Just when you thought the big and small screen were getting overcrowded with the likes of superheroes, along comes Netflix with news that they've ordered eight episodes of an original anime series titled GODS & HEROES. Now, while the heroes of Greek myth aren't prone to swinging through the streets of Gotham or protecting New York City from alien threats, the characters found in the Greek stories of old were unquestionably the superheroes of their time. Seriously, ask anyone who was around back then and they'll tell … oh wait, they're all dead. Never mind.
The upcoming series hails from Charley and Vlas Parlapanides, who plan to chronicle the adventures of the illegitimate son of Zeus, a young man tasked with saving heaven and earth despite the interference of a vengeful goddess and her monstrous forces.
“In Gods & Heroes we wanted to tell a wholly original story set in the beloved world of Greek mythology,” said creators Vlas and Charley Parlapanides in a statement. “We are thankful for such an amazing cast and for such great creative partners at Netflix and Powerhouse Animation, who continue to push the envelope and expand the anime genre in a manner we had only dreamed of.”
The Parlapanides of IMMORTALS and DEATH NOTE fame will act as writers and executive producers for GODS & HEROES. Meanwhile, Powerhouse Animation, the studio behind Netflix's CASTLEVANIA (which is so good, you guys) and the soon-to-air SEIS MANOS are in charge of the series' animation and overall creation.
Summoning their voices for the Parlapanides' undoubtedly epic animation are Derek Phillips, Jessica Henwick, Melina Kanakaredes, Claudia Christian and Elias Toufexis.
As a way of adding to the Parlapanides' joint statement above, John Derderian, Director of Anime for Netflix, said that the duo “have an outstanding track record of telling gripping stories set in fantastical worlds and we are thrilled to bring their unique vision for the Gods of Mount Olympus to Netflix members around the world.”
Who would have guessed that the overwhelming success of Netflix's CASTLEVANIA would prompt the streamer to consider other properties for straight-up anime adaptations? I mean, I was certainly hoping that something like this would happen, but I never thought we'd see this kind of demand for original action-oriented anime on the streaming service. I suppose that Netflix wants to strike while the iron is hot, and who better to lead the charge than the son of one of Greek mythology's most prominent figures, Zeus?
No release date has been set for GODS & HEROES, but we'll be sure to keep you up to date as this exciting show develops.
In the meantime, you can check out the official poster for GODS & HEROES below: