The much-anticipated Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix, based on the universally acclaimed Far Cry 3 DLC, Blood Dragon, is scheduled for Fall 2023 later this year on Netflix. This six-episode series is replete with an 80’s aesthetic, futuristic setting, and promises to be a feast for both the eyes and mind.
Conceptualized as a trippy blend of dystopian fiction, satire, spoof, and love story, Captain Laserhawk takes you back to the year 1992, albeit in an alternate universe. This version of the past is far from rosy; Eden, a nation reminiscent of Orwellian dystopias, has replaced the United States. Super-soldier Dolph Laserhawk, betrayed and imprisoned, must now lead a team of rebels in dangerous undercover missions to survive. The series is infused with the familiar charm of Saturday morning cartoons like G.I. Joe, coupled with a darker, more mature narrative thread.
The genius behind the series, Adi Shankar, isn’t a stranger to Netflix’s animation scene after working on several other hits like Castlevania and The Guardians of Justice, both of which are available on Netflix. His vision for Captain Laserhawk is not merely an adaptation but an inventive ‘remix’ of Ubisoft’s vast character library. It borrows elements from the DC comic Elseworlds and the late 1980s’ series Captain N: The Game Master, and stitches them into a neon-drenched tapestry that reflects the mood of Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon. Shankar’s track record of avant-garde storytelling and his fondness for dark humor promise an engaging narrative that resonates with today’s audience.
The series flaunts a unique art style, that’s described as a “blended plethora” of “art styles to deliver a visually distinct nostalgic acid trip.” The creative force behind the animation, Bobbypills Studio, boasts an impressive portfolio that includes Netflix’s Love, Death & Robots and Arcane. As Europe’s first and only studio specializing in adult animation, Bobbypills aims to push the boundaries of the medium and this series looks to be no exception.
The trailer for Captain Laserhawk, released at the Ubisoft Forward event on June 12th, 2023, was rife with Easter eggs from Ubisoft’s various franchises, including a cameo from Assassin’s Creed. Fans can look forward to a more in-depth showcase at the Annecy Animation Film Festival on June 15th.
Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix is a testament to Ubisoft’s ongoing endeavor to extend its storytelling beyond the normal reach of gaming. Its collaboration with Netflix and the involvement of accomplished creators like Adi Shankar and Bobbypills Studio forecast a promising debut for this anime series.
This ambitious project is as much a love letter to the 90s as it is a celebration of Ubisoft’s vibrant character universe. As the countdown to its release begins, fans are eagerly waiting to ride the neon wave, guns blazing and hearts racing.
Hopefully, we’re getting Far Cry news after this. The latest word on the grapevine is that the next installment in the series is already in development with a multiplayer spin-off also in the pipeline. But, in case you want to scratch that Far Cry itch, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora is looking like a Far Cry game set in the Avatar universe.
