The Old West has always been a breeding ground for legends—Wyatt Earp, Wild Bill Hickok, and Doc Holliday are names that echo through history. But few lawmen cast a shadow as long as Bass Reeves, one of the first Black Deputy U.S. Marshals west of the Mississippi, whose record of over 3,000 arrests is the stuff of myth. Now, Netflix is taking that myth and giving it a wild, steampunk twist in the animated series Bass X Machina, starring Oscar nominee Brian Tyree Henry as the iconic marshal.
In an exclusive sneak peek, we see Bass and his allies on the run from a terrifying mechanical minotaur—a hulking machine with tank treads and giant metal horns that tears through the streets with deadly intent. The clip showcases the series' unique blend of Western grit and sci-fi spectacle, as Bass uses quick thinking to toss his companion, Girl, onto the rooftops for safety and a tactical advantage. But the minotaur is relentless, and when Girl spots a steam engine on its back, she yells for Bass to shoot. Before he can pull the trigger, the beast strikes, sending him crashing into a building.
The series reimagines the Old West as a world of outlaws, machines, and supernatural terrors, where Bass must protect his family and his world as judge, jury, and executioner. It's a fresh take on a historical figure who has only recently begun to get his due on screen. From Delroy Lindo's portrayal in The Harder They Fall to David Oyelowo's turn in Lawmen: Bass Reeves, the 2020s have finally given Reeves the spotlight he deserves—and now, in animated form, he's getting a whole new dimension.
Behind the scenes, Bass X Machina comes from Studio Mir, the animation powerhouse known for their work on Devil May Cry, Dota: Dragon's Blood, and X-Men '97. Their kinetic, cinematic style is on full display in the sneak peek, blending action and emotion in a way that sets the series apart from traditional Westerns. Henry not only stars but also executive produces alongside LeSean Thomas, Jennifer Wiley-Moxley, and Chad Handley.
The voice cast is stacked, with Janelle Monáe, Tati Gabrielle, Cree Summer, Chaske Spencer, Currie Graham, and Starletta DuPois joining Henry in this wild ride. With its unique premise and top-tier talent, Bass X Machina is shaping up to be one of Netflix's most exciting animated offerings this fall.
For fans of sci-fi and Westerns alike, this is a must-watch. The series promises a thrilling blend of genres, and if the sneak peek is any indication, it's going to be a wild ride. Bass X Machina premieres on Netflix in October. While you wait, check out our Netflix binge guide for more recommendations, or dive into The Residence for another fresh take on a classic genre.
