Netflix's animated series ‘Blue Eye Samurai set to dazzle audiences in November, check premiere date

Here’s an overview of what’s known about the show so far.

The Vision and Talent Behind Blue Eye Samurai

Crafted by Michael Green, renowned for his contributions to Hollywood blockbusters such as “Logan,” “Blade Runner 2049,” and “Green Lantern,” and co-creator Amber Noizumi, “Blue Eye Samurai” first came into the spotlight in October 2020. Under the direction of Jane Wu, whose impressive portfolio includes Disney’s “Mulan,” “Guardians of the Galaxy,” and “Star Trek Beyond,” the series promises a blend of creativity and innovation.

The animation endeavor is a collaboration between Netflix Animation and French studio Blue Spirt, which is providing animation services for the project.

The Captivating Premise of Blue Eye Samurai

Set against the backdrop of Japan in 1633, “Blue Eye Samurai” delves into the life of Mizu, an outsider with piercing blue eyes. Mizu embarks on a journey of vengeance, a path that intersects with that of Akemi, a young noblewoman. The premise is framed in a larger-than-life action-adventure narrative that embraces themes of the present while exuding a deeply personal inspiration.

The Journey to Creation

A sneak peek into “Blue Eye Samurai” arrived in the form of a first-look photo released on April 21, 2023. The series had its debut at the Annecy Film Festival in June 2023, where it was presented alongside other notable Netflix animated projects. The creators and supervising directors took the opportunity to share their vision for a captivating tale set in Edo-period Japan, featuring a mixed-race sword master navigating a life in disguise while seeking retribution.

A Stellar Cast and Character Insights

The cast behind “Blue Eye Samurai” boasts a lineup of notable names. Maya Erskine (“Pen15”), George Takei (“Star Trek”), Masi Oka (“Heroes”), Randall Park (“Fresh Off the Boat,” “Blockbuster”), Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa (“Man in the High Castle”), Brenda Song (“Dollface”), Darren Barnet (“Never Have I Ever”), and Sir Kenneth Branagh (“Murder on the Orient Express,” “Belfast,” “Death on the Nile”) are among those lending their voices to the project.

Character portrayals encompass a range of captivating personalities, from the spirited and resolute Mizu, driven by revenge, to the over-eager yet endearing helper, Ringo. The young noblewoman Akemi navigates tradition while concealing her true self, while characters like Taigen and the Swordsman add depth to the ensemble.

An Anticipated November Premiere

As anticipation mounts, fans of “Blue Eye Samurai” can mark their calendars for a global Netflix release on November 3, 2023. This confirmation arrived courtesy of Damon Bard, a visual development artist on the project, who shared an Instagram post detailing a crew wrap party and unveiling the November 3 release date.

FAQs

What is Samurai known for?

The Samurai, known as bushi, stood as the formidable warriors of premodern Japan. Over time, they evolved into the dominant military class, ascending to the pinnacle of the social hierarchy during the Edo Period (1603-1867). Armed with an array of weaponry including bows, arrows, spears, and firearms, the sword stood as their quintessential emblem and primary weapon.

Who is the strongest Samurai?

Musashi Miyamoto is widely recognized by the Japanese population as the nation’s preeminent and exceptionally skilled swordsman. His stature within Japanese culture has achieved legendary dimensions, akin to the reverence that figures like Muhammad Ali or Michael Jordan command in Western societies. The life of Musashi serves as the epitome of the samurai ethos in Japan.