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Bass X Machina Premieres on Netflix With Brian Tyree Henry as Bass Reeves
Bass X Machina premiered on Netflix on November 3, 2026, bringing Brian Tyree Henry to a steampunk sci-fi western inspired by real-life lawman Bass Reeves. Henry voices the lead and serves as an executive producer, and the six-episode adult animated series is available globally.
Studio Mir handled the animation. Netflix promoted the series as coming from the studio behind its Devil May Cry anime.
A Father in a Lawless Steampunk West
LeSean Thomas, who created Netflix’s Yasuke and Cannon Busters, built the series around Reeves’s history and pushed it into steampunk and supernatural territory. Netflix describes the story as a father who becomes judge, jury, and executioner to protect his family, even at the cost of everything he has. The world is filled with outlaws, machines, and supernatural threats, and the trailer’s most repeated line has Bass insisting he’s trying to stop a war.
Henry has said the project took roughly three years to bring to the screen. He calls it a “crazy spaghetti Western, steampunk punk rock” story and has spoken about the importance of adding a Black hero to the anime space.
Cast and Crew
Janelle Monáe plays Glory, with Tati Gabrielle as Dana, Cree Summer as Ahni, Chaske Spencer as Lighthorse, Currie Graham as Rivenbark, and Starletta DuPois as Etta.
Thomas executive produces alongside Henry, Jennifer Wiley-Moxley, Chad Handley, and Chan Chandler. Roman GianArthur and Nate Wonder of Wondaland wrote the original music, which fits the series’ punk-rock tone.
Henry’s Animation Track Record
Anime is a new space for Henry, but animation isn’t. He voiced Jefferson Davis in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and Across the Spider-Verse, and he returns for Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse. Henry has Oscar, Emmy, and Tony nominations to his name.
Where to Watch
Bass X Machina streams exclusively on Netflix, with the full first season of six episodes available at once. Netflix first teased the series on August 21, 2026, and followed with a full trailer in October. Some early reports listed a different premiere date, but Netflix’s own announcements confirm November 3.
FAQ
When does Bass X Machina come out?
Bass X Machina premiered on Netflix on November 3, 2026.
Who stars in Bass X Machina?
Brian Tyree Henry voices Bass and executive produces. Janelle Monáe, Tati Gabrielle, Cree Summer, Chaske Spencer, Currie Graham, and Starletta DuPois also star.
Who created Bass X Machina?
LeSean Thomas, creator of Yasuke and Cannon Busters, created the series, and Studio Mir animated it.
How many episodes does Bass X Machina have?
The first season has six episodes.
Is Bass X Machina based on a true story?
It’s inspired by real-life lawman Bass Reeves but pushes his story into a steampunk and supernatural fantasy world.
