‘Twilight of the Gods’ Trailer Highlights Zack Snyder’s Graphic Embrace of Vengeance and Violence in Animated Series

Netflix released the official trailer for “Twilight of the Gods, “ Zack Snyder’ s 2D adult animated series about the clash between Norse gods and mortals (premiering September 19). The mythic tale of vengeance and power unfurls amidst an abundance of choreographic violence and gore.

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It’s a tragic love story that begins with badass warrior Sigrid (Sylvia Hoeks) heroically saving the life of mortal king Leif (Stuart Martin) — in slow-mo, of course, with beautiful streaks of blood. But their wedding day is destroyed by Thor (Pilou Asbæk), who slaughters her family, sending Sigrid on a vengeful rampage. With Leif by her side, she forms a band of rebels to kill Thor, with the support of Paterson Loki (Paterson Joseph), who wants to take over the world of the gods.

With gorgeous animation from Xilam Animation , Snyder explores a range of graphic styles culled from comics and anime. It’s like a cross between “300” and Cartoon Saloon’s “Wolfwalkers” on acid. Among the highlights: Thor’s dramatic entrance shrouded in bolts of lightning, a green glow, and expressionistic shadows; a fierce member of Sigrid’s rebels, dressed like a wolf, explodes in a rush of purple and white; and Thor strikes Sigrid in a storm alternating between blazing color and eerie black-and-white.

The eight-episode series (produced by The Stone Quarry and Xilam) is co-created by Snyder, Jay Oliva, and Eric Carrasco, with Deborah Snyder, Wesley Coller, and Oliva executive producing. Snyder, Oliva, Tim Divar, Andrew Tamandl, and David Hartman direct the eight episodes.

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The voice cast also includes Rahul Kohli as Egill, Jamie Clayton as The Seid-Kona, Birgitte Hjort Sørensen as Hervor, Kristofer Hivju as Andvari, Thea Sofie Loch Næss as Thyra, John Noble as Odin, and Peter Stormare as Ulfr.

Snyder told IndieWire that he reveled in making his first hardcore animated series across a massive epic landscape that was nothing like we’ve seen from Marvel. But the relationship between Sigrid and Leif, which took a year to develop, was the dramatic lure for him. “It goes from icy cold to emotional, and her vengeance really tests their love,” he said. Snyder also revealed that they originally considered 3D animation, but 2D offered greater graphic possibilities and played to the strength of Xilam. “But the artists were working on so many different styles that it took time to make it [blend] together.”