Mackenyu, the talented actor known for his role as Roronoa Zoro in Netflix’s live-action adaptation of One Piece, has expanded his career into the world of video games by joining the voice cast of Ubisoft’s upcoming title, Assassin’s Creed Shadows. This marks an exciting new chapter for the actor, who is now set to bring his engaging presence to the beloved Assassin’s Creed franchise. In Shadows, Mackenyu will portray Gennojo, a key character described as a charismatic, reckless, and deeply conflicted figure. As part of the Shinobi League, Gennojo assists the protagonist in tracking and eliminating crucial targets, offering players the opportunity to recruit him into their brotherhood for support. His character is driven by guilt and a desire to dismantle a corrupt system, blending wit, deceit, and swagger with a strong sense of justice, particularly when it comes to helping the poor and elderly. With his sharp exterior and conflicted persona, Gennojo is sure to be a memorable addition to the game.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows, set in feudal Japan, has been highly anticipated but faced multiple delays. Originally slated for a November release, the game was pushed to February and then to its final release date of March 20. The delays were partly due to Ubisoft’s decision to focus on quality improvements following the underperformance of Star Wars Outlaws. Fans of the Assassin’s Creed franchise can now look forward to diving into this new installment, which promises to deliver the rich storytelling and immersive gameplay the series is known for. The inclusion of Mackenyu as Gennojo adds an extra layer of excitement, especially for fans of his work in One Piece. His involvement not only highlights the game’s cultural authenticity but also breathes fresh life into the franchise’s sprawling universe.
Mackenyu shared details about his casting process and his experience working on Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Revealing that he received an offer to join the project, he expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity, as Assassin’s Creed holds a special place in his gaming history. He recalls playing the first Assassin’s Creed game as a middle school student at his friend’s house, as he didn’t own a PlayStation at the time. The chance to be part of a project set in Japan, a setting close to his roots, made the offer even more appealing. Gennojo’s character, Mackenyu noted, has his own face scanned into the game, which he found particularly cool. While he did not participate in motion capture for the role, he enjoyed the experience of voice acting and the creative process of bringing Gennojo to life during his time in Toronto.
Looking ahead, Mackenyu expressed interest in exploring more opportunities within the Assassin’s Creed universe, particularly if a TV series adaptation were to move forward. He humorously remarked, “Please get my name in that,” showing his eagerness to continue contributing to the franchise. For now, fans can look forward to his performance in Shadows, where they can interact with Gennojo and decide how to utilize his skills within the game. Mackenyu’s enthusiasm for the project is palpable, and his involvement is sure to attract both gamers and fans of his previous work.
In addition to his role in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Mackenyu shared updates about the upcoming second season of Netflix’s One Piece. While keeping details under wraps to avoid spoilers, he hinted at the introduction of new characters and story arcs, including the arrival of Chopper, a fan-favorite character. Mackenyu admitted how thrilled he was to meet Chopper, describing him as “the cutest” and expressing his awe at the opportunity to act alongside him. For fans of the One Piece anime, seeing these moments brought to life will undoubtedly be a highlight of the season. Mackenyu’s passion for the source material shines through, making his portrayal of Zoro even more authentic and engaging for audiences.
As Mackenyu continues to make waves in both the gaming and entertainment industries, his versatility as an actor and his ability to connect with fans are evident. From the high seas of One Piece to the shadowy streets of feudal Japan in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Mackenyu is proving himself to be a talent capable of thriving in diverse roles and mediums. With Shadows set to release on March 20 and the second season of One Piece on the horizon, fans have plenty to look forward to from this rising star. His journey is a testament to the power of passion, creativity, and taking bold steps into new territories, inspiring both gamers and television audiences alike.
