight), as he develops ‘Kokoro’, an advanced AI meant to counter the malevolent Skynet before it can launch its attack on humanity.
Showcasing a dark, dystopian setting, Terminator Zero is filled with intense battle scenes, futuristic landscapes, and the ominous threat of Skynet. As Eiko, armed and determined, declares her protection over Lee, viewers are treated to a glimpse of the high-stakes conflict involving cyborg assassins and explosive warfare.
Terminator Zero is penned by Mattson Tomlin, known for his work on The Batman II, and directed by Masashi Kudo (Bleach). The series sets itself apart with a narrative that spans two critical periods: the apocalyptic future of 2022, where human survivors battle relentless machines, and the pivotal year of 1997, when Skynet becomes self-aware.
Alongside Mizuno and Holland, the voice cast features Timothy Olyphant (Justified, The Mandalorian) as the Terminator, Rosario Dawson (Ahsoka) as the AI Kokoro, and Ann Dowd (The Handmaid’s Tale) as The Prophet, who provides philosophical guidance to the human resistance. Terminator Zero promises a fresh take on the Terminator saga, introducing new characters and deeper explorations into the lore of the iconic series.
The announcement of Terminator Zero comes as Netflix continues to expand its animation portfolio, which includes upcoming series based on popular franchises like Tomb Raider, Devil May Cry, and Minecraft, as well as Twilight of the Gods, a Norse mythology-inspired series by Zack Snyder.
Set to premiere on the same day as Amazon Prime Video’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Terminator Zero aims to captivate audiences with its unique blend of traditional Terminator elements and new anime storytelling. With its global release scheduled for a symbolic Judgment Day on 29 August (as seen in Terminator 2), the series is one of the most anticipated additions to Netflix’s robust animation lineup.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, games, and comics — you name it. When she’s not reading or geeking out about the latest shows on Netflix, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of meeting her idols.
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