From Screen to Pixels: 'Widow's Bay' Star Reveals Unlikely Gaming Roots of New Fantasy Saga

Paramount+ has launched all 10 episodes of "Golden Axe," a new animated series based on the classic SEGA video game, bringing its iconic side-scrolling adventures to life with a fresh comedic take. Collider's Steve Weintraub recently moderated a Q&A with the creative team and stars, offering a deep dive into the show's development, animation, and unique approach. The series features a star-studded voice cast, including Matthew Rhys as the battle axe-wielding dwarf Gilius Thunderhead, Lisa Gilroy as Tyris Flare, Liam McIntyre as Ax Battler, and Danny Pudi as the new, novice character Hampton Squib. Creators and executive producers Mike McMahan and Joe Chandler spearheaded the adaptation, with animation provided by the acclaimed Titmouse, Inc.

The genesis of "Golden Axe" as an animated series can be traced back to Mike McMahan's involvement with the "Sonic the Hedgehog" movies. Pavun Shetty of Original Film, impressed by McMahan's work on "Rick and Morty," "Lower Decks," and "Solar Opposites," approached him with the idea of adapting a SEGA arcade property. McMahan, a long-time fan who played "Golden Axe" extensively at a summer camp arcade where the machine didn't require quarters, enthusiastically chose the game. He immediately partnered with Joe Chandler to shape the series' direction.

McMahan and Chandler's creative vision for "Golden Axe" revolved around a season-long quest infused with comedy. They aimed to highlight the beloved elements from the game, such as kicking imps, finding chicken legs, and riding various beasts, while telling stories through a comedic lens. A central theme they explored was Gilius Thunderhead's character arc, portraying him as feeling "less than" compared to his more traditionally heroic companions, akin to George Harrison's role in The Beatles. This idea of Gilius needing to prove himself became a core emotional and comedic driver for the show. The new character, Hampton Squib, was designed to serve as the audience's surrogate, navigating the dangerous world as a novice.

The animation style was a crucial aspect of bringing "Golden Axe" to the screen, with Titmouse, Inc. (known for "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse") handling the production. The creators deliberately sought a visual aesthetic distinct from typical "Sunday night comedy" cartoons, instead drawing inspiration from epic animated works like "Dragon's Lair" or Don Bluth movies. Supervising director Giancarlo Volpe, acclaimed for his work on "Avatar," was instrumental in crafting the show's "unbelievable" action sequences. To manage a tight budget while delivering grand visuals, the team employed strategies like re-using "campfire" scenes to save funds for elaborate fights and piles of skulls, ensuring the expensive, movement-heavy sequences delivered maximum impact.

The voice cast shared their unique experiences during the recording process. Lisa Gilroy, who voices Tyris Flare and a librarian creature later in the season, found her character's vocal register particularly challenging, often losing her voice. Danny Pudi, as Hampton Squib, described extensive vocal warm-ups, including steam rooms and car exercises, before sessions, and appreciated the therapeutic nature of trying lines "50 different times louder, funnier, faster." Liam McIntyre, playing Ax Battler, relished the opportunity to play a funny character, a departure from his more serious warrior roles. Pudi, whose character Hampton Squib was not in the original game, enjoyed the freedom to develop his own take, portraying Hampton as an audience proxy concerned with friendship and emotional well-being amidst the adventure.

"Golden Axe" features the core trio of Gilius, Tyris, and Ax, joined by Hampton, as they face both classic and new villains across their death-defying quests. The series promises numerous Easter eggs for long-time fans, alongside new characters like the toad librarian and Druda, a skeleton character that joins the team later in the season, described as "unlocked by playing through the season." Recognizable villains from the game, such as "The Bad Brothers" and "Death Death," are also integrated. The creators also introduced a memorable narrator, inspired by the "Conan" films, and Chronos, a panther-like character, who temporarily replaces Gilius.

The collaboration with SEGA was described as exceptionally positive. Mike McMahan admitted initial nervousness but found SEGA to be incredibly supportive and enthusiastic, encouraging the team to "do more" rather than imposing restrictions. Their notes were largely constructive, focusing on enhancing visual excitement, such as requesting "more skeletons dying" in a magic sequence. This partnership allowed the creators to build upon the beloved game, deepening and broadening its universe in a way that SEGA, as the "first audience," truly appreciated, feeling like kids again watching their characters come to life.

With all 10 episodes now streaming, the team expresses high hopes for a second season. The season finale, described as "like a movie within the season," culminates in epic action sequences and a powerful emotional resonance as the team finally comes together. Matthew Rhys highlighted the unexpected depth of the show, exploring themes like the challenges of maintaining friendships in adulthood, while the creators emphasize that the series aims to improve upon and expand the game's legacy. The collective sentiment is that the finale, with its blend of humor, heart, and action, will leave fans eager for more adventures in the world of "Golden Axe."