Netflix’s ‘One Piece’ Star Joins Epic ‘Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Game Cast

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Actor Mackenyu Maeda, commonly recognized as Mackenyu in his professional work, is set to lend his voice to the upcoming “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” project by Ubisoft.

Mackenyu is most recognized for portraying Roronoa Zoro in the popular live-action version of the cherished anime “One Piece,” produced by Netflix. In his upcoming role, he will be depicting Gennojo, a significant character who assists the main character in locating and eradicating a vital target.

In “Assassin’s Creed Shadows,” players can bring Gennojo into their group, as he is initially part of the Shinobi League. A charismatic, impulsive, and morally conflicted character, Gennojo feels guilt-ridden about a corrupt system and aims to dismantle it. He’s known for his flirtatious roguish behavior and cunning tricks, constantly navigating the fine line between wit, deception, and bravado. Driven by a fierce determination to eradicate corruption, Gennojo is prepared to sacrifice everything, including his own life, to accomplish this goal. Beneath his tough facade lies a deep-rooted sense of justice, particularly in assisting the downtrodden such as the poor and elderly.

After several postponements, Ubisoft will officially unveil “Assassin’s Creed Shadows,” the Feudal-Japan based game from the “Assassin’s Creed” series, on March 20. The game was initially slated for a November release but got delayed due to quality concerns and adjustments. Later, it was pushed back again from its February launch following the underperformance of “Star Wars Outlaws,” prompting Ubisoft to focus more on improving the quality and making final tweaks to their high-profile title, “Shadows.

As I delve into the world of “One Piece” once more, I can’t help but share my excitement about Mackenyu’s addition to the cast. In an exclusive sit-down with EbMaster, he opens up about his journey joining this beloved video game franchise and offers tantalizing hints about what fans can expect in Season 2 of Netflix’s adaptation. Stay tuned for more adventures on the high seas!

How did the casting process work for your role in “Assassin’s Creed Shadows”?

I received some exciting news! They informed me that the opportunity is for “Assassin’s Creed,” which was my very first video game experience back in middle school. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a PS3 or any other console at the time, so I had to visit my friend’s place to enjoy “Assassin’s Creed.” We would often meet up at his house and play it together, taking turns. Now that I know it’s “Assassin’s Creed” again, and this time the game is set in Japan, I instantly thought, “I have to be involved with this project!

What can you tell us about your character?

In simpler terms, the character I’ve created, Gennojo, is crucial in helping the main characters pursue and neutralize their objectives. He belongs to the Shinobi League, a group you can invite into your team during gameplay. You have the freedom to decide what actions he takes or avoids, making him a versatile addition to your squad. Interestingly, Mackenyu’s face is used as Gennojo’s in this game version, but remember, it’s still Gennojo. That was quite an exciting touch for me!

Did you do motion capture acting for the role, or strictly voice acting?

As a fan, I didn’t get the chance to perform motion capture, but we did carry out a 3D scan instead, which means he carries my likeness. If only we could have squeezed in some motion cap for the body parts as well, but the time just flew by. Regardless, I had a blast during my trip to Toronto, where we recorded all the dialogues. And to top it off, this was my debut as a game character – an exciting and memorable experience indeed!

There’s an “Assassin’s Creed” TV series that’s been in the works at Netflix — would you be interested in joining in this role or another?

Please get my name in that.

What can you tell us about “One Piece” Season 2?

Without giving too much away, there’s an influx of new characters on the horizon, as announced by “One Piece” creator Eiichiro Oda. We’ll be exploring this arc until Chopper makes his appearance, and I had the pleasure of meeting him! He’s absolutely adorable! Oh my goodness, I’m a huge Chopper fan. Just being part of a scene with him is mind-blowing. It was truly a unique experience to take home.

See below for first-look photos of Mackenyu’s character Gennojo in “Assassin’s Creed Shadows.”

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2025-02-06 10:17