Netflix reveals opening sequence to Zack Snyder’s Twilight of the Gods, and it’s not the entirely bloody Norse mythology anime I thought it would be
A match made in Valhalla
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Zack Snyder’s newNetflixanime seriesTwilight of the Godsis being released tomorrow (September 19) and, if you weren’t already excitedly running through multiple iterations of the Viking Thunder Clap, the first four minutes of the highly anticipated show have been released.
The announcement, which was made on the streamer’s X/Twitter account (see below), is part ofNetflix Geeked Week 2024, a four-day movie, TV show and videogame bonanza of reveals for fans, and offers a sneak peek of what fans can expect from the Norse mythology anime.
In a mythical world of great battles, great deeds, and great despair, a mortal king is saved. Watch an exclusive #GeekedWeek sneak peek of @ZackSnyder’s Twilight of the Gods: https://t.co/1tolF06rgK pic.twitter.com/PFa2YLz0TCSeptember 17, 2024
Snyder doesn’t shy away from violence and, judging by the opening sequence for his new anime series, one that’s part ofeverything new on Netflix in September, it’s no exception to the rule. Indeed, it’s filled with blood-stained swords that perfectly contrast its snowy setting and reveals a key part of the plot that’s more tender than I expected.
The series opens with a mortal king called Leif (voiced by Stuart Martin) recalling how he met his bride-to-be Sigrid (voiced by Sylvia Hoeks) on the aforementioned blood-soaked battlefield. Sigrid is introduced as a fearless warrior, saving Leif and killing numerous foes but, when a Valkyrie arrives to guide the fallen souls to Valhalla, Sigrid is left alone.
What can we expect from Twilight of the Gods?
We first heard aboutZack Snyder’s new Netflix projectin mid-2021, with the writer-director revealing the title of his forthcoming animated TV show and saying that it was his “take on Norse mythology”. However, we didn’t hear much more until Snyder revealed the release date and somefirst-look images showing Twilight of the Gods' unusual art stylein April. Then, in September, Netflix finally announced the plot for the mythos-laced show, saying that it was a “heroic story of love, loss, and revenge”.
After reading its synopsis, which says the series will follow Sigrid and Leif as they try to “survive a wrath of terror from Thor (Pilou Asbæk)” and “sets them – and a crew of crusaders – on a merciless mission for vengeance, against all odds”, it gave me the inclination that this would be another gore-laden show like some of thebest anime. But, after watching the opening sequence, I’m more convinced that it’ll lean as heavily into the romance-led narrative. Indeed, Sigrid and Leif look like they’ll be the Bonnie and Clyde of Viking mythology and might help make this one of thebest Netflix seriesof 2024.
The new show marks a slight change in direction for Snyder, whose previous Netflix project – the megaStar Wars-esque sagaRebel Moon,which receivedtwo Director’s Cut versionsthat had a total run time of about six hours, wasn’t as well received as he or Netflix had hoped. His other offering for the world’s most popular streaming service the zombie-themed heist movieArmy of the Dead,which is said to be part of the samenew sci-fi universe on NetflixasRebel Moon, generally fared better.Twilight of the Godsmight not be billed as a romance, but it’s definitely an action-packed love story, and I for one can’t wait for it.
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Amelia became the Senior Editor for Home Entertainment at TechRadar in the UK in April 2023. With a background of more than eight years in tech and finance publishing, she’s now leading our coverage to bring you a fresh perspective on everything to do with TV and audio. When she’s not tinkering with the latest gadgets and gizmos in the ever-evolving world of home entertainment, you’ll find her watching movies, taking pictures and travelling.
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