With the pilot episode debuting in less than two weeks, Syfy has released the first 9 minutes of 12 Monkeys. The sci-fi series is based on director Terry Gilliam's movie 12 Monkeys, which celebrates the 20th anniversary of its initial release in theaters today. Aaron Stanford stars as James Cole, the role originally portrayed by Bruce Willis, a soldier sent back in time to save the future.

Inspired by the classic blockbuster, 12 Monkeys explores the provocative story of a time traveler from a decimated future in a high-stakes race against the clock. Utilizing a dangerous and untested method of time travel, he journeys from 2043 to the present day on a mission to locate and eradicate the source of a deadly plague that will all but annihilate the human race. The series also stars Amanda Schull as Dr. Cassandra Railly (originally played by Madeleine Stowe) and Emily Hampshire as mental patient Jennifer Goines, loosely based on Brad Pitt's Jeffrey Goines from the original film.

This opening scene begins in the year 2043, before shifting to the year 2013, where Cole has completed part of his mission in finding Railly. Cole must now find out more about her connection to the mysterious Leland Frost (Tom Noonan), though he eventually learns that he has accidentally traveled to the wrong year. Take a look at the first footage below, before the series debuts Friday, January 16 at 9 PM ET on Syfy.