Mackenyu is set to make his video game acting debut. Ubisoft announced this week at a special preview event in Kyoto, Japan that the One Piece star is lending his voice and likeness to Assassin's Creed Shadows.
Mackenyu will portray Gennojo in the game, described as a "charming individual who crosses path with Naoe and Yasuke while they are tracking a crucial target."
"Players can recruit him in the Shinobi League to aid in their fight against the forces of corruption that are rampant across the land," the developer continued. Mackenyu will be doing both the Japanese and English voice over for the character.
Mackenyu has previously starred in the fantasy action film Knights of Zodiac as well as the Japanese live-action animated series Dragons of Wonderhatch. But he's probably best known for his role as Roronoa Zoro in Netflix's live-action adaptation of One Piece.
“I have fond memories of the franchise. I was in middle school when Assassin’s Creed first came out, and I remember my friends and I would gather at a friend’s house and take turns playing the game,” Mackenyu said. “When I heard that the new Assassin’s Creed game would be set in Japan, I knew that I needed to be part of this project.”
Mackenyu is actually the son of legendary martial artist Sonny Chiba, and the apple hasn't fallen too far from the tree. The 28-year-old has proven to be both a talented actor and an incredible action star. Given his high skills in martial arts and swordsmanship, his performance as Gennojo in Assassin's Creed Shadows will certainly be one to look out for.
“Mackenyu’s performance added something really special to our game,” said Jonathan Dumont, Creative Director at Ubisoft Quebec, the lead development studio for Assassin’s Creed Shadows. “His unique energy and charisma breathe life into Gennojo, and we’re eager for players to meet the character and explore his story.”
Due out in March, Assassin's Creed Shadows "is set in feudal Japan where the forces of vengeance and mercy collide during the critical events of the country’s unification." The game introduces a dual protagonist system, allowing players to experience the story through Naoe, a skilled shinobi from Iga, and Yasuke, the powerful African samurai. Each of the characters offer a unique and distinct gameplay experience "as their stories intertwine in a world where lines between right and wrong are often blurred."
Assassin's Creed Shadows will launch on March 20, 2025 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.