Ghost of Tsushima had the perfect balance between gameplay and narrative in the video game format and producers believe it is fit for a live-action adaptation. Chad Stahelski will serve as the director and once mentioned his ideal cast to be purely Japanese for authenticity.
There are plenty of talented actors around and one in particular has been on the radar of the fans since the announcement. Hiroyuki Sanada starred in several samurai films and even worked with the director at one point which could pave the way for a role in the upcoming movie.
The Ghost of Tsushima film May Have Found Lord Shimura
The original game was released around the tail end of the PlayStation 4 life cycle and was the perfect swan song for the generation. Game development can take years and even decades to complete and the developers at Sucker Punch Productions did subtly warn the gaming community of the long wait for a Ghost of Tsushima sequel, but Stahelski’s live-action adaptation could fill in the void until then.
Hiroyuki Sanada is reportedly in talks for a role in the ‘GHOST OF TSUSHIMA’ movie
(via: @DanielRPK) pic.twitter.com/Q3Ro5Pn1iC
— ScreenTime (@screentime) June 2, 2024
Stahelski directed John Wick: Chapter 4 which featured the actor in an environment that perfectly showcases the way of the samurai. Perhaps the director planned this years ago and was giving the fans a subtle hint at their next collaboration.
Lord Shimura I assume because he definitely looks like him
— Wil.B.Free (@2kbeast97) June 2, 2024
The fans naturally assumed the actor would take on the role of Lord Shimura, the main protagonist’s uncle, and was appointed by the shogun as the lord of the island of Tsushima. Sanada’s talent and acting prowess will most likely be saved for an important role which could be Lord Shimura.
Definitely Lord Shimura pic.twitter.com/RzDkgyJKFy
— BigRed (@RhysKilleen1) June 2, 2024
The actor recently starred in the successful Disney+ television show: Shōgun. The series takes place in Japan during the year 1600 and fans of the video game will be likely drawn to the setting and theme of the show given the similarities.
Stahelski could be making a massive mistake by passing up on Sanada to portray Lord Shimura. The majority of casting in live-action adaptations can be a massive deal breaker for the fans. Not everyone was on board for Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg to star as Nathan Drake and Victor Sullivan respectively in the live-action Uncharted movie but eventually came around.
Hiroyuki Sanada Was Born to Be in the Ghost of Tsushima Film
Casting can be difficult to nail in live-action adaptations, and other actors from the original game even campaigned to reprise their roles. Perhaps getting Sanada on board is a perfect way to get casual audiences interested in a video game adaptation.
Stahelski means to deliver a faithful adaptation and hiring Sanada would make good on his promise for a stellar Japanese cast. The film has no solid release date and the details are still murky.
Perhaps this is a positive indication that the filmmakers are taking their time to avoid a half-baked product. It will only be a matter of time before the fans will hear some official news and hope for the best to see Sanada as Lord Shimura.
Are you excited about the Ghost of Tsushima movie? Let us know in the comments section below!
