Brian Tyree Henry is bringing a dark, steampunk-flavored Western to Netflix this fall. The streaming service confirmed that Bass X Machina, a new adult animated series starring and executive produced by the Oscar-nominated actor, will premiere on October 6, 2026. The show comes from Studio Mir, the acclaimed animation house behind hits like The Legend of Korra and X-Men ’97.
The series joins Netflix’s growing lineup of adult animation, which already includes heavy hitters like Arcane, Blue Eye Samurai, and the upcoming Devil May Cry. But with its mix of supernatural horror, mechanical beasts, and a father’s moral struggle, Bass X Machina is shaping up to be something different from the usual animated fare.
What Is ‘Bass X Machina’ About? The Story and Setting
The show takes viewers to a lawless Steampunk West, a reimagined version of the American frontier where steam-powered machines and outlaws run wild. Supernatural terrors also lurk in this world, making survival a daily battle. The story follows Bass, a father forced to take on the roles of judge, jury, and executioner to shield his family from danger .
But there is a heavy price attached to his mission. According to the official logline, every act of justice meant to protect his loved ones may ultimately cost him the very people he is fighting to save. This emotional conflict sits at the heart of the series, blending action with a deeply personal story about sacrifice .
The character draws loose inspiration from the real-life figure Bass Reeves, one of the first Black U.S. Deputy Marshals to serve west of the Mississippi River. While the Netflix series takes major creative liberties by placing him in a steampunk alternate reality, the core idea of a lawman navigating a dangerous frontier remains .
The Voice Cast: Who Stars Alongside Brian Tyree Henry?
Brian Tyree Henry leads the cast as the title character Bass. He is no stranger to voice work, having voiced Jefferson Davis in the Spider-Verse films, including Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse . He is also set to return for the upcoming Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse.
Joining Henry is a stacked lineup of talent:
- Janelle Monáe (Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery) as Glory
- Tati Gabrielle (The Last of Us, YOU) as Dana
- Cree Summer (Voltron: Legendary Defender) as Ahni
- Chaske Spencer (The Twilight Saga) as Lighthorse
- Currie Graham (Reacher, Assault on Precinct 13) as Rivenbark
- Starletta DuPois (One Battle After Another) as Etta
This ensemble brings together a mix of film, television, and voice acting veterans, giving the series a strong foundation in performance.
Who Is Making ‘Bass X Machina’? The Creative Team Behind the Series
Behind the scenes, LeSean Thomas, Jennifer Wiley-Moxley, and Chad Handley join Henry as executive producers . Thomas brings experience in animation, having worked on projects like The Boondocks and Canon Busters.
The animation is handled by Studio Mir, a South Korean studio known for its high-quality work on The Legend of Korra, Voltron: Legendary Defender, and Netflix’s own Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf . Their involvement suggests the action sequences and world-building will be visually striking.
The music also adds another layer of excitement. Roman GianArthur and Nate Wonder, both part of the Wondaland collective, are composing original music for the series . Their work in Hidden Figures and with Janelle Monáe gives them a strong track record for creating atmospheric and memorable scores.
When and Where to Watch ‘Bass X Machina’ on Netflix
Bass X Machina arrives exclusively on Netflix on October 6, 2026 . Subscribers in all regions, including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and India, will be able to stream the series starting that day.
The show is part of Netflix’s broader push into adult animation. The platform has found success with series like Arcane and Blue Eye Samurai, and Bass X Machina fits that mold with its mature themes and stylized visuals .
Also Read:
Brian Tyree Henry’s Growing Animation Legacy
Henry’s involvement in Bass X Machina continues his strong connection to animated storytelling. Beyond the Spider-Verse films, he has shown range in live-action with roles in Bullet Train, Joker, and Godzilla vs. Kong . His ability to bring emotional weight to voice roles makes him a natural fit for a character like Bass, who carries the burden of protecting his family in a brutal world.
During a recent interview with Variety, Henry talked about the importance of conclusion in storytelling, specifically regarding the Spider-Verse trilogy. He said, “We have to conclude it. It has to be concluded. Can you imagine if we were like, ‘That’s it. He’s in a portal and that’s it.” He added, “It takes time, but we got to make you wait a little bit. But it’s coming. It’s coming. There’s not going to be a dry eye in the house. Good luck. It’s not going to wrap up in a nice little bow” . That same commitment to meaningful storytelling will likely carry over into Bass X Machina.
With its blend of steampunk aesthetics, Western grit, and supernatural horror, Bass X Machina looks to offer something fresh for animation fans this fall. The combination of a strong voice cast, a respected studio, and a lead actor known for bringing depth to his roles makes this one to watch when it drops on Netflix in October.
Also Read: Shrinking Season 3 Episode 4 Recap: Harrison Ford’s Paul Faces a Tough
Stay connected with VvipTimes for the latest announcements, casting news, and release dates on all your most anticipated shows and movies.
