Josh Holloway and Brandon Routh star in ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE live action prequel

Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe today announced HOUR ZERO, a live action prequel to the story in ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE™. Starring Josh Holloway (Lost, Yellowstone) and Brandon Routh (Superman Returns), and Tamlyn Tomita (Cobra Kai), the short film series will release in four installments, beginning on 15 September 2026 and concluding ahead of the game’s launch on 2 October 2026.

HOUR ZERO, the prequel to ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE is a short mini-series designed to introduce newcomers to the Ace Combat series and world view.

Three strangers survive the opening days of the Republic of Sotoa's invasion of the Federation of Central Usea. Josh Holloway stars as a pilot with nowhere to land, Brandon Routh as a doctor who saved his enemy, and Tamlyn Tomita as a news anchor silenced for telling the truth. Told in reverse and grounded in the family lives of its three leads, their stories count down to the moment where their normal lives were shattered and war began. Their story sets the stage for the narrative players will experience in the deep, engaging ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE ‘Campaign Mode.’

ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE promises to deliver the most cinematic experience yet in the series. The story puts players in the role of an ace pilot in an emotionally charged story of identity and duty, fighting for the survival of their homeland. Returning to the series’ legendary fictitious setting, Strangereal is now a world at war, with the nation Federation of Central Usea (FCU) occupied and its military shattered. With the prospect of war for survival as the only option, players enter the cockpit under the name Wings of Theve, taking on the role of a legendary ace with their name tied to Theve, the capital of the FCU, and becoming the symbol of hope for every citizen in their imperiled nation. Joined by a squadron of three unique new fighter pilots, theirs is a flight against all odds to repel the Republic of Sotoa’s vicious attack and reclaim their lost homeland.

Developed by Bandai Namco Aces Inc., the first mainline entry in ACE COMBAT in seven years promises to elevate the flight shooting franchise to new heights, harnessing the power of Unreal® Engine 5 and proprietary technology to create an ultra-realistic aerial thrill ride. ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE will take to the skies with early access available for Deluxe Edition holders on 29 September 2026 and launch for all players on 2 October. The game is available now for pre-orders on PlayStation®5, XBOX Series X|S, and PC via Steam® in Standard and Deluxe Editions.