Chadwick Boseman's one of the most sought after actors in the film industry. While Black Panther is what propelled him towards mainstream success, he's been proving to be one of the most skilled thespians of this generation with his efforts over the years. Not only that, but he's prevailed while taking on some of the most iconic roles ever. He's played Jackie Robinson, James Brown, Thurgood Marshall, and of course, T'Challa in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Now, he's been cast to portray the first African samurai in Japan.
Chadwick Boseman is set to take on the role of Yasuke in a film adaptation of the first African samurai. The film will be produced by Erik Feig's Picturestart, along with De Luca Productions, Solipsist Films, as well as Boseman and Logan Coles' X●ception Content. The film takes place in 16th century Japan.
Yasuke was a Portuguese Mozambique native who was shipped to Japan as a slave to the Jesuit missionaries. He became the first Black man to step foot on Japanese land and sparked the interest of a ruthless warlord by the name of Nobunaga. Deadline describes the film surrounding the "complex relationship developed between the two men as Yasuke earned Nobunaga’s friendship, respect — and ultimately, the honor, swords and title of samurai."
“The legend of Yasuke is one of history’s best kept secrets, the only person of non-Asian origin to become a Samurai,” Boseman said. “That’s not just an action movie, that’s a cultural event, an exchange, and I am excited to be part of it.”
