Brian Tyree Henry Saddles Up as Bass Reeves in 'Bass X Machina' — Netflix's Boldest Animated Western Yet

Brian Tyree Henry Becomes Bass Reeves in 'Bass X Machina' — Netflix's Wild Steampunk Western Anime

What do you get when you mix a real Old West lawman, steampunk airships, and anime-style animation? Apparently, one of fall 2026's most exciting shows. Netflix just unveiled the first teaser for Bass X Machina, a steampunk Western animated series starring Brian Tyree Henry as legendary marshal Bass Reeves — and it premieres November 3, 2026.

"Disarm Peaceably, You Might Live"

The teaser wastes zero time establishing its tone. Henry's Bass Reeves coolly delivers the line: "Disarm peaceably, you might live." When someone asks what happens if they don't — boom. Cut to explosions. It's stylish, funny, and unlike anything else in Netflix's animation slate, which already includes heavy hitters like Blue Eye Samurai and Castlevania.

Bass Reeves is a fascinating anchor for this story. The real Reeves was one of the first Black deputy U.S. Marshals west of the Mississippi, famously arresting over 3,000 outlaws. Reimagining him in a clockwork-and-gears frontier world gives the legend a fresh sci-fi canvas — think The Mandalorian's lone-gunman energy crossed with full anime spectacle.

A Voice Cast That Reads Like an Awards Lineup

Henry isn't riding alone. The cast announced so far is stacked:

• Janelle Monáe as Glory
• Tati Gabrielle (You, The Last of Us) as Dana
• Cree Summer, voice acting royalty, as Ahni
• Chaske Spencer as Lighthorse
• Currie Graham as Rivenbark
• Starletta DuPois as Etta

Why This Could Be Netflix's Next Animation Powerhouse

Netflix has been quietly building the strongest adult animation library in streaming, and Bass X Machina looks designed to sit right beside its biggest wins. The teaser's art style pops with warm desert palettes contrasted against brass machinery — a visual identity that stands out instantly in a thumbnail grid.

Fall 2026 TV is already crowded, but between this, the return of Stranger Things: Tales From '85, and a packed Netflix September slate, animation fans are eating better than ever.

Bass X Machina gallops onto Netflix on November 3, 2026. Saddle up — and maybe watch the teaser twice. We did.