Rooster Teeth, the Austin-based online studio responsible for mecha-animation gen:LOCK (above) has announced a major shakeup of its animation division after complaints from staff about a “crunch culture.” Credit: Image courtesy of Rooster Teeth

Since it was first announced over a year ago, we’ve had glimpses and brief snippets of gen:LOCK, the new animated series from Austin’s Rooster Teeth studio. Now, the first full trailer has arrived, and it’s filled with the mecha-action we were hoping for.

Starring Michael B. Jordan (Black Panther), Dakota Fanning (The Alienist), David Tennant (Doctor Who), and Maisie Williams (Game of the Thrones), it’s RT’s biggest and most high-profile project to date. Here’s the synopsis:

Fifty years in the future, an oppressive authoritarian force threatens to conquer the world. A daring team is recruited to pilot a new form of weaponized neuroscience that powers devastating mecha, but they must be willing to sacrifice everything to save the world.

Expect sinister conspiracies, global struggle, complicated interpersonal relationships, and Michael B. Jordan beating the hell out of tanks with a giant robot fist. Now here’s that trailer:

Youtube video

Can’t wait for more? Sorry, few more days to go yet, gen:LOCK episodes one and two debut Jan. 26 on roosterteeth.com.

Youtube video

This article appears in January 18 • 2019.

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The Chronicle's first Culture Desk editor, Richard has reported on Austin's growing film production and appreciation scene for over a decade. A graduate of the universities of York, Stirling, and UT-Austin, a Rotten Tomatoes certified critic, and eight-time Best of Austin winner, he's currently at work on two books and a play.