Four Japanese actors have joined Keanu Reeves in Carl Erik Rinsch’s 47 Ronin. Hiroyuki Sanada (Lost), Kou Shibasaki (Battle Royale), Tadanobu Asano (Mongol), and Rinko Kikuchi (Babel) will star alongside Reeves in Rinsch’s adaptation of the Japanese legend of ronin who fought to avenge their master’s death. The film, which Universal is setting up as one of its 2012 tentpoles, is set to be released in 3D on November 11, 2012.
Variety doesn’t say which roles the new cast members will be playing. However, judging by the previous work I’ve seen from these actors, I’m become more excited for what 47 Ronin holds in store. [Update: Universal has sent us a press release detailing the roles the lead actors will be playing. Hit the jump to check it out.]
Here’s the press release:
UNIVERSAL PICTURES ANNOUNCES START OF PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHY ON 47 RONIN, THE NEW EPIC 3D FANTASY-ADVENTURE STARRING KEANU REEVES
Japanese Superstars Hiroyuki Sanada, Kou Shibasaki, Tadanobu Asano and Rinko Kikuchi Join Cast of Epic Inspired by Ancient Japan’s Most Enduring Legend
LONDON, ENGLAND, March 1, 2011—Universal Pictures announced today that principal photography begins March 14 on 47 Ronin, the new epic 3D fantasy-adventure inspired by ancient Japan’s most enduring tale. Keanu Reeves leads the cast as Kai, an outcast who joins Oishi (Hiroyuki Sanada), the leader of the 47 Ronin. Together they seek vengeance upon the treacherous overlord who killed their master and banished their kind. To restore honor to their homeland, the warriors embark upon a quest that challenges them with a series of trials that would destroy ordinary warriors.
47 Ronin is helmed by visionary director Carl Erik Rinsch (The Gift). Inspired by styles as diverse as Miyazaki and Hokusai, Rinsch will bring to life the stunning landscapes and enormous battles that will display the timeless Ronin story to global audiences in a way that’s never been seen before.
Joining Reeves in the cast are a who’s who of Japanese superstars, including Hiroyuki Sanada (The Twilight Samurai, Sunshine, The Last Samurai) as the clan’s chief samurai, Oishi; Kou Shibasaki (The Lady Shogun and Her Men, One Missed Call) as their master’s daughter and the love of Kai’s life, Mika; Tadanobu Asano (Mongol, Ichi the Killer, upcoming Thor) as the treacherous Lord Kira; and Academy Award®-nominated actress Rinko Kikuchi (Babel, Norwegian Wood) as the mysterious lady Mizuki who executes Kira’s every request in his search for ultimate power.
The film is from writers Chris Morgan (Wanted, Fast Five) and Hossein Amini (upcoming Drive, The Wings of the Dove). Scott Stuber (The Kingdom, upcoming Battleship), Pamela Abdy (Garden State, Man on the Moon) and Eric McLeod (Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest and At World’s End, Tropic Thunder) produce the epic.
Rinsch leads a behind-the-scenes crew comprised of two-time Academy Award®-nominated cinematographer John Mathieson (Gladiator, Robin Hood); two-time Academy Award®-nominated production designer Jan Roelfs (Alexander, Gattaca); editor Craig Wood (Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy, The Ring); costume designer Penny Rose (Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy, Evita); special effects producer Paul Corbould (Mamma Mia!, The Wolfman); and visual effects producer Garv Thorp (The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, Your Highness).
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Awesome. That sounds like a good cast. If a movie is called 47 Ronin, I could only have hoped that it cast some Japanese actors, rather than the usual whitewashing perpetuated by American studios.
Maybe other studios, such as Paramount, will follow Universal in doing this.
Hiroyuki Sanada, Tadanobu Asano and Rinko Kikuchi are all good actors, and deserve more roles (and well-rounded roles) in movies.
Note: I have not seen Battle Royale or anything with Kou Shibasaki, so I can’t comment on her. But she’s in good company, hope she delivers as well.
I also hope they have more than small bit roles in the movie.
Battle Royale = awesome, her character in that movie was pretty creepy and bad ass.
My only problem with this is I can only assume Keanu Reeves will be playing a character that should be asian, and not white. So unless this story has a logical explanation for why the main character is white (ie: The Last Samurai) it will probably be pretty lame in that regard.
From the beginning, it didn’t surprise me that Keanu Reeves was cast in the lead role. He is part Asian, although he only looks vaguely Asian, but that’s probably good enough for Hollywood — the people at Universal probably thought: We can’t, on good conscience, cast a white guy to play what should be an Asian role, or else we’ll suffer the same criticism that other studios have received, but we need to play the same BIG-NAME star formula. If we don’t get a big-name star, the movie doesn’t get made. By choosing Keanu Reeves, they likely look at is as being serving both worlds at the same time — he’s a white guy with some Asian background.
Talentwise, he’s the weakest actor of the five, but he’s more famous and is more likely to get people in seats, and his presence appeases the suit-and-tie guys who run things.
With all that said, it still might be a crappy movie.
this movie could be epic, no 2 ways about it.
Kou Shibasaki is majorly hotzzzzzz! Can act as well.
Can’t wait for this. Keanu should be very cool against his fellow Asian actors.
Are you sure its November 11, I thought the release was November 21, 2012.