Actually, you might have already seen him before.
If you’re finding it difficult to move past Mackenyu Arata’s impressive portrayal of Roronoa Zoro in the acclaimed live-action adaptation of the beloved animated series One Piece, you’re certainly not alone. The Japanese-American actor has made a global impact, quickly emerging as the standout star with his exceptional stunts and undeniable charisma in the hit Netflix series.
But is it really the first time you’ve seen the actor on screen? Doesn’t he strike you as familiar in any way?
Here Are the Live-Action Films Starring Mackenyu That You Probably Didn’t Know
Well, if you’ve watched the live-action of Rurouni Kenshin or Fullmetal Alchemist, then you’ve most probably seen him. Being the son of the late legendary actor and martial artist, Sonny Chiba, his aptitude for action dramas likely runs in the family.
As a confessed anime fan, Mackenyu brings a deep appreciation for the source material into his live-action roles. Here are some of the live-action movies led by the multi-hyphenated actor.
1. Chihayafuru (2016–2018)
Before assuming the role of the legendary swordsman he’s known for, Mackenyu first brought the character Arata Wataya to life in the film adaptation of Yuki Suetsugu’s sensational manga series. His breakout performance garnered him the Newcomer of the Year Award at the 2017 Japan Academy Film Prize. And with the film’s immense popularity, it even led to the production of two additional sequels!
2. Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure (2017)
If you’ve watched the adaptation of this hit manga and anime series, you’ve probably hardly recognized Mackenyu here. Why? As the dedicated actor that he is, he purposely gained eight kilos for the role and went through the grueling process to achieve Okuyasu Nijimura’s hairstyle.
3. Peach Girl (2017)
Zoro wasn’t the initial character portrayed by Mackenyu that captured audiences’ hearts. In another renowned Japanese manga live-action adaptation, Mackenyu assumed the role of Toji, the hidden love interest of the main character, Momo Adachi. This performance not only solidified Mackenyu’s presence in the action genre but also showcased his ability to excel as a leading man in a romance drama.
4. Rurouni Kenshin: The Final (2021)
Mackenyu as a villain? Why not. In his portrayal of Enishi Yukishiro, he impeccably captures the essence of a mafia leader, complete with a chilling, penetrating gaze that mirrors his profound emotions and relentless drive for vengeance against Takeru Satoh’s Kenshin Himura. The film received widespread acclaim from both dedicated fans and the general audience, making it one of the highest-grossing movies of the year.
5. Knights of the Zodiac (2023)
Released earlier this year, Mackenyu played the role of Pegasus Seiya in the live-action film adaptation of the anime series Saint Seiya. While the film may have received criticism, it’s important to recognize Mackenyu’s role as Pegasus Seiya for the depth of effort and passion he invested in it. His versatility as an actor was evident as he embraced an English-language role in a well-known anime adaptation, skillfully handling the character’s physical and emotional demands with dedication and skill.
In his recent portrayal of Roronoa Zoro in the hit Netflix series, Mackenyu once again demonstrated his exceptional talent for bringing manga and anime characters to life on screen. With boundless potential yet to be explored, the extent of his capabilities remains a thrilling mystery, leaving us all eager to witness what other remarkable roles he can conquer. As the renowned green-haired, triple sword wielder puts it:
“All I have left is my destiny!”
Cover image credit: IMDB
