Netflix’s upcoming Terminator Zero series has cast Ahsoka and House of the Dragon stars in key voice roles for the upcoming animated series. Produced by Skydance Television and Netflix Animation in partnership with Japan’s Production I.G., the latest project in the expansive Terminator franchise follows scientist Malcolm Lee developing an AI competitor to SkyNet. However, a cyborg assassin from the future arrives to kill him to ensure Judgement Day will happen in 1997, while a soldier has also come back to protect him and his children. Timothy Olyphant (Justified) has already been confirmed as the titular Terminator.

Now, Netflix has confirmed the major cast members for the upcoming Terminator Zero, including some from recent, popular TV shows. Rosario Dawson (Ahsoka) will voice Kokoro, Japan’s SkyNet competition that must consider if humanity is worth saving. André Holland (Moonlight) is Malcolm, who has dreams of an apocalypse, and is creating an AI in hopes of saving the world. Sonoya Mizuno (House of the Dragon) plays future resistance fighter Eiko, while Ann Dowd (The Handmaid’s Tale) is the Prophet, the future’s resistance leader.

What Terminator Zero’s New Characters Say About The Series

Terminator Zero is unique for being the first animated entry in the franchise, as well as one that doesn’t center around the Connor family. The story being set in Japan makes it stand out from previous installments, as well as future ones like the upcoming Terminator 7. While the concept is similar to prior entries – focusing on SkyNet trying to ensure their victory in the future by sending a cyborg back to the present – the new characters reveal just how different this new story will be from all the others.

Kokoro seems like it will be an interesting parallel to SkyNet, possibly even coming to a similar conclusion about humanity that will make it a threat. However, since it’s likely the AI being developed by Malcolm, the more familiar entity might be trying to destroy it because it seeks to protect humanity. While not much is known about either Eiko or the Prophet, their association with humanity’s resistance means they hold vital importance to the story. They may even be trying to bring about a better future than the one they come from.

With Terminator Zero focusing on Judgement Day, though, the show has the potential to acknowledge direct ties to previous entries in the franchise. While the story appears to be standalone, its familiar character archetypes root it within its universe, giving it the chance to offer nods to its past while still forging ahead on its future. With this casting news about the series now confirmed, it seems the animated entry will be a familiar yet unique addition to the franchise.

Source: Netflix