Live-Action Ace Combat 8 Prequel Series Hour Zero Announced Starring Josh Holloway

Bandai Namco is expanding the universe of its upcoming flight action game with a live-action prequel mini-series. Named Hour Zero, the four-episode series acts as a narrative setup for the events of Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve, introducing players to the fictional setting of Strangereal and the conflict that establishes the game's story.

Streaming exclusively through IGN, the series focuses on three strangers who survive the opening days of the Republic of Sotoa's invasion of the Federation of Central Usea. The cast is led by Josh Holloway, known for his roles in Lost and Colony, who stars as a pilot with the call sign Wings of Theve who has nowhere to land. Brandon Routh, recognized for Superman Returns and the Arrowverse, portrays a doctor who saved his enemy. Tamlyn Tomita, who has appeared in The Good Doctor and Star Trek: Picard, plays a news anchor silenced for telling the truth.

According to the official schedule, the four-part series will release throughout the month of September. Act 1 is scheduled to debut on Tuesday, September 15, followed by Act 2 on Thursday, September 17. Act 3 will release on Wednesday, September 23, and the Epilogue will conclude the run on Tuesday, September 29.

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve itself is scheduled for release on October 2 for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC. The upcoming sequel features upgraded visuals and the largest multiplayer component in the history of the franchise.