Netflix subscribers have been left disheartened by the abrupt cancellation of a highly-rated sci-fi anime series, Terminator Zero, which debuted on the streaming platform in August 2024. The show, part of the Terminator universe, boasted an impressive 87% score on Rotten Tomatoes but was axed despite initial plans for a five-season run.
Premise and Setting of the Cancelled Series
Developed by Mattson Tomlin, Terminator Zero is set in Tokyo and follows a soldier from 2022 who time travels to 1997 with the mission to alter humanity's fate. According to Netflix's official description, the protagonist arrives to protect scientist Malcolm Lee, portrayed by Andre Holland, who is developing an AI system to counter Skynet's impending attack.
As Malcolm grapples with the ethical dilemmas of his creation, he becomes the target of a relentless assassin from the future, a conflict that profoundly impacts the lives of his three children.
Developer Confirms Cancellation Amid Fan Outcry
Mattson Tomlin confirmed the show's cancellation in a post on X, attributing the decision to insufficient viewership despite critical and audience acclaim. He expressed regret over not being able to realise the planned Future War narrative for seasons two and three, but noted satisfaction with the series as a self-contained story.
Tomlin revealed that he had already written scripts for season two and outlined much of season three, hinting at a potential return to the Terminator universe in another format. He praised the series finale as a key element in his original pitch for the project.
Fan Reactions and Disappointment
Fans took to social media to voice their disappointment, with many lauding Terminator Zero as a standout entry in the franchise. One enthusiast described it as "the best media this franchise has produced in 20 years," while others criticised Netflix for inadequate promotion, suggesting the show was discovered largely by chance.
Additional praise highlighted the show's unique storytelling, animation quality, and respectful expansion of the Terminator lore, with some viewers calling the care put into the series "breath-taking."
Creative Decisions and Production Insights
The English-language dub featured notable voices such as Rosario Dawson, Timothy Olyphant, and Ann Dowd. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Tomlin discussed his vision for the series, emphasising that it acknowledges all previous Terminator films while introducing new characters to avoid rehashing the John and Sarah Connor saga.
Setting the anime in Japan presented challenges, particularly due to strict gun laws. Tomlin addressed this by equipping the Terminator with blade arms and incorporating sword-based fight sequences, asking, "If I was going to fight a Terminator and I don't have guns, what are the weapons that I could concoct?"
He also mentioned including numerous callbacks to earlier films, designed to delight dedicated fans with recognisable references.
