The highly anticipated Terminator Zero series will premiere on Netflix in late August 2024. Fans of the iconic franchise can look forward to a new take that promises to go deep into its horror roots.
In an interview with Empire, showrunner Mattson Tomlin discussed his vision for the new animated Terminator. “I wanted to lean into that body-horror, serial-killer feel of the first film,” Tomlin told me. He compared the atmosphere to classic horror films such as Friday the 13th and A Nightmare on Elm Street. This approach attempts to recreate the eerie and intense atmosphere of the original films.
The director of Terminator Zero, Masashi Kudo, elaborated on the show’s unique blend of influences. “The series also incorporates J-Horror [Japanese horror] elements,” Kudo told me. The emphasis is on darkness and carefully selecting what to reveal versus what to leave to the imagination, resulting in a suspenseful and chilling experience.
Terminator Zero is set in Japan in 1997. The story revolves around Malcolm Lee, a Japanese scientist whose AI creations are critical in the future war against Skynet. His life is saved by Eiko, a future resistance fighter, as they are pursued by a new Terminator, played by Timothy Olyphant. This new antagonist, described by Tomlin as “very spooky” and nicknamed “Creepy Fish Man,” brings a sinister element to the series.
Tomlin provided additional insight into Eiko’s character. “Kyle Reese was the model for Eiko.” Her motivations appear ambiguous at first, but she is concealing something significant, and when it is revealed, it will hit audiences like a two-by-four,” he teased. This complex character dynamic promises to deepen the story.
The animation for Terminator Zero is being handled by Production I.G., a well-known Japanese anime studio. The anime’s director, Masashi Kudo, has previously worked on Tower of God and Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War.
Terminator Zero looks to be a thrilling addition to the Terminator franchise, combining the intense horror elements of the original films with a unique anime twist. Mark your calendars for the August 29, 2024 premiere, which will be exclusively on Netflix.
Source – Empire
