Vampire Weekend's Ezra Koenig creates new anime-inspired series for Netflix

Ezra Koenig is branching out to television.

The Vampire Weekend musician has created a new animated Netflix series, Neo Yokio, which he will also write and executive produce.

The series is described as a tribute to ”classic anime, English literature and modern New York fashion and culture,” according to a Netflix statement, and Koenig is joined by writer Nick Weidenfeld, as well as Japanese anime studios Production IG and Studio Deen.

The first trailer introduces us to the city of Neo Yokio, “the greatest city in the world. It is a diverse labyrinth of cultural and architectural innovation. Of course, whenever a city becomes the envy of the world, problems are bound to rise.”

That ominous introduction launches us into an action-packed trailer full of relationship drama, occult activity, and more.

The series boasts a deep roster of voice talent, including Jaden Smith, Susan Sarandon, Jude Law, Tavi Gevinson, Jason Schwartzman, Richard Ayoade, Ike Barinholtz, Steve Buscemi, Alexa Chung, and Stephen Fry.

The show follows a broken-hearted Kaz Kaan (Smith), the youngest member of a family of “magistocrats” – pink-haired demon slayers who once liberated the city. While Kaz’s Aunt Agatha (Sarandon) encourages his demon-hunting efforts, he’s more interested in average teenage pursuits like shopping, sports, and relationships.

Alongside his mecha-butler Charles (Law) and best friends, Kaz’s biggest issues are romance and competition with the city’s other most eligible bachelor, Arcangelo Corelli (Schwartzman). That is, until he meets ex-fashion blogger Helena St. Tessero (Gevinson) and finds himself mired in intrigue and danger.

Watch the full trailer above for more. The entire series debuts on Netflix on Friday, Sept. 22.