Yasuke teaser: LaKeith Stanfield becomes a samurai in Netflix’s new anime series
Netflix has released the first teaser trailer for their newest anime series titled Yasuke, based on the true story of the first African samurai who served under warlord Oda Nobunaga in 16th Century Japan. Starring Oscar nominee LaKeith Stanfield, the series will be available for streaming on April 29. Check out the Yasuke teaser in the player!
The video features the titular Black warrior as he fights for the future of Japan while trying to prove himself against those who are underestimating him due to his background and ethnicity. It also provides us a preview of the fight and epic battle sequences as well as an idea into the prophecy involving Yasuke.
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The tale is set in a war-torn feudal Japan filled with mechs and magic, the greatest ronin never known, Yasuke, struggles to maintain a peaceful existence after a past life of violence. But when a local village becomes the center of social upheaval between warring daimyo, Yasuke must take up his sword and transport a mysterious child who is the target of dark forces and bloodthirsty warlords.
The anime series was created, executive produced and directed by LeSean Thomas. It is a co-production between Netflix and MAPPA, the Japanese animation studio behind the final season of Attack on Titan. Director and animator Takeshi Koike also created the character designs of the series while Flying Lotus has signed on to handle the music.
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Back in 2019, MGM previously announced the development of a live-action film about Yasuke with Oscar nominee Chadwick Boseman attached for the leading role. However, due to the Black Panther star’s passing at the age of 43 last year, the studio has decided to cancel the project.
