Description
Brian Tyree Henry is bringing a legendary American figure into an entirely new world with Netflix's Bass x Machina, a sci-fi anime Western that reimagines the story of Bass Reeves through steampunk elements, explosive action, and a deeply personal exploration of heroism.
In this exclusive Collider interview, Henry discusses voicing Bass Reeves and serving as an executive producer on the animated series. He explains why the character's journey felt so personal, how the show's first episode introduces six different sides of Bass, and why he wanted audiences to connect with the man beneath the Western mythology.
Henry also takes us behind the scenes of Bass x Machina, revealing why he pushed to record alongside his fellow voice actors rather than work alone in the booth. From his emotional scenes with Janelle to his dynamic with Tati and the opportunity to work with legendary voice actor Cree Summer, Henry explains how those collaborations helped shape the characters and their relationships.
He also reflects on working with Studio Mir, his childhood love of animation, and why telling stories about overlooked Black and Indigenous heroes matters to him. For Henry, Bass x Machina isn't simply a new take on a historical figure. It's an opportunity to challenge expectations about who gets to be a hero.
Chapters:
0:00 Brian Tyree Henry on the Power of Voice Acting
1:19 Finding Six Different Sides of Bass Reeves
3:52 Why Henry Wanted to Record With His Co-Stars
5:39 Bringing Emotional Depth to an Anime Western
9:41 Working With Legendary Voice Actor Cree Summer
11:51 Building Bass x Machina With Studio Mir
13:19 Reinventing Bass Reeves and the Western Genre
15:16 How Animation Shaped Brian Tyree Henry's Childhood
19:19 Creating a Sci-Fi and Steampunk Western
20:13 Why the World Needs Heroes Like Bass Reeves
23:32 The Global Impact of Black Storytelling
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Video By Maggie Lovitt & Trent B Minia
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