In most Terminator movies, Skynet is the ultimate artificial intelligence and the tool for the destruction of humanity. But what if Skynet isn’t the only AI to worry about? Netflix’s Terminator Zero anime shifts its focus to Japan, where scientist Malcolm Lee creates Kokoro, an artificial intelligence that could rival Skynet in the future. That’s why Malcolm and his family are targeted by Skynet in the series’ new trailer.
When Malcolm says the end of the world is tomorrow, it’s more than just an expression. The play is set in 1997, shortly before the events of Judgment Day. Like Sarah Connor in the Terminator movies, Malcolm is cursed by visions of humanity’s impending nuclear annihilation. But Skynet is not the only advanced artificial intelligence capable of triggering this series of catastrophic events. Malcolm’s creation “Kokoro” may also judge humans and deem them simply not worth saving.
Regardless, the human resistance sends a soldier named Eiko back in time to protect Malcolm from the Terminators sent by Skynet. Unfortunately for them, the Terminator knows full well that if it can’t attack Malcolm directly, it can use his three children to attack him. Even Eiko can’t be in all places at once against all of the Terminator’s moves.
Andre Holland plays Malcolm Lee, Rosario Dawson voices Kokoro, Sonoya Mizuno voices Eiko, and Timothy Olyphant voices the Terminator. Ann Dowd also plays the role of prophet, a future “spiritual” leader of the resistance.
“Terminator Zero” will premiere on Netflix on August 29.
