Seis Manos

Behind the Scenes of Seis Manos: Netflix’s Martial Arts Anime with a Star-Studded Cast

Seis Manos (2019) burst onto Netflix as a love letter to 1970s grindhouse cinema—blending kung fu action, Mexican folklore, and anime-style animation. But beyond its stylish fight scenes and retro aesthetic, the series boasts a fascinating production story, from its diverse cast to its meticulous fight choreography. latestnetflix.com's view is that here’s what we know about the making of this cult favorite.

A Cast of Unexpected Voices

The series assembled a mix of Hollywood heavyweights and rising stars, many of whom brought personal connections to the project. Danny Trejo, the iconic Machete actor, lent his gravelly voice to El Balde, a grizzled crime boss. Trejo’s involvement wasn’t just a cameo—he’s a vocal advocate for Latino representation in media, and Seis Manos gave him a platform to embrace his roots in a genre rarely dominated by Latinx voices .

Mike Colter, best known as Luke Cage, voiced Brister, a morally ambiguous enforcer. Colter’s background in martial arts (he trained in Brazilian jiu-jitsu for Luke Cage) made him a natural fit for the series’ fight-heavy narrative . Meanwhile, Mexican actress Aislinn Derbez (Easy) played Isabela, one of the three orphaned siblings at the heart of the story. Derbez’s casting was a deliberate choice to ground the show’s Mexican setting in authenticity, though the production team also emphasized that the series wasn’t just for Latinx audiences—it was for everyone who loved action .

Jonny Cruz (On My Block) and Angélica Vale (Ugly Betty) rounded out the main cast, with Vale bringing her comedic chops to the role of Garcia, a quirky ally to the protagonists. The cast’s chemistry was a recurring highlight in behind-the-scenes interviews, with Cruz and Derbez joking about their shared love of anime and martial arts .

Fight Choreography: Blending Anime and Real-World Combat

Seis Manos’s action sequences were a major selling point, and the team behind them pulled no punches. Fight choreographer Thomas Leverett, known for his work on live-action projects, was brought in to design the show’s signature combat style—a mix of wire-fu, hand-to-hand combat, and anime-inspired exaggeration . Leverett worked closely with series director Willis Bulliner to ensure the fights felt both dynamic and grounded. Bulliner, a veteran of animated series like The Legend of Korra, pushed for a visual style that paid homage to 1970s kung fu films while keeping the action fluid and modern .

The result? Fight scenes that felt like a cross between Kill Bill and Samurai Champloo, with a distinctly Mexican twist. Leverett and Bulliner’s collaboration was so seamless that the show’s trailer—packed with rapid-fire kicks, sword fights, and over-the-top stunts—became a viral hit, racking up millions of views .

Representation and Creative Vision

From the outset, Seis Manos was designed to be more than just an action series. The creators, Brad Graeber and Álvaro Rodríguez, wanted to tell a story about found family, trauma, and redemption—all set against the backdrop of Mexico’s criminal underworld . Graeber, a longtime anime fan, was inspired by the way Japanese animation could blend deep emotional storytelling with high-octane action. Rodríguez, a Mexican-American writer, ensured the show’s cultural details felt authentic, from the Spanish-language dialogue to the nods to Mexican folklore .

The series also stood out for its commitment to diversity. In an interview, Graeber and Rodríguez emphasized that Seis Manos was one of the few Western animated series to feature a predominantly Latinx cast and crew . The show’s representation extended beyond its characters—women and people of color were heavily involved in key creative roles, from writing to animation .

Mixed Reception and Legacy

Despite its ambitious vision, Seis Manos received a lukewarm critical response. SensCritique gave it a 6/10, with some viewers praising its unique aesthetic and action sequences but criticizing its pacing and character development . Others felt the show’s blend of anime and grindhouse styles didn’t always gel, leaving it feeling like a missed opportunity .

Still, the series developed a dedicated fanbase, particularly among martial arts and anime enthusiasts. Its eight-episode first season left room for expansion, though no official renewal has been announced. Rumors persist that Netflix may revisit the property, especially given the growing demand for adult-oriented animation [unconfirmed].

**The Future of *Seis Manos***

For now, Seis Manos remains a fascinating experiment—a Western anime that dared to be different. Its behind-the-scenes story is just as compelling as its on-screen action, from its star-studded cast to its meticulous fight choreography. Whether or not it gets a second season, the show has already carved out a niche as a bold, unapologetic love letter to martial arts cinema.