Hiroyuki Sanada may be the breakout star of the hit miniseries Shōgun, and the master swordsman on screen, but his true allegiance remains in a galaxy far, far away.
Sanada is a massive Star Wars fan. Fans are clamoring for the actor to appear in the highly anticipated Dawn of the Jedi film following his shocking revelation during an interview following Shōgun’s critical acclaim .
“Shōgun” star Hiroyuki Sanada says he’s a big #STARWARS fan. HTTPS://T.CO/GLNKMH2YI2 PIC.TWITTER.COM/4VMNMFTXVF
— Variety (@Variety) APRIL 6, 2024
Which brings us back to “Shōgun” Because this epic series throws us headlong into the middle of Japan’s bloodthirsty feudal time. Sanada plays the cunning and ultra-ambitious Lord Yoshii Toranaga. Critics have called the show “Game of Thrones” -esque due to its political machinations and non-stop action, and there’s a lot to love . In fact, “Shōgun” is inspired by an iconic bestseller by James Clavell! The original miniseries from 1980 blew up the ratings and scored countless awards and is still the fifth most-viewed TV show in US history!
But back to Sanada! This dashing actor is known for his on-screen fighting skills. He was well-known before “Shōgun,” having starred in “The Last Samurai,” “The Wolverine,” and “John Wick: Chapter 4,” his most recent action role this year. He has also flaunted his versatility in “Lost” and the reality-bending “Westworld” series.
So what gives with the Star Wars fandom implode? Sanada’s love for the franchise was the stuff of fervor in the above-shared interview, with his now-famous phrase “I wanted to be in a star Wars film” causing fans to go wild. Now they’re almost casting him seemingly!
Here’s where it starts getting really fun. Just picture Sanada with a lightsaber instead of a katana! Fan theories are already filling the internet regarding the nature of the character he would play in Dawn of the Jedi. A wise but stoic Jedi Master? A cunning Sith Lord? Or a mysterious enigmatic Mandalorian warrior? The sky’s the limit!
Sanada’s transition from the ruthless, war-stricken land of the Shogun to a land far away from galaxies is something all fans want to see. May the Force be with you , Hiro , and the rest of Alec Holland’s casting.
