Following a historic night at the Emmys where he became the first man to win two lead actor awards on the same evening, Matthew Rhys is bringing another franchise back to life. The newly decorated star now voices Gilius Thunderhead, the dwarf warrior in Golden Axe, an animated comedy based on Sega’s beloved 1989 beat ’em up video game series. All ten episodes of the show are streaming now on Paramount+.
The announcement arrives just days after Rhys made television history at this year’s Emmy Awards ceremony held Monday night. The actor became the first man to win two Emmys for a leading role in a single evening, taking home honors for both the comedy series Widow’s Bay and the limited series The Beast in Me. In accomplishing that rare feat, he also set another record as the only person to receive a lead actor Emmy across all three genres, having previously won for the drama series The Americans back in 2018.
A Cast of Notable Voices
Rhys leads an ensemble cast that extends well beyond his own accolades. Danny Pudi, known for his work on Community and Mythic Quest, lends his voice to the project alongside Liam McIntyre, who played JD Fenix in Gears of War 4. Improv comedy enthusiasts will recognize Lisa Gilroy as the sorceress Tyris, while Cart Tart provides the voice of a humanoid panther character.
“In an homage to Sega’s iconic 1989 video game, Golden Axe follows legendary warriors Ax Battler, Tyris Flare and Gilius Thunderhead as they reunite to save Yuria from the evil giant Death Adder, who just won’t seem to stay dead. Their quest is complicated by Hampton Squib, an inexperienced and wildly underprepared adventurer whose dream of heroism far exceeds his abilities. Forced to work together despite their flaws, they must find a way to stop Death Adder once and for all.”
Paramount+
The series reimagines the characters that first appeared in Sega’s arcade and Genesis classic, updating them for a new generation of viewers while retaining the core cast of heroes from the original games. The story follows the reunited warriors as they confront their recurring nemesis, Death Adder, with the addition of comedic elements provided by the hapless Hampton Squib.
Accessing the Show
While all ten episodes are available on Paramount+, the studio has made an effort to reach viewers who may not hold a subscription. The first two episodes can be watched for free on YouTube, offering a taste of the series without any commitment. Fans eager to dive deeper into the world of Golden Axe will need to subscribe to stream the complete season.
The announcement comes at a particularly auspicious time for Rhys, whose star continues to rise following his Emmy sweep. The actor has become one of the most sought-after talents in television, with critics praising his range across comedy and drama alike. His transition into voicing a video game icon marks another expansion of his growing portfolio.
Looking Ahead
The complete ten-episode season is now available to stream on Paramount+, with the first two episodes accessible at no cost through YouTube. As Rhys continues to enjoy one of the most remarkable moments in recent television history, Golden Axe offers audiences a chance to see him tackle yet another role that blends humor and adventure.
The series joins a growing trend of video game franchises being adapted for animated comedy formats, building on Sega’s original 1989 arcade classic. Whether longtime fans of the games or newcomers drawn in by Rhys’s Emmy-winning performance, viewers have plenty of reasons to check out this latest venture into gaming-inspired entertainment.
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