Terminator Zero Staff Unpacks the Show's Horror Roots in New Interview (Exclusive)

As a long-time fan of the Terminator franchise, it’s a thrill to witness the evolution of this iconic series into an anime format with “Terminator Zero“. Having grown up watching anime and being fascinated by its unique blend of storytelling and visual style, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement when I heard about this collaboration.

The Netflix original series “Terminator Zero” has proven to be a massive success, plain and simple. It’s only been a few days since its premiere, but it has already elevated the iconic “The Terminator” franchise to unprecedented heights. With Production I.G. involved, “Terminator Zero” is more than just a visually stunning anime; it offers an intensely captivating reinterpretation of the IP initially created by director James Cameron. Recently, ComicBook had the opportunity to interview the executives responsible for “Terminator Zero”.

Masashi Kudo, director of “Terminator Zero,” recently shared insights about the show with ComicBook before its release in collaboration with showrunner Mattson Tomlin. During this discussion, they explained their unique methods in transforming The Terminator into an anime series. Ranging from its initial horror elements to unexpected challenges, the creators went into detail about “Terminator Zero,” so you can learn more about its background below:

Interview With Terminator Zero Director, Masashi Kudo

I’d like to inquire about Kudo-san’s initial encounter with this project. Could you tell me what attracted you to Terminator Zero?

Initially, I received a phone call from the producer of Instagram (IG), who inquired whether I’d be interested in directing a project. Upon learning the title was Terminator, I was taken aback and asked if it was indeed the Terminator from the film. It turned out to be an exciting prospect!

Could you share some insights into your methodology for this project, Kudo-san? I’m curious about the journey that led you to conceptualize the appearance of Terminator Zero. How did you develop your creative vision for it?

While collaborating with Matt on this project, I aimed to establish a chilling ambiance reminiscent of the original Terminator film. I found this concept intriguing and decided to run with it. Consequently, I designed a visual element to intensify the horror aspect. Furthermore, I wanted to incorporate soothing colors and a design that would amplify the ominous feel. My ultimate goal is to create a visually dark setting that surpasses my previous efforts. In the anime, you’ll notice a human cell’s skin layered over an endoskeleton’s metallic structure. Although it may seem somewhat unsettling, I wanted to convey this eeriness in the anime.

Considering the entire Terminator series, the show “Terminator Zero” seems reminiscent of the original movie. I’m curious, in your opinion, what elements of the Terminator story make it suitable for an anime adaptation?

In the realm of anime, I’ve never ventured into such uncharted territory. With each movie, I find myself adapting my storytelling style to accommodate novel ideas. I believe this shift in approach might have been a factor.

I was wondering if you have any thoughts about the trend of transforming intellectual properties (IPs) like Terminator into anime series, which seem to be turning out fantastically well when they are completed.

It appears that anime has become a global phenomenon as it’s being aired in Japan and simultaneously watched worldwide. This shared experience of enjoying anime transcends geographical boundaries. For instance, when anime is adapted from manga, it often gains widespread attention, making it recognizable globally. However, unlike anime, Terminator is not a manga; it originates from an American movie.

It’s intriguing to note the transformation of Japanese manga into anime these days. In essence, it’s a collaborative effort, marking a fresh endeavor in the world of entertainment. Although there have been precedents like ‘The Animatrix’, it seems we’re witnessing a resurgence in this area. Moreover, I find it significant that two major Hollywood productions are being adapted into anime, which appears to be a growing trend.

Interview with Terminator Zero Writer and Showrunner, Mattson Tomlin

There are a few things more iconic than the Terminator. And now that character is getting to enter the world of anime. So Mattson, I wanted to ask, you know, what can you tell me about how this project began?

Tomlin explained that he was working on a film titled “Mother Android,” which follows a robot apocalypse narrative, implying that destroying rogue robots was something he had been contemplating. Suddenly, a call arrived from Netflix, announcing their collaboration with Skydance and Production IG for a new take on Terminator as an anime. The thought that immediately popped into his head was reimagining the original movie in a different timeline where Arnold Schwarzenegger didn’t become one of the ’90s most prominent film stars.

Instead, the first film is released, followed by its sequel which is another horror movie. Then comes the third horror film and more to follow, making the Terminator series resemble Friday the 13th or Halloween rather than a big Hollywood action blockbuster. This shift, taking the series in a direction it hasn’t been associated with for over 40 years, felt like an opportunity to create something fresh and distinct from recent trends.

Initially, that was the main point. However, it turned out to be simpler said than done. I had to determine, hmmm, what’s the best approach to engage people with it? I needed to establish the narrative, introduce the characters, and swiftly analyze not just the first two films but all of them, aiming to comprehend the shared elements that make this series compelling.

It was clear, you know, killer robots, sure. Time travel, sure. Nuclear war and the fear of nuclear war, sure. But then, there are families. There are stories about families and are in a really palpable heart that is rooted in very, very, very raw and primal relations. So I started writing a story about a family. And you know, my hope just to kind of go right to it, my hope is in in doing multiple seasons, if I get to do multiple seasons is to follow this family kind of in a generational story as we watch these kids grow up through the war with the machines and see what happens to them

Speaking about Terminator Zero, its style is quite tangible and gritty. The animation produced by Studio Production IG aligns flawlessly with the script. Could you share your experience collaborating with this studio to breathe life into this anime production?

It’s hard for me to imagine anyone else handling this task since we’ve been on a four-year adventure together. For someone like me who hasn’t worked in animation before, it’s mind-boggling to consider the diverse aspects that come with anime. From Samurai Champloo to the Animatrix, Pokemon, and even Sailor Moon, they all represent unique aspects of anime.

For me, kind of the first discussion that I had with them was about physics, and was just about, like, what, like, how does a Terminator walk? How does it feel? You know, when a car crashes into a Terminator? What is that like, and just to really make sure that we didn’t just have people flying around and have physics feel like it was just completely, you know, never, never doing kind of the classic anime thing of just like a colorful background, and then like lines and that, you know, like the kind of the whole Dragon Ball Z thing, because it’s like, it could be any of that stuff, like, all of that is valid.

In our approach, we aimed to strike a harmonious blend between two distinct styles – the captivating world of anime and the gritty realism of Terminator. As anime enthusiasts crave the former, it was crucial to maintain that essence. However, not all Terminator fans are anime lovers, so we also had to preserve the Terminator’s unique atmosphere. Fortunately, our team was receptive to this balanced approach. After completing the first season, I believe we managed to cater to both sets of fans, even though their preferences might sometimes seem contradictory. It was an intriguing creative journey.

Over the past decade, anime has experienced rapid expansion. Now, the Terminator franchise is seizing an opportunity to introduce something fresh to two distinct fan bases with Terminator Zero. I’m curious, what unique elements do you think Terminator Zero will present to long-time Terminator fans that they haven’t encountered in the series before?

For the very first time, we are presenting a narrative that does not revolve around John Connor’s storyline. You may notice that the Connor family is absent from this particular season. Moreover, this is the initial Terminator series that unfolds outside of the United States, and it’s also the first to be animated.

Here are three distinct elements combined result in something entirely new, which fans craving something unique might appreciate. Whether they adore it or dislike it, or even ask for its reversal, that’s perfectly acceptable. However, my intention behind creating this series was to produce something deeply emotional and visually captivating, offering an exciting experience. I hope I succeeded in achieving that goal.

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2024-09-01 17:10

Terminator Zero Staff Unpacks the Show’s Horror Roots in New Interview (Exclusive)

Interview With Terminator Zero Director, Masashi Kudo

Interview with Terminator Zero Writer and Showrunner, Mattson Tomlin

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