From Sega to Paramount+: Everything to Know About the ‘Golden Axe’ Animated Series

Dust off the Sega Genesis, Golden Axe is officially making the jump from video game classic to animated television. More than three decades after players first picked up their swords and entered the fantasy world of Yuria, Golden Axe is getting a new life as an animated action-comedy on Paramount+.

The series brings several familiar faces from the games along for the ride while introducing a brand-new hero who may be slightly less prepared for the assignment. Whether you spent your childhood battling Death Adder or you're currently asking, “Wait, what exactly is Golden Axe?” here's what you need to know before the series arrives.

It All Started With a 1989 Sega Arcade Game

Before Golden Axe became associated with the Sega Genesis, it began as an arcade game in 1989. The side-scrolling fantasy adventure sent players into battle against Death Adder, with Ax Battler, Tyris Flare and Gilius Thunderhead among the franchise's signature heroes.

The game combined swords, magic and rideable creatures in a fantasy setting that eventually expanded into an entire franchise. Golden Axe would receive sequels and appearances across several Sega platforms, keeping its trio of warriors — and that giant axe, recognizable to generations of gamers. Now, Paramount+ is taking those characters somewhere the franchise hasn't gone before: a full animated television series.

What Is the ‘Golden Axe’ Series About?

The new Golden Axe reunites Ax Battler, Tyris Flare and Gilius Thunderhead when Death Adder once again threatens Yuria. Apparently, defeating an evil giant once isn't enough when said evil giant refuses to stay dead.

The three experienced warriors aren't going alone this time. Hampton Squib joins the adventure as an aspiring hero whose confidence is considerably greater than his actual adventuring experience. Unlike the central trio, Hampton was created specifically for the animated series, giving the adaptation a new character to throw into the established Golden Axe world. Hampton might want to read the employee handbook before reporting for hero duty.

The series is being positioned as an action-comedy rather than a completely straight-faced fantasy adaptation, mixing the monsters, magic and swordplay associated with the games with a much more comedic group dynamic.

Who Voices the ‘Golden Axe’ Characters?

Paramount+ assembled a pretty impressive voice cast for its trip to Yuria. Liam McIntyre, best known to many viewers for Spartacus, voices Ax Battler, while Lisa Gilroy voices Tyris Flare. Matthew Rhys (The Americans) takes on Gilius Thunderhead, and Community favorite Danny Pudi voices newcomer Hampton Squib.

Carl Tart rounds out the main cast as Chronos “Evil” Lait, a humanoid panther who comes from the larger Golden Axe video game franchise. That's an interesting mixture of performers, particularly for a series that intends to balance fantasy action with comedy. Pudi and Tart certainly aren't strangers to making audiences laugh, while McIntyre gets to return to warrior territory in a considerably different setting than Spartacus.

Who Created the ‘Golden Axe’ Animated Series?

Mike McMahan and Joe Chandler co-created the adaptation and serve as executive producers, with Chandler also serving as showrunner. McMahan's previous credits include Star Trek: Lower Decks and Solar Opposites, while Chandler has worked on American Dad!. The pair also co-wrote the series premiere.

Titmouse, whose animation credits include projects such as The Legend of Vox Machina, handles animation on the series. Chris Prynoski, Shannon Prynoski, Antonio Canobbio and Ben Kalina serve as executive producers for the studio.

The series is produced by CBS Studios' Eye Animation Productions, Sony Pictures Television and Original Film, with Sega executives also among its executive producers. Interestingly, Golden Axe was originally announced in 2024 as a Comedy Central series before ultimately moving to Paramount+ for its debut.

When Does ‘Golden Axe’ Premiere?

All 10 episodes of Golden Axe will premiere Wednesday, September 16, exclusively on Paramount+, so there won't be a weekly rollout, the entire first season will be available to binge from day one. The series is rated TV-14.

For longtime fans, it's an opportunity to see characters that have existed since the arcade era reimagined for television. For everybody else, Hampton Squib might be your way into a world where evil giants apparently don't understand the concept of staying dead. Either way, sharpen the axe and check out the official trailer for Golden Axe below.