LeSean Thomas' highly-anticipated anime series Yasuke, based on the first African samurai, has revealed when it will make its debut on Netflix.
A group of three images has also been released, giving fans a taste of what to expect from the LaKeith Stanfield-starring anime when it arrives April 29 on Netflix. The series will consist of six episodes from the MAPPA animation studio with music from executive producer Flying Lotus.
"From Tokyo to Los Angeles to New York, we've brought together the very best global talent to make this show -- creator, producer and director LeSean Thomas (Cannon Busters), revered Japanese animation studio MAPPA (Attack on Titan: The Final Season, Jujutsu Kaisen), designs from world class director and animator Takeshi Koike (Lupin the Third: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine), award-winning actor LaKeith Stanfield, and Grammy Award-nominated artist Flying Lotus have reimagined this story of the first African samurai," John Derderian, Netflix, Vice President of Japan & Anime said in a statement.
"Yasuke is a six-episode anime series created by LeSean Thomas, set in alternate fantastical Japan during the feudal era. The story follows a samurai warrior of African descent who must return to his life of sword-fighting and violence in order to protect a mysterious girl from dark forces. The story, just like the passionate creative team, transcends borders, cultures and languages and is one that we’re so proud to tell at Netflix and share with the world," Derderian continued.
"There is a serendipitous nature about this project, how an African-American man goes to Japan to live and work amongst the very best in Japanese anime to create an anime about an African who goes to Japan to live amongst the Japanese elite and become a warrior. Part of me deep down feels I was meant to create this adventure series with MAPPA, Flying Lotus, LaKeith and the rest of this talented team," creator, producer and director LeSean Thomas said. "I'm so excited for both longtime fans and newcomers to enjoy our reimagined take on this historical figure."
Created by LeSean Thomas and starring LaKeith Stanfield, Yasuke debuts April 29 on Netflix.
Source: Netflix