Before the animated series debuts on November 3, a magnificent second teaser for Blue Eye Samurai has been revealed. Michael Green and Amber Noizumi, a husband and wife duo, devised the action-packed series for Netflix.
Green rose to prominence as a writer on Smallville before moving on to pen screenplays for Logan, Alien: Covenant, and Blade Runner 2049.
Speaking to Netflix's TUDUM, Noizumi described the show as, "It’s an Edo-period tale of revenge — Kill Bill meets Yentl."
Green added, "We want people to sink into it and be taken by the story and the level of artistry and forget they’re watching animation. We would love this to cross over into every interest — that if you like The Witcher, if you like animation, if you like Game of Thrones, if you like The Crown, if you like historical drama, if you like Shakespeare in Love, if you like Tarantino movies, there’s something in Blue Eye Samurai for you."
Mizu (Maya Erskine) is the series' protagonist, a mixed-race female samurai fighter who disguises herself as a man. Joining Mizu is Akemi (Brenda Song), a young noblewoman who appears to adhere to Edo-period cultural standards for ladies but has a rougher interior beneath.
Taigen, played by Darren Barnet, is another significant character in the show. Despite not being of noble descent, he rose through the ranks of Japan's old feudal system thanks to his sword skills, but Mizu's presence threatens to undo everything he has accomplished. Additionally, there's also Mizu's caregiver, the Swordmaker (Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa), who reared her following a tragic event.
Rounding out the voice cast are George Takei (Seki), Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa (The Swordmaker), Randall Park (Heiji Shindo), Kenneth Branagh (Abijah Fowler), Stephanie Hsu (Ise), Ming-Na Wen (Madame Kaji), Harry Shum Jr. (Takayoshi), and Mark Dacascos (Chiaki).
The story, which is set in 17th-century Japan, takes place when the nation's borders are closed to outsiders and there are just four Caucasian men living there. Presumably one of these men is Mizu's father.
Though it's a story that focuses on Japanese history, samurais and katanas, Green and Noizumi were clear on the distinction that the show should not be considered anime.
Three new clips are also available, which you can see below. Is Netflix poised to have another hit? Tell us what you think in the comments section below.
Blue Eye Samurai will begin streaming on November 3. The first season will reportedly have eight episodes.