Netflix’s highly anticipated anime adaptation of the popular video game franchise Onimusha is finally releasing worldwide on November 2, 2023. It is the first anime transformation of the series since having been introduced to the market as a series of video games. s.
Based on the Sengoku action game by Capcom, the anime revolves around a new protagonist. This time, the historical Japanese samurai figure, Miyamoto Musashi, derived from the real-life image of legendary actor Toshiro Mifune. Said actor was renowned for appearing in several of Akira Kurosawa’s lauded jidaigeki films, such as Seven Samurai, Rashomon, Yojimbo, The Hidden Fortress, and Throne of Blood. CG studio Sublimation is animating the series. The newly released trailer shows off the theme song, which is “The Loneliest” by Måneskin.
The ambitious project sees veteran filmmaker Takashi Miike helming the production as a chief director. A controversial figure in the industry due to the extreme graphic depictions in his films, Miike is also quite prominent in the anime business. His famous works include Terra Formars, The Blade of the Immortal, and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Diamond Is Unbreakable Chapter I.
Working alongside Miike is Sublimation’s highly talented Sugai Shin`ya as a director. He is known for highly acclaimed anime titles, such as Evangelion: 3.0+1.01 Thrice Upon a Time, The Ancient Magus’ Bride (including parts two and three of the movie series, dubbed Those Awaiting a Star), Rage of Bahamut: Genesis, and more.
Voice actor Akio Otsuka will give life to the persona of Miyamoto Musashi. The cast also includes Makoto Furukawa, Subaru Kimura. Ryohei Kimura, Katsuyuki Konishi, Daiki Yamashita. Toshihiko Seki, and more.
Set during the age of the samurai in Japan, the anime thrusts Miyamoto Musashi into a world with huge evil, poverty in many places, and the supernatural. Thus, kicking off an adventure that is ostensively familiar to the existing fan base, yet stunning to newcomers.
A word about the anime adaptation of Onimusha initially came to light during the Netflix TUDUM 2022 event. The announcement was later followed by a tweet by Netflix Anime showcasing some screenshots and early details about the working project.
Sources: Netflix, Animate Times
