Golden Axe is coming back in animated form
Sega’s late-1980s fantasy beat-’em-up Golden Axe is being adapted into a new animated comedy series for Paramount Plus. The first trailer presents a deliberately irreverent take on the arcade classic, with broad humour, violent fantasy action and a tone aimed at viewers who enjoy The Legend of Vox Machina.
The trailer brings together several recognisable figures from the game series: Ax Battler, Tyris Flare, Gilius Thunderhead and the villainous Death Adder. It also gives a prominent role to Chronos “Evil” Lait, the humanoid black panther introduced in Golden Axe 3.
One memorable detail from the footage is the return of the purple creatures sometimes mistaken for generic mutants. In Golden Axe terminology, they are called Chicken Legs or Chicken Stingers.
A familiar quest with a new companion
Paramount’s premise follows Ax Battler, Tyris Flare and Gilius Thunderhead as they reunite to defend Yuria from Death Adder. The giant has returned once again, forcing the warriors to find a permanent solution to a threat that refuses to stay defeated.
Ax Battler, Tyris Flare and Gilius Thunderhead must save Yuria from Death Adder, while working alongside Hampton Squib, an inexperienced adventurer whose heroic ambitions are far greater than his abilities.
The group’s uneasy partnership is complicated by Hampton Squib, a new character in Golden Axe lore. He has spent his life dreaming about becoming an adventurer, but his lack of experience makes him a liability when the real quest begins.
Golden Axe cast and characters
The animated series features an ensemble cast that combines established characters with its new comic lead.
- Matthew Rhys plays Gilius Thunderhead, a grouchy battle dwarf with poor hygiene and a lasting chip on his shoulder.
- Lisa Gilroy voices Tyris Flare, the series’ sorceress.
- Liam McIntyre plays Ax Battler, the barbarian warrior.
- Carl Tart voices Chronos “Evil” Lait, described as a particularly cheesy humanoid panther.
- Danny Pudi plays Hampton Squib, a naive first-time adventurer who has always wanted to go questing.
Trailer images revisit the fantasy world
The released artwork and trailer material showcase the series’ animated interpretation of the Golden Axe setting, including its heroes, monsters and comic fantasy style.
When does Golden Axe premiere?
Golden Axe premieres exclusively on Paramount Plus on Wednesday, 16 September 2026. The complete first season will be available at launch, with all 10 episodes released at the same time.
For readers revisiting the arcade series, RETROCADE’s arcade news and editorial coverage offers more stories from the classic-gaming world. If you are planning a home setup, compare options in the arcade machine buying guide, browse full-size arcade cabinets or consider a space-saving bartop arcade.
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