‘Bass X Machina’: Netflix Reveals New First Looks for Steampunk Sci-Fi Western Series at AnimeNYC

Bass X Machina New First Looks Ahead Of November 2026 Release

Netflix is preparing an impressive lineup of adult animation to close out the year. Building on major industry showcases—such as the Netflix Anime Annecy showcase roundup in June and recent updates at AnimeNYC regarding projects like the Cyberpunk: Edgerunners sequel and Blue Eye Samurai Season 2—fans have just received an exciting preview of one of 2026’s most anticipated titles: Bass X Machina.

This genre-mashing sci-fi Western has debuted an action-packed teaser trailer alongside a stunning gallery of first-look images, further fueling anticipation ahead of its scheduled November 2026 premiere.

Here is a complete breakdown of everything currently known about Bass X Machina, paired with a detailed look at the newly released artwork.

First Look: A Gritty, Steampunk Wild West

Judging by the newly unveiled promotional stills, creator LeSean Thomas and the team at Studio Mir are crafting a striking visual experience. The steampunk atmosphere is pushed to the limit, combining traditional frontier aesthetics with heavy-duty, steam-driven technology.

Here is what the latest images showcase:

Introducing Bass: The primary protagonist takes center stage in a moody close-up. Weathered and battle-tested, he wears a wide-brimmed hat, a high-collared coat, and a scarf, cutting the definitive figure of a stoic frontier lawman. Falling snow—or perhaps ash—imparts a somber, cinematic atmosphere to his design.
Mechanical Threats: True to the show’s premise of a world overrun by machines, one still features a massive, menacing mechanical bull with glowing red eyes and heavy exhaust stacks, looming outside a vintage western storefront.
Dynamic Action: Another still demonstrates the fluid, high-energy animation style Studio Mir is renowned for. Bass is captured mid-air, utilizing a visible mechanical arm to strike down a heavily armored robot against the wreckage of a shattered clock face and theater seating.
Expansive World-Building: A broader look at the steampunk universe is provided via an image of a massive, heavily armored locomotive suspended inside a grand glass-roofed station, drawing the gaze of astonished townsfolk and seamlessly blending 19th-century motifs with futuristic machinery.

Along with the promotional photos, Netflix also released a brief teaser trailer running just over a minute long, matching the footage initially screened for audiences at Annecy:

What is Bass X Machina about?

Drawing inspiration from the historic Deputy U.S. Marshal Bass Reeves, Bass X Machina places viewers into a perilous, lawless Steampunk frontier dominated by ruthless outlaws and mechanical threats. The official logline sets the stage:

“In a lawless Steampunk West overrun by brutal outlaws, machines, and supernatural terrors, a father is forced to become judge, jury, and executioner — knowing that every act of justice meant to protect his family may ultimately cost him the very people he’s fighting to save.”

Who is behind the series?

The project was conceived by LeSean Thomas, widely recognized by animation fans for his work on Netflix titles like Yasuke and Cannon Busters.

The animation is being produced by the acclaimed South Korean studio Studio Mir, celebrated for its visually rich work on projects such as The Legend of Korra, Voltron: Legendary Defender, The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf, and Marvel’s X-Men ’97.

To round out the atmosphere, the series features an original score composed by Roman GianArthur and Nate Wonder of Wondaland, ensuring a distinctive auditory experience.

Who is in the voice cast?

Academy Award, Emmy, and Tony nominee Brian Tyree Henry (Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Atlanta, Bullet Train) leads the project. Alongside voicing the main character, Bass, he serves as an executive producer alongside LeSean Thomas, Jennifer Wiley-Moxley, and Chad Handley.

The supporting voice cast features a prominent ensemble of familiar faces from animation and television:

Brian Tyree Henry as Bass
Janelle Monáe (Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery) as Glory
Tati Gabrielle (You, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina) as Dana
Cree Summer (Voltron: Legendary Defender) as Ahni
Chaske Spencer (The Twilight Saga) as Lighthorse
Currie Graham (Reacher) as Rivenbark
Starletta DuPois (The Notebook) as Etta

When is Bass X Machina coming to Netflix?

While the series was initially slated for an October release, scheduling adjustments mean the show will now make its global debut on Netflix in November 2026.

Are you looking forward to exploring the steampunk frontier of Bass X Machina? What are your thoughts on the new artwork and animation style? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!

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