In recent years, many dead personalities have been able to return to the screen thanks to digital technology. But if Netflix’s new project also revives the movie legend, this time it will be with animation rather than computer-generated special effects.
The platform has actually released a trailer for Onimusha, an animated series adapted from the famous video game saga published by Capcom. Initiated in the early 2000s, this license features a different hero in each opus set in a feudal Japan-era world inhabited by demons.
The uniqueness of the Omnimusha franchise is that it was inspired by authentic actors to portray certain key characters. Especially Onimusha 3: Siege of the Demon, where Jean Reno saw his features as Jacques Blanc, a present-day DGSE agent who has moved to 16th-century Japan.
A legend gives its properties to another legend
Produced by Netflix, the Onimusha series expands on this tradition by starring prominent swordsman Miyamoto Musashi, who takes on the appearance of the late Toshiro Mifune.
Considered to be the greatest Japanese actor of all time, the latter was a favorite actor of Akira Kurosawa, who notably directed Seven Samurai and Rashomon.
Admired in Japan, Toshiro Mifune has also become widely known in the West, particularly through his roles in the Hollywood productions 1941, Red Sun and On Equal Arms. Let’s also remember that the latter was George Lucas’ first choice for the role of Obi-Wan Kenobi in his Star Wars saga!
Making Onimusha 3 with Jean Reno:
Another prestigious name can be found in the credits of this animated series, as the co-director of the project is Takashi Miike. The most prolific Japanese director (over 100 films to his credit!) is also a specialist in chanbara (samurai action films), as evidenced by his films Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai, 13 Assassins or The Immortal Blade Again. .
In the 2010s, French director Christophe Gans attempted to adapt Onimusha’s world to live action. The latter’s efforts, fueled by the success of his feature film Silent Hill, unfortunately didn’t pay off and the project ultimately never saw the light of day…
The animated series Onimusha can be seen exclusively on Netflix starting November 2.
Discover the list of all series currently available on the platform!
Source: Allocine
Camila Luna is a writer at Gossipify, where she covers the latest movies and television series. With a passion for all things entertainment, Camila brings her unique perspective to her writing and offers readers an inside look at the industry. Camila is a graduate from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with a degree in English and is also a avid movie watcher.
