Netflix revealed 17 new Asian original series meant to kickstart growth in one of its most lackluster regions

Netflix

"Altered Carbon"

• Netflix announced a collection of Asian originals on Thursday, including "Pacific Rim" and "Altered Carbon" anime shows.
• Netflix has yet to break through in Asia, and hasn't exceeded more than 2 million customers in any Asian market.
• Netflix already streams the Indian original "Sacred Games," and plans to focus heavily on the country with this new initiative.

Netflix is a streaming giant, but it has yet to break through in the most populated region in the world: Asia.

Netflix has over 130 million subscribers, but it has not exceeded more than 2 million customers in any Asian market, according to Bloomberg. The company hopes to change that with a collection of new Asian original series it announced at its first content showcase event in the region on Thursday, called "See What's Next: Asia."

The 17 new originals include a prequel to"Baahubali," the highest-grossing franchise in Indian history. Netflix is betting hard on India in the region, as it can't operate out of China without a local partner. Netflix already streams "Sacred Games," its first Indian original series, and will announce nine more on Friday during the second day of the event.

"Sacred Games," though, highlights some hurdles for Netflix. The show has faced legal trouble because of its allegedly unflattering depiction of India's former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. A petition was filed in Delhi High Court this year for Netflix to delete any references to him. A woman also accused Vikas Bahl, who co-founded the production company behind for the show, of sexual harassment. After an independent investigation, Netflix decided to move forward with season two.

Most of the series announced on Thursday, though, were anime (a style of animation that originated in Japan). They include a series based on Guillermo del Toro's giant robot-vs.-giant monster movie, "Pacific Rim," and one based on the Netflix original sci-fi series that debuted this year, "Altered Carbon."

The eight series announced Thursday are below, with descriptions provided by Netflix:

Anime Originals

• Pacific Rim: Returning to the epic battle of Kaiju and Jaegers, this original anime series will expand upon the story of the first two live action movies and follow two siblings - an idealistic teenage boy and his naïve younger sister - who are forced to pilot an abandoned Jaeger across a hostile landscape in a desperate attempt to find their missing parents. Co-showrunners: Craig Kyle ("Thor: Ragnarok") and Greg Johnson ("X-Men: Evolution"). Production Company: Legendary Entertainment ("Kong: Skull Island"; "Pokemon: Detective Pikachu").
• Altered Carbon: This anime feature, set in the same universe of the Netflix live-action sci-fi series (second season in production from Skydance Television), will explore new elements of the story mythology. Writer: Dai Sato ("Cowboy Bebop," "Samurai Champloo") and Tsukasa Kondo. Animation Studio: Anima.
• Cagaster of an Insect Cage: Set in a post-apocalyptic world where a mysterious disease "Cagaster" turns people into giant murderous insects, this manga-based series follows the struggle of a young couple to stay alive. Directed By Koichi Chigira ("Last Exile," "Full Metal Panic!"). Animation Studio: Gonzo ("Hellsing," "Afro Samurai").
• Yasuke: In a war-torn feudal Japan of mechs and magic, a retired ronin must take up his sword when he is charged with the task of transporting a mysterious child who dark forces want to eliminate. Created & Directed by LeSean Thomas ("The Boondocks," "Cannon Busters"), who is also serving as Executive Producer. Grammy nominee Flying Lotus will compose the music and be an Executive Producer on the show. Lakeith Stanfield ("Atlanta," "Sorry to Bother You") will be the voice of the protagonist "Yasuke" (based on the historical samurai of African origin who fought with Oda Nobunaga). Animation Studio: MAPPA ("Yuri On Ice," "Kakegurui").
• Trese: Set in a Manila where the mythical creatures of Philippine folklore live in hiding amongst humans, Alexandra Trese finds herself going head to head with a criminal underworld comprised of malevolent supernatural beings. This anime series is based on the Philippine graphic novel by the same name, created by Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldissimo. Executive Producer: Jay Oliva ("Wonder Woman," "The Legend of Korra"). Produced By: Shanty Harmayn and Tanya Yuson at BASE Entertainment, a studio based in Jakarta and Singapore.

Thai Language Originals

• The Stranded: 18 year old Kraam survives a devastating tsunami along with thirty-six of his fellow students at an elite private high school on a remote island in the Andaman Sea. As mysterious events start happening on the island, it quickly becomes clear that no one is coming to rescue them and Kraam must lead the students to rescue themselves. Director: Sophon Sakdaphisit. Production companies: GMM Grammy (this will be the first Netflix original series since the GMM Grammy multi-title deal) & H2L Media Group. Executive Producers: Ekachai Uekrongtham, Gary Levinsohn, Steven Sims, Billy Hines, Christian Durso.
• Shimmers: A drama series about five teenagers at an isolated school in Northern Thailand. Over a school break, they find themselves haunted by the ghosts of their pasts, only to discover they are threatened by a much more terrifying mystery. Directors: Wisit Sasanatieng and Sittisiri Mongkolsiri.

Chinese Language Originals

• Triad Princess: A Taiwanese original series. Growing up in the shadow of her Triad father, Angie craves an independent life of her own. Defying her father's wishes, she takes on a gig as an undercover bodyguard for a famous actress at an agency, where she must navigate the unfamiliar world of glitz, glamour and even love. Key Cast: Eugenie Liu and Jasper Liu. Director: Neal Wu; Production Companies: mm2 and Goodfilms Workshop.