One Piece Star Compares Zoro Character to Upcoming Role: ‘I Wouldn’t Want to Fight Either of Them’

Key Highlights

Mackenyu draws parallels between his roles as Zoro and Gennojo, showcasing unique traits in both.
The interplay between his characters hints at potential growth for Zoro in the live-action adaptation.
Fans can anticipate a more formidable Zoro in the upcoming season, influenced by Mackenyu’s new role.

One Piece enthusiasts are thrilled for the forthcoming second season of Netflix’s live-action adaptation. An intriguing development is that one of its leading actors, Mackenyu, is set to take on a role in another franchise that bears striking resemblances to his current character. This excitement builds on expectations for an enhanced performance as the show progresses.

Celebrating over two decades of popularity in Japan, One Piece has transcended borders, securing a significant international following—especially following the recent surge in anime mainstream awareness. Central to its appeal is a rich array of memorable characters, masterfully crafted with distinctive storytelling tropes. This allure translates seamlessly into Netflix’s adaptation, where meticulous casting has brought life to both the heroes and villains. The series is poised for exciting further developments, with original creator Eiichiro Oda confirming his active engagement in shaping its future.

Among the ensemble, Zoro emerges as a standout character. Mackenyu, who passionately portrays him, finds himself increasingly absorbed in the role while also exploring new opportunities. In a recent interview with Crunchyroll, he engaged in a discussion not only about Zoro but also about his role in the highly anticipated game, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, where he plays Gennojo. Describing Gennojo as “complex, a little reckless, very charming, and full of swagger, ” Mackenyu elaborated on the intriguing connections he sees between the two characters, emphasizing their shared sense of loyalty and moral integrity.“Gennojo and Zoro both adhere to a steadfast moral code in their pursuits, yet they also possess a deep loyalty to those around them, ” he stated, adding humorously, “I wouldn’t want to pick a fight with either one of them.”

Mackenyu’s ability to identify overlapping traits between Zoro and Gennojo suggests that the depth he brings to both performances will resonate across franchises. Fans of both series stand to benefit from this development, as Zoro’s magnetic charm may be further enriched by Mackenyu’s experiences in Assassin’s Creed. The actor has promised a ‘deadlier and cooler’ Zoro for season two. His combination of influences, including his admiration for the live-action adaptations of Rurouni Kenshin, adds to his preparation; “the action in Kenshin was pretty impressive, which is why I recruited the team from that production for One Piece. Season 2 is set to feature much more action, and Zoro will showcase his deadly skills, ” he conveyed. While Zoro’s Santōryū combat style vastly differs from Kenshin’s Hiten Mitsurugi-ryū, both characters could gain insights from each other’s methods, paralleling Mackenyu’s dual roles.

Any improvements in the already stellar performances within One Piece are welcome news for its fan base, particularly when those performances inform Mackenyu’s additional endeavors. With a third season already humorously hinted at by the actor, the trajectory of this series looks promising. Although audiences will need to wait to witness Mackenyu’s evolution as Zoro in the next season, fans can dive into the universe of Assassin’s Creed Shadows when the game releases on the 20th.

For those eager to catch up on the adventures of One Piece, the live-action series can be streamed on Netflix, with the second season anticipated for late 2025.

Source: Crunchyroll

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