Sega's iconic fantasy beat-'em-up, Golden Axe, is making a comeback not as a video game, but as an animated streaming comedy series on Paramount Plus. The upcoming show aims for a humorous take on the late '80s arcade classic, drawing parallels to the success of the live-action Sonic the Hedgehog films.
The first trailer for the Golden Axe series reveals a blend of self-referential humor and action, featuring both established characters and deeper cuts from the franchise's lore. Series regulars such as Ax Battler, Tyris Flare, and Gilius Thunderhead return to face the persistent threat of the evil giant Death Adder. Notably, Chronos "Evil" Lait, a humanoid black panther from Golden Axe 3, also makes a prominent appearance. The trailer also includes the distinctive "Chicken Legs" or "Chicken Stingers," creatures from the original games.
Paramount's official description outlines the premise: "Golden Axe follows legendary warriors Ax Battler, Tyris Flare and Gilius Thunderhead as they reunite to save Yuria from the evil giant Death Adder, who just won’t seem to stay dead. Their quest is complicated by Hampton Squib, an inexperienced and wildly underprepared adventurer whose dream of heroism far exceeds his abilities. Forced to work together despite their flaws, they must find a way to stop Death Adder once and for all."
The voice cast includes Matthew Rhys as the "grumpy battle dwarf" Gilius Thunderhead, Lisa Gilroy as sorceress Tyris Flare, and Liam McIntyre as the barbarian Ax Battler. Carl Tart lends his voice to Chronos "Evil" Lait, described as an "uncomfortably cheesy humanoid panther." New to the Golden Axe universe is Hampton Squib, voiced by Danny Pudi, who is characterized as a "naive, inexperienced first-time adventurer who has dreamt of questing his entire life."
The Golden Axe animated series is set to premiere on Wednesday, September 16, exclusively on Paramount Plus. All 10 episodes will be available for binge-watching on the same day.