Paramount’s New High Fantasy Epic is Already the Streaming Sleeper Hit of 2026
Paramount is adapting Sega’s classic beat-’em-up arcade series Golden Axe into a high fantasy television series that’s already being hailed as a streaming sleeper hit for 2026. The adaptation was spearheaded by Mike McMahan, who previously served as a script doctor on the Sonic the Hedgehog films.
When a Sega executive approached McMahan asking which of the studio’s numerous game properties he’d want to adapt for television, McMahan faced a wealth of possibilities. Sega, which has been developing games since 1973, owns an extensive catalog ranging from modern franchises like Yakuza and Persona to arcade classics such as Crazy Taxi and Streets of Rage.
Ultimately, McMahan selected Golden Axe, citing his personal nostalgia for the game series. “I’m very old,” McMahan explained, noting that he played Golden Axe extensively before the NES era and was profoundly influenced by gaming during the console’s launch. Golden Axe is a fantasy-themed beat-’em-up arcade series that has maintained a devoted fan base across multiple decades.
The choice reflects a broader trend in entertainment of adapting classic and beloved video game properties into streaming content. The series’ early reception as a “sleeper hit” suggests that McMahan’s nostalgic approach to adapting the fantasy adventure game has resonated with audiences, whether longtime fans of the original arcade series or new viewers discovering the story for the first time.