Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman is swapping his role as African king and superhero T’Challa for the role of African samurai Yasuke, Deadline has revealed.
The film will tell the true story of Yasuke, a native of Portuguese Mozambique who became the first black man to set foot in Japan when he was brought to the country as a slave in the 16th century. Yasuke would go on to enter the service of Japanese warlord Oda Nobunaga, earning his respect and friendship, as well as the honour, swords and title of samurai.
“The legend of Yasuke is one of history’s best kept secrets, the only person of non-Asian origin to become a Samurai,” said Boseman. “That’s not just an action movie, that’s a cultural event, an exchange, and I am excited to be part of it.”
The script for Yasuke is being written by Narcos co-creator Doug Miro, while Boseman will produce the film alongside Michael De Luca, Erik Feig, Stephen L’Heureux and Logan Coles.
