Netflix released a teaser trailer for their upcoming original anime series Yasuke which tells a historically accurate story about the first Black samurai who lived in Japan during the 16th century. The series will star and be executively produced by LaKeith Stanfield following his Oscar-nominated performance in Judas and the Black Messiah. Despite the anime's real-life source material, Yasuke will take place in an alternate-reality version of feudal Japan.
Netflix's synopsis sets the anime in "war-torn feudal Japan filled with mechs and magic." The story will find its titular sword-bearer Yasuke, described as the "greatest ronin never known," struggling to live a peaceful life after a violent past. However, when social upheaval between warring daimyo threatens the safety of a local village, Yasuke, voiced by Stanfield, must take up his sword again to transport a mysterious child to safety as they are pursued by bloodthirsty warlords and are the target of dark magic.
Now, Netflix has released the first official teaser trailer for Yasuke, which chronicles the eponymous character's rise from a servant to samurai. To become a true ronin, Yasuke has to defy old traditions. After becoming a legendary samurai, he decides to leave it all behind to live a humble life as a boatsman. However, Yasuke is told of a prophecy that a "black warrior will one day come to save the people." While the anime's setting and main character are historically accurate, the trailer is full of magic and fantastical creatures. Watch the full teaser for Yasuke below:
The anime series is created by LeSean Thomas (Cannon Busters), who is surprised there has not been a "full-fledged mainstream media storytelling" of the first Black samurai before given Yasuke's historical significance. Nevertheless, Thomas hopes his series will be a "gateway" into anime for many viewers. Yasuke season 1 will be told over 6 episodes with animation from revered Japanese studio MAPPA and a score from experimental electronic artist Flying Lotus. The trailer does a good job of establishing what to expect, and hopefully the show is compelling.
Netflix has been quietly putting together an impressive collection of original anime for some time. The streaming giant now has a handful of original series, a few features, and many more in the works. But as its creator pointed out, Yasuke has a chance to win over those who would not consider themselves anime fans because of its combination of Japanese and American elements. Yasuke debuts on Netflix on April 29th.
Source: Netflix