Matthew Rhys’ new fantasy TV show streams today. The actor voices Gilius Thunderhead in the animated Golden Axe, based on SEGA’s classic game franchise.
Golden Axe starts streaming on September 16, exclusively on Paramount+. All 10 episodes are available on the platform, and the streaming site is also offering the first two episodes for free on its official YouTube channel.
The series is based on SEGA’s Golden Axe video game franchise, which began with the 1989 arcade game. Mike McMahan and Joe Chandler created the animated adaptation, with Titmouse handling the animation.
What is the new Golden Axe TV show with Matthew Rhys about?
Legendary warriors Ax Battler, Tyris Flare, and Gilius Thunderhead reunite to save Yuria from the evil giant Death Adder. Their mission becomes harder when Hampton Squib, an inexperienced adventurer, joins the group despite lacking real heroic skills.
The project was first announced as a Comedy Central series in 2024 before moving to Paramount+ for its 2026 debut. McMahan and Chandler also co-wrote the first episode, while Chandler serves as showrunner. CBS Studios, Sony Pictures Television, and Original Film produce the series, with SEGA executives also serving as executive producers.
Matthew Rhys voices Gilius, while Danny Pudi and Lisa Gilroy lend their voices to Hampton Squib and Tyris Flare, respectively. Liam McIntyre voices Ax Battler, and Carl Tart voices Chronos “Evil” Lait, a humanoid panther.
The series presents the familiar fantasy setting as an adult animated action-comedy. Its story adds Hampton Squib as a new character alongside the established heroes. The show is rated TV-14, and viewers do not need prior knowledge of the games.
The original game launched in arcades in 1989 before expanding into a larger SEGA franchise. The series keeps its core warriors while using comedy and a new storyline to revisit Yuria.
Golden Axe brings SEGA’s fantasy world to television through a new animated adventure.
