Movies & TV / News

Netflix Developing Terminator Anime Series

February 28, 2021 | Posted by Jeremy Thomas
Arnold Schwarzenegger Terminator 2

Netflix is bringing the Terminator to the world of anime, developing a new series based on the sci-fi franchise. Variety reports that the service is teaming with Skydance for the new series, which is in early development at this stage. The series is being produced in partnership with Production I.G., known for anime projects like the 1995 classic Ghost in the Shell, Eden of the East, and Guilty Crown.

Mattson Tomlin (Project Power) is set to serve as the showrunner for the series, for which plot details are being kept under wraps. Tomlin said in a statement, “Anyone who knows my writing knows I believe in taking big swings and going for the heart. I’m honored that Netflix and Skydance have given me the opportunity to approach Terminator in a way that breaks conventions, subverts expectations and has real guts.”

Terminator is one of the most iconic sci-fi stories ever created–and has only grown more relevant to our world over time,” added John Derderian, Netflix’s vice president of Japan and anime. “The new animated series will explore this universe in a way that has never been done before. We can’t wait for fans to experience this amazing new chapter in the epic battle between machines and humans.”

While the Terminator franchise remains a very attractive IP for studios, it’s been through some rough years. The last three films — 2009’s Terminator Salvation, 2015’s Terminator: Genisys, and 2019’s Terminator: Dark Fate — were all financial disappointments. Still, the series has grossed $2.1 billion worldwide and the name recognition means it still has value for attracting eyeballs. Netflix has been increasing its lean into anime for a while now, with projects like Castlevania and the upcoming anime spinoff to the also-upcoming Army of the Dead from Zack Snyder.