As the Terminator franchise continues to broaden its universe, Terminator: Zero presents a unique take on the well-known conflict between humanity and machines. But rather than being merely a new chapter in the ongoing plot, this new series is an anime adaptation, skillfully directed by director Mattson Tomlin, whose passion for sci-fi fiction and Japanese animation forms the core of the series.
While the Terminator franchise has always been rooted in the dystopian, apocalyptic world of human resistance against intelligent machines, Terminator: Zero takes things a step further by paying tribute to the anime aesthetics that Tomlin holds dear. Among his sources of inspiration is the 2003 cult classic anthology film The Animatrix, which explores The Matrix universe’s origins through a sequence of beautifully crafted nine short films.
A Homage to The Animatrix with Terminator: Zero
Following the debut of Terminator: Zero on 29th August, executive producer Mattson Tomlin and director Masashi Kudō sat down for an interview with Nexus Point News. In this interview, Tomlin explored the premise of the universe of Terminator: Zero. The series’ premise is set in 1990s Japan, with the protagonist named Malcolm Lee, who is a scientist as well as a father of three children.
During this interview, Tomlin openly confessed his deep admiration for The Animatrix and how it influenced his approach to creating Terminator: Zero. The Second Renaissance, in particular, provides an eerie look at the beginning of the machine insurrection by detailing how B1-66ER, the invention of humanity, became the first machine to rebel against human rule.
For Tomlin, this story opened the door to a lifelong passion for adult animation and anime, and it also established the foundation for the themes of rebellion and resistance that run throughout The Matrix franchise. As he stated,
The Matrix is my favorite movie, and anybody who talks to me for more than 30 seconds finds that out very quickly. The Animatrix came out when I was 12 and was really kind of my first exposure to more adult anime.
Tomlin’s love for The Animatrix is a vital part of his creative process. He admits that creating an anime version of The Terminator felt like coming full circle; an opportunity to pay homage to the anime that had once lit a creative spark in him.
I think that for anybody, whatever the gateway drug is for them, of course that’s always going to kind of be sprinkled in, because for me, I’m trying to chase that. What was that feeling? What really lit me up? What got me excited? Oh, I’m doing a Terminator anime? What is anime to me? It’s the Animatrix. So, yeah, 100%.
Tomlin’s approach to the 1NNO robots is directly influenced by his admiration for The Animatrix. Fans of this anime will likely find echoes of B1-66ER’s tragic arc in the 1NNO robots.
Mattson Tomlin’s Vision for Terminator: Zero
Terminator: Zero was Mattson Tomlin‘s attempt to reinvent the series through the lens of anime, a medium that has greatly influenced his creative journey. It was more than just another chapter in the Terminator franchise. Tomlin is able to give Terminator: Zero a unique mix of philosophical depth, and graphically stunning action sequences that distinguish it from earlier Terminator series by taking inspiration from The Animatrix.
Director Masashi Kudō has further shared that this series aims for a darker tone to bring the horror elements back from the first Terminator film. The premise of the series resembles the theme of a dystopian world on the brink of annihilation.
For fans of both Terminator and The Matrix franchises, Terminator: Zero promises to be a thrilling and thought-provoking exploration of the human-machine dynamic, with all the heart and intensity that anime fans have come to expect.
Terminator: Zero is currently available to watch on Netflix.
