Hiroko Moriguchi , best known for her theme song works for the Mobile Suit Gundam anime franchise, announced that her second anisong cover album, "Anison Covers 2," is set to release in Japan on August 7, 2024. Her debut single "Mizu no Hoshi he Ai wo Komete" ( Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam TV anime's second opening theme) released 39 years ago on the same day, August 7, 1985. Based on the concept of “Gundam song cover albums for adults,” Moriguchi released three “Gundam Song Covers” albums from 2019 to 2022. All of the albums in the series ranked in the top three of the Oricon weekly album charts, and the total number of albums shipped has surpassed 250,000 copies. Following the series, she released the first "Anison Covers" album in May 2023 under the concept of "anime song cover album for adults." The album peaked at #11 in the Oricon weekly album charts. The much-awaited second album, “Anison Covers 2,” is a selection of...
- 5/7/2024
- by Mikikazu Komatsu
- Crunchyroll
New Trailer for ‘Star Wars: The Acolyte’ Reveals Epic Clash of Light & Dark During High Republic Era
Get Ready for ‘Star Wars: The Acolyte’ – the Most Anticipated Addition to the Galaxy Far, Far Away! This groundbreaking live-action series explores the uncharted territory of the High Republic era, offering a unique perspective where the Jedi are not always the heroes.
Drawing inspiration from genres like Samurai and Wuxia, this show promises a thrilling blend of action reminiscent of ‘Frozen meets Kill Bill.’
A fresh trailer just came out, revealing a grim reality: Jedi are under attack and hunted across the Galaxy. It hints that the Jedi order might not be as noble as it seems, echoing themes from the original trilogy.
Mae, the protagonist, faces a tough dilemma between personal freedom and destiny. She seems destined to challenge the status quo and restore balance. The trailer also introduces a mysterious dark force user. Watch the trailer for yourself below.
The upcoming project features Amandla Stenberg as Mae, a...
Drawing inspiration from genres like Samurai and Wuxia, this show promises a thrilling blend of action reminiscent of ‘Frozen meets Kill Bill.’
A fresh trailer just came out, revealing a grim reality: Jedi are under attack and hunted across the Galaxy. It hints that the Jedi order might not be as noble as it seems, echoing themes from the original trilogy.
Mae, the protagonist, faces a tough dilemma between personal freedom and destiny. She seems destined to challenge the status quo and restore balance. The trailer also introduces a mysterious dark force user. Watch the trailer for yourself below.
The upcoming project features Amandla Stenberg as Mae, a...
- 5/5/2024
- by Valentina Kraljik
- Fiction Horizon
‘Star Wars: The Acolyte’ is the next most anticipated thing in the Star Wars universe. This is the first live-action show set in the High Republic era, and it’s groundbreaking because it will “sort of” portray the Jedi as the bad guys, due to them being an overwhelming systemic force in that specific time period.
The show was pitched as “Frozen meets Kill Bill” and it has a lot of influences from Samurai and Wuxia films, which will lead to some very promising action scenes.
A new trailer for the show recently dropped, and we can see that everything starts with the fact that Jedi are getting hunted and murdered across the Galaxy. There are insinuations that the Jedi order is not all pleasant as it would be supposed to be and their dominance is rotten to the core, something we’ve learned during the original trilogy as well.
The show was pitched as “Frozen meets Kill Bill” and it has a lot of influences from Samurai and Wuxia films, which will lead to some very promising action scenes.
A new trailer for the show recently dropped, and we can see that everything starts with the fact that Jedi are getting hunted and murdered across the Galaxy. There are insinuations that the Jedi order is not all pleasant as it would be supposed to be and their dominance is rotten to the core, something we’ve learned during the original trilogy as well.
- 5/5/2024
- by Valentina Kraljik
- Comic Basics
Hiroyuki Sanada is a well-respected actor who debuted at 5 in the 1965 film Game of Chance, but his first significant role was in 1978’s The Shogun Samurai. This role catapulted his stardom in Japan, and is still respected as one of the most talented action stars in the country. Sanada is also a singer and trained martial artist whose skills have allowed him to make a name for himself in the entertainment industry. Sanada became famous in Hollywood in the 200s with films like The Twilight Samurai, The Last Samurai, and Kenji in Rush Hour 3. His talent and skill in martial arts and acting
The post 6 Best Hiroyuki Sanada Movies and TV Shows first appeared on TVovermind.
The post 6 Best Hiroyuki Sanada Movies and TV Shows first appeared on TVovermind.
- 5/1/2024
- by Isabel k
- TVovermind.com
In 2003, martial arts enthusiast Lauro Chartrand-DelValle took a job as fight coordinator on Edward Zwick‘s historical action film “The Last Samurai” and assumed it would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “I thought I was extremely fortunate to get a chance to do a samurai epic once in my career,” Chartrand-DelValle told IndieWire. He was thrilled, therefore, when Hiroyuki Sanada, one of the actors from “The Last Samurai,” revealed that he was working on FX’s new adaptation of James Clavell’s “Shōgun” and wanted to collaborate with Chartrand-DelValle again. “It was a dream job,” the stunt coordinator said.
Like “The Last Samurai,” “Shōgun” is a period epic filled with elaborately choreographed action and massive challenges for a stunt team, but Chartrand-DelValle felt well prepared given the series’ generous pre-production schedule. “Right out of the gate the first huge task was to train everybody as best we could prior to going in front of the camera,...
Like “The Last Samurai,” “Shōgun” is a period epic filled with elaborately choreographed action and massive challenges for a stunt team, but Chartrand-DelValle felt well prepared given the series’ generous pre-production schedule. “Right out of the gate the first huge task was to train everybody as best we could prior to going in front of the camera,...
- 4/29/2024
- by Jim Hemphill
- Indiewire
‘Star Wars: The Acolyte’ is a new TV series coming to Disney+, part of the Star Wars universe. The idea was first talked about in 2019, after Leslye Headland, a big Star Wars fan, showed interest.
In April 2020, it was confirmed that Headland would be in charge of the show, focusing on female characters. Now, with a new trailer out and several interviews, Headland has shared some details about what viewers can look forward to. If you want a quick overview, we’ve got you covered right here.
‘The Acolyte’ is set in the High Republic Era, shining a spotlight on the darker side of the story
‘The Acolyte’ marks the first live-action TV series centered on the High Republic Era, and the second overall. It’s officially set during the later years of the High Republic Era, occurring a century before the events of ‘Episode I: The Phantom Menace.’ This era,...
In April 2020, it was confirmed that Headland would be in charge of the show, focusing on female characters. Now, with a new trailer out and several interviews, Headland has shared some details about what viewers can look forward to. If you want a quick overview, we’ve got you covered right here.
‘The Acolyte’ is set in the High Republic Era, shining a spotlight on the darker side of the story
‘The Acolyte’ marks the first live-action TV series centered on the High Republic Era, and the second overall. It’s officially set during the later years of the High Republic Era, occurring a century before the events of ‘Episode I: The Phantom Menace.’ This era,...
- 4/29/2024
- by Valentina Kraljik
- Fiction Horizon
Hiroyuki Sanada has been an unsung hero in Hollywood since the early 2000s where he has starred in many supporting roles in major blockbusters. From his dedicated performance in Tom Cruise’s The Last Samurai to starring in the biggest film of all time Avengers: Endgame, the actor has made a name for himself in Hollywood and is highly respected in the industry.
Keanu Reeves as John Wick in 2023’s John Wick: Chapter 4
Sanada made a big impact in the fourth John Wick film playing Koji, one of John Wick’s friends from the past. While his action sequences and martial arts skills were expectedly brilliant, the scene that leads up to where he strikes up a conversation with John is narratively interesting. Sanada stated that he loved that intimate character-driven scene rather than his big action sequences.
Hiroyuki Sanada Loved His Character’s Heart-to-Heart Moment in John Wick:...
Keanu Reeves as John Wick in 2023’s John Wick: Chapter 4
Sanada made a big impact in the fourth John Wick film playing Koji, one of John Wick’s friends from the past. While his action sequences and martial arts skills were expectedly brilliant, the scene that leads up to where he strikes up a conversation with John is narratively interesting. Sanada stated that he loved that intimate character-driven scene rather than his big action sequences.
Hiroyuki Sanada Loved His Character’s Heart-to-Heart Moment in John Wick:...
- 4/27/2024
- by Rahul Thokchom
- FandomWire
[This story contains major spoilers from the season finale of FX’s Shōgun.]
It’s easy to picture Japanese actor Hiroyuki Sanada gazing toward the horizon with a beatific sense of satisfaction over everything he has achieved with FX’s smash-hit miniseries Shōgun. His character, Lord Yoshii Toranaga, enjoys several such moments in the show’s 10th and last episode, A Dream of a Dream, as his patient, masterful strategizing finally yields precisely the outcome he desires: absolute power for himself and peace for all of Japan.
Sanada’s moment of career triumph is not dissimilar in its decade-spanning tirelessness (at least, in entertainment industry terms). He began performing nearly 60 years ago as a child in Japan, apprenticing under the legendary actor Sonny Chiba on the way to becoming a major local star, before breaking into Hollywood with roles in projects like The Last Samurai, Lost, The Wolverine, Avengers: Endgame, Bullet Train, John Wick: Chapter 4 and many others.
But now,...
It’s easy to picture Japanese actor Hiroyuki Sanada gazing toward the horizon with a beatific sense of satisfaction over everything he has achieved with FX’s smash-hit miniseries Shōgun. His character, Lord Yoshii Toranaga, enjoys several such moments in the show’s 10th and last episode, A Dream of a Dream, as his patient, masterful strategizing finally yields precisely the outcome he desires: absolute power for himself and peace for all of Japan.
Sanada’s moment of career triumph is not dissimilar in its decade-spanning tirelessness (at least, in entertainment industry terms). He began performing nearly 60 years ago as a child in Japan, apprenticing under the legendary actor Sonny Chiba on the way to becoming a major local star, before breaking into Hollywood with roles in projects like The Last Samurai, Lost, The Wolverine, Avengers: Endgame, Bullet Train, John Wick: Chapter 4 and many others.
But now,...
- 4/26/2024
- by Patrick Brzeski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“Why is it that only those who have never fought in a battle are so eager to be in one?” Yoshii Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada) asks at one point in FX’s Shōgun. It’s a question that resonates not only with the show’s characters but may strike at the heart of our long-standing fascination with samurai.
Its resonance is all the more profound because Shōgun is loosely — very loosely — based on real events from the end of Japan’s Warring States period that pushed the nation into a new era. Taking historical events and crafting drama from them is something the show has in common with many Chanbara or samurai films. The riveting and often bloody history has provided fodder for countless films, including Hiroshi Inagaki’s Samurai trilogy, Sekigahara, Samurai Assassin, and The 47 Ronin.
However, these narrative films can obscure the complex history behind the events. Fortunately,...
Its resonance is all the more profound because Shōgun is loosely — very loosely — based on real events from the end of Japan’s Warring States period that pushed the nation into a new era. Taking historical events and crafting drama from them is something the show has in common with many Chanbara or samurai films. The riveting and often bloody history has provided fodder for countless films, including Hiroshi Inagaki’s Samurai trilogy, Sekigahara, Samurai Assassin, and The 47 Ronin.
However, these narrative films can obscure the complex history behind the events. Fortunately,...
- 4/23/2024
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
This article contains spoilers for both "Shōgun" the 2024 TV show and the 1975 novel.
When I first finished James Clavell's novel "Shōgun," the comparison that immediately came to mind was Homer's "Iliad." The epic Greek poem is famous for recounting the events of the Trojan War, a war that is still famous thousands of years later. I was hardly an expert at Greek mythology before reading "The Iliad," but going in I already knew two big events: that the fierce warrior Achilles (who was portrayed by Brad Pitt in Wolfgang Petersen's "Troy") died near the end of the Trojan War, and that the Greek soldiers won by hiding inside a giant wooden horse and tricking the Trojans into letting them behind their city walls.
The latter was the big moment I was looking forward to. The Trojan horse is such an iconic image; it's still referenced constantly in...
When I first finished James Clavell's novel "Shōgun," the comparison that immediately came to mind was Homer's "Iliad." The epic Greek poem is famous for recounting the events of the Trojan War, a war that is still famous thousands of years later. I was hardly an expert at Greek mythology before reading "The Iliad," but going in I already knew two big events: that the fierce warrior Achilles (who was portrayed by Brad Pitt in Wolfgang Petersen's "Troy") died near the end of the Trojan War, and that the Greek soldiers won by hiding inside a giant wooden horse and tricking the Trojans into letting them behind their city walls.
The latter was the big moment I was looking forward to. The Trojan horse is such an iconic image; it's still referenced constantly in...
- 4/23/2024
- by Michael Boyle
- Slash Film
This article contains mild spoilers for Shōgun and major ones for The Last Samurai.
A lonely Westerner who seems lost before he even steps off his ship; a strange land filled with ritualized grace and deadly niceties; and a culture shock that is both intoxicating and intimidating—even before our stranger sees the samurai masks and katana blades come out. This could very well be a description of the odyssey which English seaman John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis) finds himself on in FX’s astonishing new limited series, Shōgun. Yet I’m actually describing a popular Tom Cruise vehicle loosely set in the same aesthetic: The Last Samurai.
Released in December 2003 to positive reviews and impressive box office (back when adult-skewing dramas could regularly net $454 million at the world box office), director Edward Zwick’s The Last Samurai was applauded in its time for its pensive soulfulness and kinetic action sequences.
A lonely Westerner who seems lost before he even steps off his ship; a strange land filled with ritualized grace and deadly niceties; and a culture shock that is both intoxicating and intimidating—even before our stranger sees the samurai masks and katana blades come out. This could very well be a description of the odyssey which English seaman John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis) finds himself on in FX’s astonishing new limited series, Shōgun. Yet I’m actually describing a popular Tom Cruise vehicle loosely set in the same aesthetic: The Last Samurai.
Released in December 2003 to positive reviews and impressive box office (back when adult-skewing dramas could regularly net $454 million at the world box office), director Edward Zwick’s The Last Samurai was applauded in its time for its pensive soulfulness and kinetic action sequences.
- 4/23/2024
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
Sylvester Stallone allegedly had a bad rap among the directors of his earlier movies, who complained that the actor took control over some of their creative decisions. This reputation made one director not want to work with him, despite the First Blood actor expressing interest in the role. Jim Gillespie finally had to give up his premonitions, as the studio could find no other A-listers except Stallone for the role in 2002’s D-Tox.
D-Tox director Jim Gillespie initially didn’t want Sylvester Stallone in his movie
Gillespie had his own vision for the psychological thriller film based on the novel Jitter Joint. Stallone’s lead character is a mentally tortured federal agent hunting down serial killers. However, things were not how Gillespie thought it would be.
Jim Gillespie Didn’t Want To Cast Sylvester Stallone In His Film Due to One Reason
Jim Gillespie feared that Sylvester Stallone, being a rumored control freak,...
D-Tox director Jim Gillespie initially didn’t want Sylvester Stallone in his movie
Gillespie had his own vision for the psychological thriller film based on the novel Jitter Joint. Stallone’s lead character is a mentally tortured federal agent hunting down serial killers. However, things were not how Gillespie thought it would be.
Jim Gillespie Didn’t Want To Cast Sylvester Stallone In His Film Due to One Reason
Jim Gillespie feared that Sylvester Stallone, being a rumored control freak,...
- 4/21/2024
- by Hashim Asraff
- FandomWire
‘Star Wars: The Acolyte’ is the next big thing in the Star Wars universe. It’s the first live-action show set in the High Republic era, and it’s groundbreaking because it will portray the Jedi as the bad guys, as they are an overwhelming systemic force in that specific time period.
We’ve learned a lot about the show in the past few weeks since the trailer dropped, especially about its influences. The show was pitched as “Frozen meets Kill Bill” and it draws heavily from Samurai and Wuxia films, promising some very exciting action scenes.
Now, many fans haven’t delved into the broader Star Wars universe beyond just the live-action films and shows. Leslye Headland also explained that the High Republic books were a major influence, even adapting some characters to the big screen.
Amandla Stenberg, who will be portraying Mae, explained to Total Film how the...
We’ve learned a lot about the show in the past few weeks since the trailer dropped, especially about its influences. The show was pitched as “Frozen meets Kill Bill” and it draws heavily from Samurai and Wuxia films, promising some very exciting action scenes.
Now, many fans haven’t delved into the broader Star Wars universe beyond just the live-action films and shows. Leslye Headland also explained that the High Republic books were a major influence, even adapting some characters to the big screen.
Amandla Stenberg, who will be portraying Mae, explained to Total Film how the...
- 4/20/2024
- by Valentina Kraljik
- Fiction Horizon
‘Star Wars: The Acolyte’ is the next most anticipated thing in the Star Wars universe. This is the first live-action show set in the High Republic era, and it’s groundbreaking because it will “sort of” portray the Jedi as the bad guys, due to them being an overwhelming systemic force in that specific time period.
We’ve learned a lot about the show in the past few weeks since the trailer dropped. Most about its influences. The show was pitched as “Frozen meets Kill Bill” and it has a lot of influences from Samurai and Wuxia films, which will lead to some very promising action scenes.
Now a lot of fans never really checked out the rest of the Star Wars beyond just live-action films and shows, as Leslye Headland also explained that High Republic books were a major influence, even adapting some characters to the big screen.
Now Amandla Stenberg,...
We’ve learned a lot about the show in the past few weeks since the trailer dropped. Most about its influences. The show was pitched as “Frozen meets Kill Bill” and it has a lot of influences from Samurai and Wuxia films, which will lead to some very promising action scenes.
Now a lot of fans never really checked out the rest of the Star Wars beyond just live-action films and shows, as Leslye Headland also explained that High Republic books were a major influence, even adapting some characters to the big screen.
Now Amandla Stenberg,...
- 4/20/2024
- by Valentina Kraljik
- Comic Basics
There were a lot of hopes resting on the shoulders of Rise of the Ronin, Team Ninja’s RPG set in 19th-century Japan, but it didn’t turn out to be the authentic Japanese masterpiece that it seemed like before release. After the success that PlayStation enjoyed because of Ghost of Tsushima, it felt like all of the required foundations were laid out for Sony’s next Japanese outing.
Still, it’s not like Rise of the Ronin is a bad game since most of the reviews are generally favorable, but according to reports, the game may not have been the hit that Team Ninja’s parent company, Koei Tecmo, was looking forward to.
It Seems Like Rise of the Ronin Wasn’t a Commercial Hit
Rise of the Ronin had the difficult task of living up to one of the greatest Ps exclusives, Ghost of Tsushima.
According to a report,...
Still, it’s not like Rise of the Ronin is a bad game since most of the reviews are generally favorable, but according to reports, the game may not have been the hit that Team Ninja’s parent company, Koei Tecmo, was looking forward to.
It Seems Like Rise of the Ronin Wasn’t a Commercial Hit
Rise of the Ronin had the difficult task of living up to one of the greatest Ps exclusives, Ghost of Tsushima.
According to a report,...
- 4/18/2024
- by Osama Farooq
- FandomWire
The trailer for ‘Star Wars: The Acolyte’ recently debuted, hinting at plenty of action, a promise echoed by creator Leslye Headland in various media appearances.
Headland described ‘Acolyte’ as a blend of ‘Frozen’ and ‘Kill Bill’, drawing influence from Wuxia and Samurai genres. The trailer showcased this fusion, and Headland emphasized how ‘Acolyte’ will depict Jedi outnumbering Sith for the first time in the franchise’s history.
Although the ‘High Republic’ books serve as the main inspiration for the show, there are also many references to the prequel and sequel trilogies. In her latest interview, Dafne Keen, set to portray Jecki Lon, assured fans that the show’s action scenes will rival some of the franchise’s most memorable moments.
Yeah, that was a very frequent conversation we had. “It was very much: We want to top the Darth Maul fight — the most iconic fight, I think, in the Star Wars cinematic universe.
Headland described ‘Acolyte’ as a blend of ‘Frozen’ and ‘Kill Bill’, drawing influence from Wuxia and Samurai genres. The trailer showcased this fusion, and Headland emphasized how ‘Acolyte’ will depict Jedi outnumbering Sith for the first time in the franchise’s history.
Although the ‘High Republic’ books serve as the main inspiration for the show, there are also many references to the prequel and sequel trilogies. In her latest interview, Dafne Keen, set to portray Jecki Lon, assured fans that the show’s action scenes will rival some of the franchise’s most memorable moments.
Yeah, that was a very frequent conversation we had. “It was very much: We want to top the Darth Maul fight — the most iconic fight, I think, in the Star Wars cinematic universe.
- 4/18/2024
- by Valentina Kraljik
- Fiction Horizon
Recently, the trailer for ‘Star Wars: The Acolyte’ was released, and it promised a lot of action, something that the creator herself, Leslye Headland promised in her many appearances across the media.
She explained that she pitched ‘Acolyte’ as ‘Frozen’ meets ‘Kill Bill’ and was heavily influenced by Wuxia films and Samurai action. The trailer already showcased plenty of that, and Headland went to great lengths to explain how ‘Acolyte’ will for the first time ever present Jedi as being vastly superior in numbers to Sith.
While the show’s primary inspiration comes from ‘High Republic’ books, there are still a lot of nods to the prequel and sequel trilogies, and in her most recent interview Dafne Keen, an actress about to portray Jecki Lon in the show promised that the show’s action sequences will top some of the most iconic moments in the history of the franchise:
Yeah,...
She explained that she pitched ‘Acolyte’ as ‘Frozen’ meets ‘Kill Bill’ and was heavily influenced by Wuxia films and Samurai action. The trailer already showcased plenty of that, and Headland went to great lengths to explain how ‘Acolyte’ will for the first time ever present Jedi as being vastly superior in numbers to Sith.
While the show’s primary inspiration comes from ‘High Republic’ books, there are still a lot of nods to the prequel and sequel trilogies, and in her most recent interview Dafne Keen, an actress about to portray Jecki Lon in the show promised that the show’s action sequences will top some of the most iconic moments in the history of the franchise:
Yeah,...
- 4/18/2024
- by Valentina Kraljik
- Comic Basics
Rise of the Ronin, the PlayStation 5 exclusive title from Team Ninja, has been out for a while now and has received “generally favorable” reviews as per Metacritic. The game has been praised for its smooth and thrilling combat, beautiful open-world design, Bakumatsu-inspired setting, and more.
The game features incredible storytelling and gameplay that has really impressed players, and the developers at Team Ninja have abandoned realism at times to get that. Although it may have caused issues, the developers have done it in the best ways possible so that players don’t even notice.
Rise of the Ronin Prioritizes Player Experience Over Realism Rise of the Ronin allows players to get to places almost instantly.
Rise of the Ronin producer Yosuke Hayashi and game director Fumihiko Yasuda sat down for an interview with Automaton Media and discussed the game’s development and several other aspects. The game is an open-world...
The game features incredible storytelling and gameplay that has really impressed players, and the developers at Team Ninja have abandoned realism at times to get that. Although it may have caused issues, the developers have done it in the best ways possible so that players don’t even notice.
Rise of the Ronin Prioritizes Player Experience Over Realism Rise of the Ronin allows players to get to places almost instantly.
Rise of the Ronin producer Yosuke Hayashi and game director Fumihiko Yasuda sat down for an interview with Automaton Media and discussed the game’s development and several other aspects. The game is an open-world...
- 4/17/2024
- by Rohit Tiwari
- FandomWire
Viz Media recently teamed up with Marvel Comics on a number of Marvel manga from writers and artists like Sanshiro Kasama, Hikaru Uesugi and Yusuke Osawa. Now those titles are getting ready to join the Viz Manga digital service, and Viz Manga and Marvel Unlimited are offering subscription deals to celebrate. Among the first titles are Deadpool: Samurai , Wolverine: Snikt! , Spider-Man: Fake Red , and Marvel’s Secret Reverse . After that, Spider-Man: Octo-Girl and X-Men: The Manga: Remastered will follow this fall. Related: Viz and Marvel Team Up to Release Deadpool: Samurai Manga and More in English Here's more on each addition: Deadpool: Samurai : Deadpool lands in Tokyo with a bang! What could possibly go wrong when Iron Man invites Deadpool to join the Avengers' new Samurai Squad? After all, Deadpool is just in it for the money…and the trip to Japan. This is fine, right? Wolverine: Snikt!
- 4/16/2024
- by Joseph Luster
- Crunchyroll
Rise of the Ronin, Team Ninja’s latest game, has been a sleeper hit among the masses. Despite being overshadowed by other high-profile games released around the same time (namely Dragon’s Dogma 2), it’s managed to make a cozy name for itself as an enjoyable action title.
During a recent interview, the producer and director of the game shared some valuable information on the inspiration behind the title, as well as other aspects that are worth a read.
Rise of the Ronin Team Finds Inspiration in Unexpected Places
Rise of the Ronin‘s film inspiration isn’t the movie you think it is.
Capturing the essence of Japanese culture and history in any type of media can be a daunting task. For Team Ninja, the creators behind Rise of the Ronin, inspiration was found in unexpected places.
In a recent interview with Game Informer, producer Yosuke Hayashi and director...
During a recent interview, the producer and director of the game shared some valuable information on the inspiration behind the title, as well as other aspects that are worth a read.
Rise of the Ronin Team Finds Inspiration in Unexpected Places
Rise of the Ronin‘s film inspiration isn’t the movie you think it is.
Capturing the essence of Japanese culture and history in any type of media can be a daunting task. For Team Ninja, the creators behind Rise of the Ronin, inspiration was found in unexpected places.
In a recent interview with Game Informer, producer Yosuke Hayashi and director...
- 4/15/2024
- by Vibha Hegde
- FandomWire
Action star Tom Cruise is often regarded as one of the last stars in Hollywood right now. The actor is known for his commitment to the cinematic experience through films such as the Mission Impossible franchise and Top Gun: Maverick. The actor has also delivered amazing dramatic performances in films like Magnolia and Jerry Maguire.
While Cruise is one of the biggest stars in Hollywood, the actor has also faced many struggles in life. The Risky Business star has come under fire for his association with the Church of Scientology and for his failed marriages. The actor has also revealed his childhood struggles with abuse from his father. However, none of that seems to have stopped the ‘savior of cinema’ from being a juggernaut.
Tom Cruise Had An Abuse-Filled Childhood Tom Cruise in Top Gun
Though Tom Cruise’s signature smile is plastered in the minds of his fans, there...
While Cruise is one of the biggest stars in Hollywood, the actor has also faced many struggles in life. The Risky Business star has come under fire for his association with the Church of Scientology and for his failed marriages. The actor has also revealed his childhood struggles with abuse from his father. However, none of that seems to have stopped the ‘savior of cinema’ from being a juggernaut.
Tom Cruise Had An Abuse-Filled Childhood Tom Cruise in Top Gun
Though Tom Cruise’s signature smile is plastered in the minds of his fans, there...
- 4/15/2024
- by Nishanth A
- FandomWire
Shogun has skyrocketed to the top of the streaming ratings, a little over a month since its initial two-episode release, with millions of views in its first week.
This wasn't an easy feat considering the debut success of other FX or Hulu hard-hitters, such as The Bear, The Handmaid's Tale, and The Great.
Immediate comparisons to Game of Thrones were inevitable, given the show's heavy political intrigues set in 17th-century feudal Japan.
As with most popular debuts that delve heavily into cultures foreign to our own, some critics pointed to the white savior trope, drawing lines between Shogun and Dances with Wolves, The Last Samurai, and even Avatar.
Fortunately, those lines failed to meet reality.
The sympathetic, apologetic nature of the white savior plot doesn't stand up to scrutiny within Shogun's carefully constructed mimicry of real-life Japan in the 1600s.
The attention to detail is bar none, with creators...
This wasn't an easy feat considering the debut success of other FX or Hulu hard-hitters, such as The Bear, The Handmaid's Tale, and The Great.
Immediate comparisons to Game of Thrones were inevitable, given the show's heavy political intrigues set in 17th-century feudal Japan.
As with most popular debuts that delve heavily into cultures foreign to our own, some critics pointed to the white savior trope, drawing lines between Shogun and Dances with Wolves, The Last Samurai, and even Avatar.
Fortunately, those lines failed to meet reality.
The sympathetic, apologetic nature of the white savior plot doesn't stand up to scrutiny within Shogun's carefully constructed mimicry of real-life Japan in the 1600s.
The attention to detail is bar none, with creators...
- 4/15/2024
- by Thomas Godwin
- TVfanatic
‘The Acolyte’ is the first live-action series set in the High Republic era and the second overall (after ‘Young Jedi Adventures’). Headland, a longtime Star Wars fan since her teens, eagerly seized the opportunity to contribute something fresh and distinct to the franchise. She described ‘Acolyte’ as a blend of ‘Frozen’ and ‘Kill Bill’, drawing inspiration from Wuxia films and Samurai action.
The trailer hinted at these influences, with Headland emphasizing that ‘Acolyte’ will showcase Jedi outnumbering Sith for the first time in Star Wars history.
In her recent interview with Empire Magazine, Headland described her motivation to tell a story from the perspective of the antagonists.
I was driven to write a story that essentially was from the perspective of the bad guys. I write that way with my other work. I am always attracted to amoral – or immoral – characters, and finding the humanity within the villains
Lee Jung-jae,...
The trailer hinted at these influences, with Headland emphasizing that ‘Acolyte’ will showcase Jedi outnumbering Sith for the first time in Star Wars history.
In her recent interview with Empire Magazine, Headland described her motivation to tell a story from the perspective of the antagonists.
I was driven to write a story that essentially was from the perspective of the bad guys. I write that way with my other work. I am always attracted to amoral – or immoral – characters, and finding the humanity within the villains
Lee Jung-jae,...
- 4/12/2024
- by Valentina Kraljik
- Fiction Horizon
‘The Acolyte’ is the first live-action show to take place in High Republic time period and the second show overall (the first one was ‘Young Jedi Adventures’). Headland already explained how she was a massive fan of Star Wars Universe during her teen years and she jumped on the first opportunity to add something new and unique to the lore of the franchise.
She explained that she pitched ‘Acolyte’ as ‘Frozen’ meets ‘Kill Bill’ and was heavily influenced by Wuxia films and Samurai action. The trailer already showcased plenty of that, and Headland went to great lengths to explain how ‘Acolyte’ will for the first time ever present Jedi as being vastly superior in numbers to Sith.
In her latest interview with Empire Magazine, Headland explained how she was essentially driven to present a story from a bad guys’ perspective:
I was driven to write a story that essentially was...
She explained that she pitched ‘Acolyte’ as ‘Frozen’ meets ‘Kill Bill’ and was heavily influenced by Wuxia films and Samurai action. The trailer already showcased plenty of that, and Headland went to great lengths to explain how ‘Acolyte’ will for the first time ever present Jedi as being vastly superior in numbers to Sith.
In her latest interview with Empire Magazine, Headland explained how she was essentially driven to present a story from a bad guys’ perspective:
I was driven to write a story that essentially was...
- 4/12/2024
- by Valentina Kraljik
- Comic Basics
The recently released ‘Shōgun’ has received widespread praise from critics, earning a 99% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an 85 out of 100 on Metacritic. Critics appreciated its visual appeal, cultural authenticity, and adaptation quality. The acting performances were particularly highlighted, making it one of the standout shows of 2024.
It’s no surprise that the cast of this mega-hit is currently in the spotlight, with Hiroyuki Sanada taking center stage. Sanada portrays Lord Yoshii Toranaga, a strong military leader and ruler of the Kantō region. As one of the five Regents governing Japan for the young heir of the late Taikō, Toranaga is a descendant of the Minowara clan (Minamoto clan), who historically held the position of shōguns.
Variety recently interviewed Sanada about his future plans. During the conversation, the interviewer presented him with options among major Hollywood franchises such as Star Wars and Marvel. Sanada’s response was quite intriguing:
Yeah all of them,...
It’s no surprise that the cast of this mega-hit is currently in the spotlight, with Hiroyuki Sanada taking center stage. Sanada portrays Lord Yoshii Toranaga, a strong military leader and ruler of the Kantō region. As one of the five Regents governing Japan for the young heir of the late Taikō, Toranaga is a descendant of the Minowara clan (Minamoto clan), who historically held the position of shōguns.
Variety recently interviewed Sanada about his future plans. During the conversation, the interviewer presented him with options among major Hollywood franchises such as Star Wars and Marvel. Sanada’s response was quite intriguing:
Yeah all of them,...
- 4/7/2024
- by Valentina Kraljik
- Fiction Horizon
Hiroyuki Sanada has been around in the entertainment industry for a long, long time, gaining prominence for his incredible action prowess. The supremely talented actor, singer, and martial artist broke into the main scene of Hollywood with movies like The Last Samurai, The Wolverine, and John Wick: Chapter 4. Yet it is his recent miniseries Shōgun, that has brought him immense fame and acclaim across the world.
Hiroyuki Sanada as Lord Yoshi Toranaga in Shōgun
Starring as Yoshii Toranaga, the actor has been brilliant in the series, making fans desperate to see more of him. And while we don’t know what the actor’s future project will be, fans have been demanding that the actor be cast in James Mangold’s Dawn of the Jedi after Sanada recently said he is a big Star Wars fan.
Hiroyuki Sanada is a Big Star Wars Stan!
John Wick star Hiroyuki Sanada is...
Hiroyuki Sanada as Lord Yoshi Toranaga in Shōgun
Starring as Yoshii Toranaga, the actor has been brilliant in the series, making fans desperate to see more of him. And while we don’t know what the actor’s future project will be, fans have been demanding that the actor be cast in James Mangold’s Dawn of the Jedi after Sanada recently said he is a big Star Wars fan.
Hiroyuki Sanada is a Big Star Wars Stan!
John Wick star Hiroyuki Sanada is...
- 4/6/2024
- by Maria Sultan
- FandomWire
Hiroyuki Sanada, the captivating Japanese actor who has wowed audiences in films like Mortal Kombat and 47 Ronin, seems to have a hidden fingerprint on many of the characters he brings to life. Fans have begun to notice a recurring theme that pops up in a surprising number of his roles.
A still from Mortal Kombat
This surprising statistic seems to stand true in about four-fifths of his projects. A hint? It brings him to the same table as the legendary Sean Bean. It should surely be an easy guess now!
Hiroyuki Sanada Says His Character Does Not Survive Until The Very End A still from Mortal Kombat
The one thing common between Sanada and Sean Bean is that their character often meet an untimely demise! While Sanada has delivered iconic performances throughout his career, a significant portion of his characters share a tragic fate – they don’t make it to the final credits.
A still from Mortal Kombat
This surprising statistic seems to stand true in about four-fifths of his projects. A hint? It brings him to the same table as the legendary Sean Bean. It should surely be an easy guess now!
Hiroyuki Sanada Says His Character Does Not Survive Until The Very End A still from Mortal Kombat
The one thing common between Sanada and Sean Bean is that their character often meet an untimely demise! While Sanada has delivered iconic performances throughout his career, a significant portion of his characters share a tragic fate – they don’t make it to the final credits.
- 4/3/2024
- by Piyush Yadav
- FandomWire
Director Ed Zwick has been talking about making the film Blood Diamond in his new memoir – and it marked a sad turning point for Warner Bros.
Director Ed Zwick has recently published his memoir of sorts, going by the name Hits, Flops And Other Illusions: My Fortysomething Years In Hollywood. It’s a really entertaining and also quite candid account of a directing career that’s seen him steer films such as Glory, About Last Night, The Last Samurai and – relevant specifically to this story – Blood Diamond.
You might remember that one. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Djimon Hounsou, it was released in 2006 to reasonable success. Costing around $100m of Warner Bros’ money to make, it grossed $171m worldwide, earning five Academy Award nominations in the process.
Yet as Zwick reveals in his book, the film was not just a turning point in his own career, but that of Warner Bros too.
Director Ed Zwick has recently published his memoir of sorts, going by the name Hits, Flops And Other Illusions: My Fortysomething Years In Hollywood. It’s a really entertaining and also quite candid account of a directing career that’s seen him steer films such as Glory, About Last Night, The Last Samurai and – relevant specifically to this story – Blood Diamond.
You might remember that one. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Djimon Hounsou, it was released in 2006 to reasonable success. Costing around $100m of Warner Bros’ money to make, it grossed $171m worldwide, earning five Academy Award nominations in the process.
Yet as Zwick reveals in his book, the film was not just a turning point in his own career, but that of Warner Bros too.
- 4/2/2024
- by Simon Brew
- Film Stories
The HBO crime drama Tokyo Vice offers more than just a captivating story. Following a journalist Jake Adelstein (Ansel Elgort) immersing himself in the neon-lit landscape of Tokyo’s criminal underbelly, the show is set against a backdrop of Japan’s capital city in 1999. And it’s attention to detail extends to its use of period-correct Japanese cars, delighting Jdm car enthusiasts with every scene.
Tokyo Vice
Among the ensemble cast of the show is Ken Watanabe taking on the role of Hiroto Katagiri, a seasoned detective in the organized crime division of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department who also serves as a mentor to Adelstein. And his character’s ride, an S130 Nissan Fairlady Z, has also garnered significant attention from enthusiasts.
Ken Watanabe’s Nissan Fairlady Z Steals the Spotlight in Tokyo Vice
Although the HBO crime drama primarily focuses on Ansel Elgort’s Jake Adelstein, the Japanese...
Tokyo Vice
Among the ensemble cast of the show is Ken Watanabe taking on the role of Hiroto Katagiri, a seasoned detective in the organized crime division of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department who also serves as a mentor to Adelstein. And his character’s ride, an S130 Nissan Fairlady Z, has also garnered significant attention from enthusiasts.
Ken Watanabe’s Nissan Fairlady Z Steals the Spotlight in Tokyo Vice
Although the HBO crime drama primarily focuses on Ansel Elgort’s Jake Adelstein, the Japanese...
- 4/1/2024
- by Laxmi Rajput
- FandomWire
We are somehow now into the spring season, and while cinemas have been a tad dull, noteworthy new books have arrived at a frantic pace. Here are some that should be on your radar, and please note that our next column will include, among other treats, a lengthy rundown of recent noteworthy novels.
The Art and Soul of Dune: Part Two by Tanya Lapointe with Stefanie Broos (Insight Editions)
Dune: Part One, the first of Denis Villeneuve’s adaptations of Frank Herbert’s sci-fi classic, spawned a handful of painstakingly crafted, info-packed hardcover books. The Art and Soul of Dune: Part Two takes the same approach that made these earlier texts so satisfying. Tanya Lapointe was on set every day, and her accounts of the pre-production, production, and post-production processes are captivating. The designs of Geidi Prime are standouts and supplemented with quotes like the following, from production designer Patrice Vermette...
The Art and Soul of Dune: Part Two by Tanya Lapointe with Stefanie Broos (Insight Editions)
Dune: Part One, the first of Denis Villeneuve’s adaptations of Frank Herbert’s sci-fi classic, spawned a handful of painstakingly crafted, info-packed hardcover books. The Art and Soul of Dune: Part Two takes the same approach that made these earlier texts so satisfying. Tanya Lapointe was on set every day, and her accounts of the pre-production, production, and post-production processes are captivating. The designs of Geidi Prime are standouts and supplemented with quotes like the following, from production designer Patrice Vermette...
- 3/21/2024
- by Christopher Schobert
- The Film Stage
Yesterday, a trailer for ‘Star Wars: The Acolyte’ came out, giving us our initial glimpse of the characters and the High Republic backdrop. This series marks the first live-action portrayal set in this era and the second overall (following ‘Young Jedi Adventures’). Headland, a long-time Star Wars enthusiast since her teenage years, eagerly seized the chance to contribute fresh and distinctive elements to the franchise’s lore. In her recent interview with THR, she delved into her inspirations and offered insights into what viewers can anticipate from the show.
I’m calling Lucasfilm. That’s where I want to work. That’s what I want to do.” So I pitched them. My elevator pitch was Frozen meets Kill Bill, which I said at [Star Wars] Celebration, and I went through what I believed would be a rough season one outline and then an overall series bible, essentially. And Kathleen [Kennedy] bought it in the room and said,...
I’m calling Lucasfilm. That’s where I want to work. That’s what I want to do.” So I pitched them. My elevator pitch was Frozen meets Kill Bill, which I said at [Star Wars] Celebration, and I went through what I believed would be a rough season one outline and then an overall series bible, essentially. And Kathleen [Kennedy] bought it in the room and said,...
- 3/20/2024
- by Valentina Kraljik
- Fiction Horizon
German-born American film score composer and music producer Hans Zimmer has composed music for over hundred fifty movies. Zimmer’s list of movie scores includes 1994’s The Lion King, and 2021’s Dune: Part One for which he had won Academy Awards for Best Original Score. He has also worked on music scores for movies including Gladiator, The Last Samurai, Inception, Dunkirk, and more.
With a career spanning over 40 years, there is no doubt that Hans Zimmer is regarded as one of the finest film music composers in the industry. Zimmer’s frequent collaboration with filmmakers including Christopher Nolan, Denis Villeneuve, Ridley Scott, and more has been appreciated over the years. The film score composer recently addressed his retirement plans.
Leonardo DiCaprio in Christopher Nolan’s Inception Hans Zimmer has no plans to retire from making music for movies
In a recent interview with IndieWire, the brilliant and celebrated film score...
With a career spanning over 40 years, there is no doubt that Hans Zimmer is regarded as one of the finest film music composers in the industry. Zimmer’s frequent collaboration with filmmakers including Christopher Nolan, Denis Villeneuve, Ridley Scott, and more has been appreciated over the years. The film score composer recently addressed his retirement plans.
Leonardo DiCaprio in Christopher Nolan’s Inception Hans Zimmer has no plans to retire from making music for movies
In a recent interview with IndieWire, the brilliant and celebrated film score...
- 3/17/2024
- by Avneet Ahluwalia
- FandomWire
Mission: Impossible star Tom Cruise has seemingly found a new love after his high-profile breakup with Russian socialite Elsina Khayrova. The latter was reportedly not thrilled with the idea of a marriage proposal that the Hollywood actor offered to her.
Tom Cruise in Top Gun: Maverick
Now, it seems like the heartthrob has easily found a replacement for Khayrova. Insiders claim that Cruise has his eyes on a former co-star.
Tom Cruise Is Reportedly In Love Again
In Touch Weekly revealed that actor Tom Cruise is open to exploring a relationship with Monica Barbaro, which he finds very attractive at the moment. The insider remarked, “Tom thinks she’s stunningly beautiful. He’d like to explore a relationship with her.”
SUGGESTEDTop Gun: Maverick Star Monica Barbaro Reveals How She Didn’t Throw Up During Death Defying Stunts
In fact, Cruise has used his influence in the industry to get Barbaro hired for a project.
Tom Cruise in Top Gun: Maverick
Now, it seems like the heartthrob has easily found a replacement for Khayrova. Insiders claim that Cruise has his eyes on a former co-star.
Tom Cruise Is Reportedly In Love Again
In Touch Weekly revealed that actor Tom Cruise is open to exploring a relationship with Monica Barbaro, which he finds very attractive at the moment. The insider remarked, “Tom thinks she’s stunningly beautiful. He’d like to explore a relationship with her.”
SUGGESTEDTop Gun: Maverick Star Monica Barbaro Reveals How She Didn’t Throw Up During Death Defying Stunts
In fact, Cruise has used his influence in the industry to get Barbaro hired for a project.
- 3/15/2024
- by Ariane Cruz
- FandomWire
Film score composer Hans Zimmer boasts a discography that’s nothing short of legendary. A Grammy-winning artist behind some of the most iconic movie soundtracks, including astonishing titles like Interstellar, Inception, Dune, The Dark Knight, Blade Runner 2049, and so much more, Zimmer has become indelible to the framework of cinematic music.
Among his countless endeavors, one resulted from a complete accident.
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
And not just that, Zimmer had thought that the pursuit at its nascent was the ‘worst idea’ he heard at the time. So, then, what led him into the world of Johnny Depp’s Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl? He recounted his experience with Gore Verbinski’s Disneyland attraction-inspired movie as he looked back on his decorated career.
Suggested“They do want Johnny Depp to come back”: Fans Give Up on Pirates of the Caribbean...
Among his countless endeavors, one resulted from a complete accident.
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
And not just that, Zimmer had thought that the pursuit at its nascent was the ‘worst idea’ he heard at the time. So, then, what led him into the world of Johnny Depp’s Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl? He recounted his experience with Gore Verbinski’s Disneyland attraction-inspired movie as he looked back on his decorated career.
Suggested“They do want Johnny Depp to come back”: Fans Give Up on Pirates of the Caribbean...
- 3/15/2024
- by Debdipta Bhattacharya
- FandomWire
Elden Ring offers players complete freedom in creating a character and build that suits their playstyle. Whether you want to go for a pure dexterity build and slice through enemies with precision or pick them off from afar using sorcery, The Lands Between is your playground.
With the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion only a few months away, it might be time to jump back into the game and refresh your skills or try out a new build. If you’re looking for one that can decimate most foes with poise damage, maybe the Supreme Samurai should be your blueprint.
Elden Ring’s Supreme Samurai Build Relies Heavily on Dexterity This Elden Ring build will allow you to slice through enemies with ease.
This build, as with so many others, comes from Fextralife. This build is suitable for aggressive and cautious players alike. Another great thing about this build is...
With the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion only a few months away, it might be time to jump back into the game and refresh your skills or try out a new build. If you’re looking for one that can decimate most foes with poise damage, maybe the Supreme Samurai should be your blueprint.
Elden Ring’s Supreme Samurai Build Relies Heavily on Dexterity This Elden Ring build will allow you to slice through enemies with ease.
This build, as with so many others, comes from Fextralife. This build is suitable for aggressive and cautious players alike. Another great thing about this build is...
- 3/13/2024
- by Sagar Nerala
- FandomWire
It's been five years since "Game of Thrones" ended, but TV studios are still trying their best to recreate the show's success. HBO now has the spin-off "House of the Dragon" going for them, Prime Video has "The Rings of Power," and now FX seems to have "Shōgun." Sure, the show isn't actually a fantasy series, but it's also in a medievalesque setting and focuses on a bunch of schemers doing morally questionable things. For "Shōgun" director Jonathan van Tulleken, however, "Game of Thrones" isn't the show that comes to mind when describing his series. Instead, he seems to view it as a spiritual successor to two other TV shows with far more contemporary settings. As he explained in a recent interview:
"Truly it is a character piece and it is about this intrigue ... This is a dangerous world where violence can come out of nowhere but the real danger is in the machinations.
"Truly it is a character piece and it is about this intrigue ... This is a dangerous world where violence can come out of nowhere but the real danger is in the machinations.
- 3/12/2024
- by Michael Boyle
- Slash Film
With four TV and film projects in as many years, few filmmakers right now are more prolific than Hirokazu Kore-eda.
The veteran Japanese filmmaker behind titles like the Palme d’Or-winning Shoplifters and Still Walking continued his hot streak after landing his third directing honor from the Asian Academy Sunday night for his last feature, Monster. Last night’s win was Kore-eda’s second consecutive Best Director win at the Asian Film Awards after nabbing the gong with the Korean-language Broker in 2023.
“I’m in a really good spot right now,” Kore-eda told Deadline shortly before picking up the award on Sunday. “I’m not forcing myself at all. I’m constantly working. I have good stamina.” The filmmaker told us that he has no intentions of slowing down.
“I’m currently working on a streaming drama I shot last autumn. I’m in the editing phase for that now,...
The veteran Japanese filmmaker behind titles like the Palme d’Or-winning Shoplifters and Still Walking continued his hot streak after landing his third directing honor from the Asian Academy Sunday night for his last feature, Monster. Last night’s win was Kore-eda’s second consecutive Best Director win at the Asian Film Awards after nabbing the gong with the Korean-language Broker in 2023.
“I’m in a really good spot right now,” Kore-eda told Deadline shortly before picking up the award on Sunday. “I’m not forcing myself at all. I’m constantly working. I have good stamina.” The filmmaker told us that he has no intentions of slowing down.
“I’m currently working on a streaming drama I shot last autumn. I’m in the editing phase for that now,...
- 3/11/2024
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Hiroyuki Sanada is one of the most respected actors in Japan, and he has successfully carved a niche for himself in Hollywood with his unique set of skills. Sanada’s rise to fame has been slow, but he is finally at a place where his voice is heard and honored in the industry. He donned the producer’s hat on Shōgun, and given the critical acclaim the drama has been winning, the actor has hit the jackpot.
Hiroyuki Sanada made his Hollywood debut in The Last Samurai in 2003, where Tom Cruise played the protagonist. Since then, he has gone on to lend his expertise in the fields of martial arts and Japanese culture, and after two decades of work, his efforts have paid off.
Sanada worked with Cruise in The Last Samurai (Source: The Last Samurai)
Suggested“It is no exaggeration to say that this is Game of Thrones”:...
Hiroyuki Sanada made his Hollywood debut in The Last Samurai in 2003, where Tom Cruise played the protagonist. Since then, he has gone on to lend his expertise in the fields of martial arts and Japanese culture, and after two decades of work, his efforts have paid off.
Sanada worked with Cruise in The Last Samurai (Source: The Last Samurai)
Suggested“It is no exaggeration to say that this is Game of Thrones”:...
- 3/8/2024
- by Sreshtha Roychowdhury
- FandomWire
It’s only been over a week since the premier of Shōgun and the series is already well on its way to attaining cult status. This sweeping samurai tale which is set in 1600s Japan, is based on a novel of the same name by James Clavell and stars veteran Japanese actor and producer Hiroyuki Sanada in the central role.
A still from the FX series Shōgun
While Shōgun is already being referred to as a Japanese ‘Game Of Thrones’ and is receiving high praise from fans and critics alike, the series has also created a record for FX by being the most watched premier, beating out The Bear season 2. Fans who have been floored by the show believe that this is a well-deserved recognition.
“I can say anything, anytime”: Hiroyuki Sanada’s Jarring Reaction To Being a Producer on ‘Shōgun’ Proves Hollywood Owes the Actor an Apology
Shōgun...
A still from the FX series Shōgun
While Shōgun is already being referred to as a Japanese ‘Game Of Thrones’ and is receiving high praise from fans and critics alike, the series has also created a record for FX by being the most watched premier, beating out The Bear season 2. Fans who have been floored by the show believe that this is a well-deserved recognition.
“I can say anything, anytime”: Hiroyuki Sanada’s Jarring Reaction To Being a Producer on ‘Shōgun’ Proves Hollywood Owes the Actor an Apology
Shōgun...
- 3/7/2024
- by Sharanya Sankar
- FandomWire
Filmmaker Edward Zwick, whose credits include About Last Night, Glory, Legends of the Fall, The Siege, The Last Samurai, Blood Diamond, Defiance, Love & Other Drugs, Pawn Sacrifice, and Jack Reacher: Never Go Back (not to mention co-creating Thirtysomething), recently published a memoir called Hits, Flops, and Other Illusions: My Fortysomething Years in Hollywood (pick up a copy Here). This book contains some very interesting passages – like the one on Zwick’s Jack Reacher regrets, and another where he reveals how impressed Denzel Washington was by Matt Damon’s performance when they were on the set of Zwick’s 1996 film Courage Under Fire.
Zwick wrote, “As we finished Matt’s coverage, Denzel caught my eye and nodded approvingly. Later, he took me aside. ‘Who is that kid?’ he asked. I told him it was Matt’s first big role. ‘Damn,’ he said. ‘Better get my game on. He almost blew me off the screen.
Zwick wrote, “As we finished Matt’s coverage, Denzel caught my eye and nodded approvingly. Later, he took me aside. ‘Who is that kid?’ he asked. I told him it was Matt’s first big role. ‘Damn,’ he said. ‘Better get my game on. He almost blew me off the screen.
- 3/6/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Based on James Clavell’s book of the same name, the historical drama, Shogun has garnered widespread acclaim since its debut. Set in Japan in the year 1600, the limited series follows the struggles of Lord Yoshii Toranaga as he encounters his adversaries on the Council of Regents, when a mysterious European ship is found stranded in a nearby fishing village.
FX’s Shōgun
The show has continued to thrive among audiences and critics and is already sparking discussions of another season. Japanese actor Hiroyuki Sanada, who portrays the lead character and serves as a producer of the show, recently discussed the prospect of a follow-up season.
Hiroyuki Sanada Discusses the Potential For a Second Season of Shogun
Known for starring in movies like The Last Samurai, Bullet Train, and John Wick: Chapter 4, Hiroyuki Sanada has recently been in conversation for his performance in the historical drama Shogun. In light of the show’s successful reception,...
FX’s Shōgun
The show has continued to thrive among audiences and critics and is already sparking discussions of another season. Japanese actor Hiroyuki Sanada, who portrays the lead character and serves as a producer of the show, recently discussed the prospect of a follow-up season.
Hiroyuki Sanada Discusses the Potential For a Second Season of Shogun
Known for starring in movies like The Last Samurai, Bullet Train, and John Wick: Chapter 4, Hiroyuki Sanada has recently been in conversation for his performance in the historical drama Shogun. In light of the show’s successful reception,...
- 3/6/2024
- by Laxmi Rajput
- FandomWire
Actor Hiroyuki Sanada has been working in Hollywood for nearly two decades. The actor has never been at the forefront of any of his projects, instead featuring in supporting roles or being overshadowed by his co-stars. However, that notion seems to be changing with Sanada leading the cast of FX’s Shogun, an epic period drama series loosely based on the brutal and violent history of Japan.
Hiroyuki Sanada in The Last Samurai
In the series, Sanada stars as Lord Yoshii Toranaga, and is receiving heaps of praise from fans for his work. While the series has impressed critics and viewers alike, Sanada’s riveting performance has been considered the anchoring factor of Shogun. Here is how fans are reacting to Sanada’s acting in the series and why it will finally change the perception of the actor in Hollywood.
Suggested“We’re just so sick of that scene”:...
Hiroyuki Sanada in The Last Samurai
In the series, Sanada stars as Lord Yoshii Toranaga, and is receiving heaps of praise from fans for his work. While the series has impressed critics and viewers alike, Sanada’s riveting performance has been considered the anchoring factor of Shogun. Here is how fans are reacting to Sanada’s acting in the series and why it will finally change the perception of the actor in Hollywood.
Suggested“We’re just so sick of that scene”:...
- 3/5/2024
- by Pratik Handore
- FandomWire
This article contains spoilers for the ending of Lost.
Hiroyuki Sanada, star and producer of FX’s excellent miniseries Shōgun, is one of the most successful Japanese actors working in Hollywood today. English-speaking audiences have to come to know and appreciate the Tokyo-born performer through his roles in films such as The Last Samurai, Speed Racer, The Wolverine, Army of the Dead, and John Wick: Chapter 4.
TV nerds (including yours truly) had an entirely different introduction to Hiroyuki Sanada, however. For us, Sanada’s Western pop culture career begins with the final season of classic ABC drama Lost.
Despite what you may have heard about its ending Lost is one of the best genre series to ever grace network television. It also, admittedly, wasn’t perfect. And its simultaneously ingenious and infuriating use of Sanada in its sixth and final season is a perfect microcosm of the show overall.
Sanada...
Hiroyuki Sanada, star and producer of FX’s excellent miniseries Shōgun, is one of the most successful Japanese actors working in Hollywood today. English-speaking audiences have to come to know and appreciate the Tokyo-born performer through his roles in films such as The Last Samurai, Speed Racer, The Wolverine, Army of the Dead, and John Wick: Chapter 4.
TV nerds (including yours truly) had an entirely different introduction to Hiroyuki Sanada, however. For us, Sanada’s Western pop culture career begins with the final season of classic ABC drama Lost.
Despite what you may have heard about its ending Lost is one of the best genre series to ever grace network television. It also, admittedly, wasn’t perfect. And its simultaneously ingenious and infuriating use of Sanada in its sixth and final season is a perfect microcosm of the show overall.
Sanada...
- 3/5/2024
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
Sure, Tom Cruise doesn’t look anything like the Jack Reacher character as described in the novels by Lee Child – but the average movie-goer didn’t seem to mind in 2012, when audiences showed up to make the film Jack Reacher, written and directed by Christopher McQuarrie (based on Child’s novel One Shot) a box office success. Made on a budget of $60 million, Jack Reacher earned over $218 million worldwide. It looked like Cruise had a new franchise on his hands. But sometimes bizarre decisions are made in the name of franchise filmmaking. With McQuarrie busy working on a different Cruise franchise (Mission: Impossible), the Jack Reacher sequel was passed over to Cruise’s The Last Samurai director Edward Zwick. A promising start. But then the questionable decisions began, resulting in a sequel – 2016’s Jack Reacher: Never Go Back – that fell short of its predecessor in every way.
Zwick reflects on...
Zwick reflects on...
- 3/5/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
It’s been two decades since an epic fantasy film made history at the Oscars, winning every category in which it was nominated, and three women set new records. There weren’t many surprises at the 76th Academy Awards, but there were some memorable moments. Billy Crystal hosted for his eighth time on February 29, 2004. Read on for Gold Derby’s Oscars flashback 20 years ago to 2004.
It was finally Peter Jackson‘s time as the third installment of his “Lord of the Rings” trilogy earned him a trio of awards. Despite numerous nominations, the first two films failed to make big showings; however, “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” not only claimed Best Picture, but won all 11 categories in which it was nominated. It tied with “Ben-Hur” (1960) and “Titanic” (1998) for most wins in one ceremony, and holds the record for biggest sweep. It was the 10th film...
It was finally Peter Jackson‘s time as the third installment of his “Lord of the Rings” trilogy earned him a trio of awards. Despite numerous nominations, the first two films failed to make big showings; however, “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” not only claimed Best Picture, but won all 11 categories in which it was nominated. It tied with “Ben-Hur” (1960) and “Titanic” (1998) for most wins in one ceremony, and holds the record for biggest sweep. It was the 10th film...
- 3/3/2024
- by Susan Pennington
- Gold Derby
As Netflix’s Shogun continues to enamor the audience worldwide citing comparisons with renowned series like Game of Thrones, Hiroyuki Sanada’s performance stands out from the rest of the cast. However, this isn’t the first time Hiroyuki Sanada has elevated the screen with his performance.
The veteran actor is known to deliver outstanding performances through his sheer charisma, screen presence, and effortless agility. Even when he appeared for a limited time in projects like Avengers: Endgame and Bullet Train he has left a lasting impression.
If you loved Hiroyuki Sanda in Shogun, then you should definitely check out these 5 movies featuring Sanada.
1. The Last Samurai
The Last Samurai starring Tom Cruise was the first movie that brought Hiroyuki Sanada to the mainstream limelight. His role as Ujio was one of the highlights of the movie. Sanada’s chemistry with Cruise and his physical proficiency were applauded by the audience.
The veteran actor is known to deliver outstanding performances through his sheer charisma, screen presence, and effortless agility. Even when he appeared for a limited time in projects like Avengers: Endgame and Bullet Train he has left a lasting impression.
If you loved Hiroyuki Sanda in Shogun, then you should definitely check out these 5 movies featuring Sanada.
1. The Last Samurai
The Last Samurai starring Tom Cruise was the first movie that brought Hiroyuki Sanada to the mainstream limelight. His role as Ujio was one of the highlights of the movie. Sanada’s chemistry with Cruise and his physical proficiency were applauded by the audience.
- 3/2/2024
- by Akhil Bhagwani
- FandomWire
The length of a movie or TV show’s credits is usually a good indicator of the scale of a production. But going through the credits of FX’s “Shogun,” the scale of the challenge in replicating the culture of feudal Japan during the Sengoku period really hits home; among those listed are a team of kimono technicians and design specialists, historical consultants, period language consultants and interpreters, three different movement advisors for samurai behavior, general background movements, and even period-appropriate sitting and walking attitudes.
The guiding principle for the show’s approach to its historical setting was whether Japanese fans of Nhk dramas and Kyoto-style Jidaigeki would raise their eyebrows or accept the look and feel of the series. “I think that’s something we often gloss over when it comes to conversations about representation: bringing those who have lived in this world for a very long time to the table,...
The guiding principle for the show’s approach to its historical setting was whether Japanese fans of Nhk dramas and Kyoto-style Jidaigeki would raise their eyebrows or accept the look and feel of the series. “I think that’s something we often gloss over when it comes to conversations about representation: bringing those who have lived in this world for a very long time to the table,...
- 2/29/2024
- by Sarah Shachat
- Indiewire
For too long, Hollywood films set against an Asian backdrop have succumbed to the stereotypical portrayal of the ‘White savior’ eclipsing the significance and value of an Asian character. Matt Damon’s 2016 film The Great Wall was a major culprit in propagating this viewpoint, with the Oscar winner himself regretting being part of such a narrative.
Hiroyuki Sanada in Shōgun
This is the kind of prejudiced portrayal that FX’s Shōgun wanted to avoid. The samurai show stars accomplished Japanese actor Hiroyuki Sanada as the central protagonist who has also doubled up as the producer for the project. Showrunners Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo were keenly aware of the clichéd roles that actors like Sanada were subjected to, and wanted to right this wrong with this series.
Suggested“This isn’t even remotely true”: Disney Gets Surprise Fan Support After Being Accused of ‘Under-Promoting’ Hiroyuki Sanada’s Shōgun After...
Hiroyuki Sanada in Shōgun
This is the kind of prejudiced portrayal that FX’s Shōgun wanted to avoid. The samurai show stars accomplished Japanese actor Hiroyuki Sanada as the central protagonist who has also doubled up as the producer for the project. Showrunners Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo were keenly aware of the clichéd roles that actors like Sanada were subjected to, and wanted to right this wrong with this series.
Suggested“This isn’t even remotely true”: Disney Gets Surprise Fan Support After Being Accused of ‘Under-Promoting’ Hiroyuki Sanada’s Shōgun After...
- 2/28/2024
- by Sharanya Sankar
- FandomWire
It is no news that Hollywood has had a long-raging racism problem; one that is still yet to be completely uprooted. While some actors and actresses have stepped forward to try to talk about this problem, their words have only made so much of a difference. However, Japanese actor Hiroyuki Sanada isn’t one to just sit straight and watch racism unfold.
Hiroyuki Sanada in Shogun
For one who has been one of the most notably commended and respected actors in all of Hollywood and Japan, Sanada doesn’t fear risking his fame when it comes to matters like these. If anything, he shows more guts in calling out Hollywood over its racist practices and problems than perhaps all of Hollywood’s actors and actresses themselves!
“We’re just so sick of that scene”: Hiroyuki Sanada’s Shōgun is a Direct Response to Matt Damon’s White Savior Box-Office...
Hiroyuki Sanada in Shogun
For one who has been one of the most notably commended and respected actors in all of Hollywood and Japan, Sanada doesn’t fear risking his fame when it comes to matters like these. If anything, he shows more guts in calling out Hollywood over its racist practices and problems than perhaps all of Hollywood’s actors and actresses themselves!
“We’re just so sick of that scene”: Hiroyuki Sanada’s Shōgun is a Direct Response to Matt Damon’s White Savior Box-Office...
- 2/28/2024
- by Mahin Sultan
- FandomWire
Premiering its sixth season earlier this month, the popular ABC drama The Rookie has also celebrated its remarkable 100th episode this week. The milestone episode featured the long-awaited wedding of Nathan Fillion’s LAPD rookie-turned-training officer John Nolan to Jenna Dewan’s firefighter Bailey Nune.
The Rookie (Image via ABC)
While it has successfully launched its sixth season, the series creator Alexi Hawley has recently opened up about the struggles and uncertainties the show faced leading up to the current season.
Alexi Hawley Was Doubtful About The Rookie Season 6
Starting in 2019, the police procedural crime drama The Rookie has successfully run for four years, concluding its season 5 in May 2023. And the show’s creator Alexi Hawley has credited the show’s star Nathan Fillion’s charismatic presence and the engaging stories for its longevity.
The Rookie (Image via ABC) SUGGESTEDThe Rookie Has Paid Nathan Fillion Millions: Astounding Rumored Per Season...
The Rookie (Image via ABC)
While it has successfully launched its sixth season, the series creator Alexi Hawley has recently opened up about the struggles and uncertainties the show faced leading up to the current season.
Alexi Hawley Was Doubtful About The Rookie Season 6
Starting in 2019, the police procedural crime drama The Rookie has successfully run for four years, concluding its season 5 in May 2023. And the show’s creator Alexi Hawley has credited the show’s star Nathan Fillion’s charismatic presence and the engaging stories for its longevity.
The Rookie (Image via ABC) SUGGESTEDThe Rookie Has Paid Nathan Fillion Millions: Astounding Rumored Per Season...
- 2/28/2024
- by Laxmi Rajput
- FandomWire
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