Deadline is reporting that Chadwick Boseman (Avengers: Endgame, Black Panther, 21 Bridges) will be playing Yasuke, the first African samurai, in an upcoming film adaptation.
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Yasuke served under Japanese warlord Oda Nobunaga in 16th Century Japan. He was a native of Portuguese Mozambique, who was brought to Japan as a slave to Jesuit missionaries. Yasuke was the first black man to set foot on Japanese soil, and his arrival aroused the interest of Nobunaga, a ruthless warlord seeking to unite the fractured country under his banner. A complex relationship developed between the two men as Yasuke earned Nobunaga’s friendship, respect, and ultimately, the honor, swords, and title of samurai.
“The legend of Yasuke is one of history’s best-kept secrets, the only person of non-Asian origin to become a Samurai. That’s not just an action movie, that’s a cultural event, an exchange, and I am excited to be part of it,” said Boseman.
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Doug Miro (The Great Wall, Narcos, Charlie’s Angels) will write the script for the film. Erik Feig’s Picturestart, Mike De Luca for De Luca Productions, Stephen L’Heurex and his Solipsist banner, Boseman, and Logan Coles’ X●ception Content will produce the film.
