An Afro-futurist science-fiction anime series, Sentinel 6, is in development with former NBA player Michael Carter-Williams and NFL running back Jamaal Williams joining the project as executive producers.
Created by Jamaican-American writer Pat Stout and the late Asa Palmer, the series is set in 2429, around 400 years after a near-extinction event known as the Great Phoenix War devastated Earth.
The story follows a post-apocalyptic society divided by class and growing tensions surrounding sentinels — humans and other intergalactic beings with extraordinary powers who are tasked with defending their planet.
When an intergalactic terrorist inadvertently awakens the Sentinel Six, six young people — three men and three women — discover their connection to a shared power.
Each represents a different aspect of that force, including the mind, heart, sword and shield.
The project was created in 2019 by Stout and Palmer through their production company, Sable Kudzu.
Following Palmer’s unexpected death in 2025, Carter-Williams and Williams helped fully fund the pilot, allowing the creators to move the series closer to production.
LeSean Thomas, known for his work on The Boondocks, Yasuke and Bass x Machina, has written the pilot and serves as a consulting producer.
Internet personality King Vader, whose real name is Dominique Barrett, is among the voice cast, alongside Jamaal Williams and veteran voice actor Cedric Williams.
The series is expected to comprise 11 to 12 episodes, each running approximately 30 minutes. Japanese animation studio Creative Freaks will lead production, while Bang Zoom! Studios will oversee the Japanese-language adaptation of the English-language production.
Stout said the creators wanted to develop a world in which audiences could see themselves represented while enjoying an escapist science-fiction adventure.
The project also responds to the limited representation of Black characters and experiences in anime, an issue that shaped the creators’ approach to the story.
Carter-Williams said he joined the project because of the importance of seeing oneself reflected in the stories people watch.
Williams, who has spoken about his love of anime, including Naruto, also expressed enthusiasm for bringing more Black characters to the forefront of animation.
The series secured further industry backing after a Kickstarter campaign in 2024 raised nearly $20,000 to develop a trailer. The team subsequently presented the project to animation studios, with Creative Freaks winning the production bid.
With its blend of Afro-futurism, science fiction and action, Sentinel 6 aims to expand representation in anime while introducing audiences to an original universe built around six young heroes.
